1.Construction Safety Talks High PressureSome Things To Know
Before You Give Your Talk. ToolsThis talk applies to everyone, not
just the mechanics who performtheir tasks after the paving crews
have quit for the day. No. 80High pressure injection can result
from leaks in hydraulic systemon a piece of equipment and from
using pneumatic and hydraulictools. A narrow stream of fluid,
(grease, oil, solvent, etc.) under How This Talkhigh pressure can
penetrate the skin causing a typical puncture Applies To Mywound.
After penetration, the fluid usually disperses owing to the
Crew:high injection pressures. Material entering at the finger tip
can bedeposited in the palm, for example. This will frequently
result in aloss of feeling in the affected area. Within about 24
hours though,the bodys natural defense against foreign intrusion
will occurwith attendant pain and swelling. The intensity of
swelling isdependent upon the nature of the injected material.
Highly toxicsubstances such as paint and solvents will cause the
most severeinjury and may result in amputation.Pressures of 3,000
to 5,000 pounds per square inch are notuncommon, especially with
smaller, short-throw cylinders.Hydraulic lines, high pressure
hoses, the common high-pressuresprayer, and grease guns may all
cause injection-type wounds.Normally there is very little initial
pain with this type of injury so it isfrequently difficult to tell
how much foreign matter actuallypenetrated the skin.What to do? The
wound may be completely bloodless, so one is prone to let it go.
No! Get medical attention immediately. When swelling occurs after
what you think was a pin prick, get medial attention immediately.
To delay treatment is to allow time for chemical poisoning. It wont
go away by itself.Treatment is important, but prevention is better!
Keep a watchfuleye on pressure lines and hoses. Watch for bubbles
or other indications of imminent line failure such as a bulging
section. Loss of fluid should tip you off that something is wrong.
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2. Inspect the hose lines and fittings on a daily basis. Wet or
shiny areas mayindicate a leak. Look for puddles of fluid.Never ,
ever use your hand or fingers to find a leak. Use a paint paddle,
toolhandle, or old glove (without your hand in it!) to run along a
hose or line underpressure.Know how to operate the pneumatic and
hydraulic tools - Read the manual or ask yoursupervisor.Make sure
tools are firmly in place before discharging and keep fingers
awayfrom the tip.Do not apply more air pressure than the tool is
rated for.Ensure fittings are properly threaded and seated so that
they wont blow offwhen pressure is applied.Try This For Show And
Tell!Ask the mechanic what the operating pressure is for a
hydraulic device on a commonpiece of equipment.Use the MSDS to
discuss the health hazard of hydraulic fluid.Questions You Can Use
To Get Them Talking:Has anyone seen or know of an accident from
high pressure hydraulics?What color is hydraulic fluid?What should
the crew do if they notice a puddle of hydraulic fluid
accumulatingon the equipment or on the ground?Attended By: The
illustrations, instructions and principles contained in the
material are general in scope and, to the best of our knowledge,
current at the time of publication. No attempt has been made to
interpret any referenced codes, standards or regulations. Please
refer to the appropriate code, standard or regulation making
authority for interpretation or clarification. 2003 Liberty Mutual
Group All Rights Reserved2
