Hydraulic lines operate at pressures over 3,000 PSI and can cause injection injuries, chemical exposure, impact injuries from whipping lines, and thermal burns. Always perform proper lockout/tagout when servicing them, and inspect them routinely to catch problems before they fail.
What Should You Remember When Inspecting Hydraulic Lines?
Protect yourself and never check for leaks by hand.
- Always wear proper PPE when inspecting hydraulic lines or working around hydraulic systems
- Inspect your tools before performing any work
- Make sure you have adequate general or task lighting so you can safely and properly inspect the lines
- Visually inspect for cracks, leaks, bubbles, and loose connections or fittings in the lines and at the fittings
- Never use your hand, even a gloved hand, to check for leaks, because a pinhole leak can expel fluid at enough pressure to penetrate the glove and cause a hydraulic injection injury
