Hydraulic hoses are widely used in various industries and are an essential part of any hydraulic system. The high pressure and temperature associated with hydraulics make hose selection, fitting, maintenance, and replacement critical. A rupture can result in leaks and an ensuing fire that can cause major damage to equipment. So, how do you prevent situations like this from occurring? Intact Inland Marine offers some simple solutions.
- Maintenance Plan: Create a daily maintenance plan. Inspect hydraulic hose lines and couplings prior to each use for wear, fatigue, and leakage. Conduct formal inspections based on the recommended maintenance and inspection schedule given by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM). If the OEM inspection frequency cannot be located, inspect the lines every 400-600 hours of operation or at three-month intervals, whichever comes first. The Safe Hydraulics Guide by Gates is a useful resource to learn about proper hydraulic hose inspection procedures.
- Replacement: Replace hydraulic hose lines after every five years. Investigation into claims paid by Intact Insurance Specialty Solutions reveal that most equipment fires were the result of ruptured hydraulic hose lines that were more than five years old. Hence, by simply replacing lines, one can prevent equipment damage, claims, and subsequent downtime.
- Fire Safety: Always have an adequately charged portable fire extinguisher accessible on, or in close proximity to the equipment in case of a hydraulic hose rupture. A minimum 10 lb., ABC fire extinguisher rated 4-A:60B:C should be provided.
Check out another great resource on the importance of hydraulic hose preventative maintenance by MAC Hydraulics. If you work with hydraulics in any capacity, then safety should always be top priority.
Visit our website for more information on Intact Inland Marine.
