Unexpected machinery movements constitute a major hazard for people working on machinery.
A major hazard for anyone working on machinery is unexpected movements, which can occur at any time.
Unexpected movements upon commissioning
Unexpected movements can occur upon commissioning.
For example, there could be unexpected electrical, solenoid actuation in the event of a brand-new system being set up for service.
Alternatively, hoses could be reversed from what is expected, or there could be a combination of both scenarios.
Therefore, upon commissioning it is wise to be aware that a machine can move in unexpected ways.
Unexpected movements after service work
The same can occur after service work because of the fitting of a different valve, for example, or a similar type of occurrence.
Air too can be introduced into a machine during service, which can cause rapid and unexpected movements.
Manual override poses risk
A manual override is a potential problem as well.
A manual override is when a valve is operated without electrical energy.
Often people operate manual override during troubleshooting.
Manual override can pose a safety risk because electrical interlocks in the machine are forfeited when manual override is used.
An example could be a person working on a machine in proximity to another person operating a valve without knowledge that the machine will move.
Ineffective or non-existent lockout poses risk
Another problem is ineffective lockout or non-existent lockout.
An ineffective lockout is when the machine has been turned off and isolated but potential movement has not been halted.
Therefore, the way in which a machine is isolated is critical to maintaining a safe environment.
For further information or to enrol for the online hydraulic safety course, which focuses on the risks posed by unexpected machinery movements among other hazards, visit:
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