Dangers or Hazards of Hydraulic Fluids and Their Safety Precautions

14 Mar 2011- The working of any hydraulic system is dependent on the hydraulic fluid which generates force or power. Any machinery or system that works on hydraulic mechanism means that it is the hydraulic fluid that lubricates the system. A wide variety of machines or systems like power steering systems, power brakes, bulldozers, garbage trucks, escalators, lifts, tractors, forklifts make use of hydraulic fluids. Hydraulic fluids contain chemical compounds including oils, silicons, esters, corrosion inhibitors, and butanol. The most common types of chemicals used in hydraulic fluids are phosphate esters, polyalphaolefins (PAO), and mineral oil. Though these are highly essential to lubricate machinery, it is also very essential to know the dangers or hazards associated with hydraulic fluids.

Hydraulic Fluids Hazards

It is essential to follow certain safety precautions while using Hydraulic fluids. Some of the hazards are mentioned below:

Health Problems While Using Hydraulic Fluids

People can become exposed to the chemicals in hydraulic fluids. The exposure to chemicals may be due to inhalation, ingestion or touch. There are instances of people suffering from skin irritation or weakness in hands while handling with hydraulic fluids. There are also cases of intestinal bleeding, pneumonia or death through hydraulic fluid ingestion though no serious hazards are reported with hydraulic fluid inhalation. Similar to ingestion, fluids can be accidentally injected into the skin as well. This takes place when the high-pressure hydraulic system hose is disconnected and toxic fluids are leaked and injected into the skin. If there is a small leak in the hydraulic pipe and someone runs there hand along it, at 2000 psi, they can easily incur and injection of hydraulic fluid and may not even be aware that it happened until gangrene begins to set in.

Fire Dangers Associated with Hydraulic fluids

When working with hydraulic fluid, there is every chance that the hydraulic fluid gets heated to high temperatures. And it is evident that most petroleum-based hydraulic fluids will burn and thereby creating explosions and burns.

Environmental Problems Related to Hydraulic Fluids

Another hazard of hydraulic fluid is that when the hydraulic hose or pipe leaks, the chemicals of the fluids can either stay on top of the soil or sink into the ground. If the chemicals get mixed in a water body, they will sink to the bottom. Infact in such cases the chemicals can stay there for more than a year. Aquatic life can absorb the toxic hydraulic fluid, leading to illness or death to the animal or anything higher on the food chain. For example, a hawk that eats a fish that has been contaminated by hydraulic fluid that gets mix in the water could become ill as well.

Fluid Texture Problems

Although the slimy texture of hydraulic fluids may not seem like a danger or a problem, a spill can cause a person to slip and fall. Also when there is fluid on the hands of a person, it can cause him to slip while climbing on a machine. It can also cause the operator to lose steering control.

Safety Precautions

There are numerous hazards involved, like skin irritation, fires, explosions, environmental damage, and a slippery workplace. But hydraulic fluids are required for many machines to function. Therefore it is necessary to follow certain precautions while using these fluids. With proper knowledge of these hazards, working with hydraulic fluid can be safe.

• In order to avoid skin irritations, it is necessary to wash contaminated skin immediately. It is also necessary to keep your clothing clean.
• Wearing masks and gloves while using hydraulic fluids isalso helpful.
• To avoid environmental dangers, there is a biodegradable hydraulic fluid option, though it is more expensive.
• To avoid fires, materials and fluids soaked in hydraulic fluid should be stored in sealed metal containers and disposed of at proper places.
• To check for leaks, use cardboard.