When working with hydraulic machines, equipment or other systems, the potential exists for exposure to numerous hazards – many of which are specific to the fluid power sector. Such hazards include: slips, trips and falls associated with leaking hydraulic fluids; crushing injuries from equipment falling on extremities due to pressure loss in a jack or lift; bruises, cuts and abrasions from uncoupled flailing hoses; hearing damage from repeat exposure to hydraulic press noise and pinhole injection injuries due to hose damage or faults.
The latter are common when a worker spots a damp or oily patch near a hydraulic line and runs a finger across it to investigate. Documented reports of such instances reveal that workers often only feel a slight sting. However, a few hours later when severe pain and throbbing commences, the possibility of losing a finger multiplies significantly.
STANDARD BEARERS
To help minimise such dangers, regulatory guidance is clearly vital. Key pieces of PPE legislation here include the Personal Protective Equipment (Enforcement) Regulations 2018 (SI 2018/390), which enacts EU Regulation 2016/425 – and the earlier Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992.
The 2018 legislation makes a number of amendments to the older requirements. For instance, responsibility for standards now extends beyond manufacturers to the entire supply chain, including importers and distributors that use their own brand name or trademark. PPE regulation changes were also made to the categorisation of certain products. Hearing protection equipment, for example, became subject to stricter assessment.
Factors such as these are among the drivers of PPE innovations essential in hazardous sectors such as fluid power. Sanjiv Bhaskar, growth expert and vice president of research at business consulting firm Frost & Sullivan, is among many supporters of this notion. “In the dynamic arena of workplace safety, the strategic adoption of cutting-edge PPE technologies emerges as the decisive factor, sculpting the terrain for unparalleled success in upholding the wellbeing of the global workforce,” he says.
GUARD AND PROTECT
When working with hydraulic equipment and machines, personnel might need to wear one or more pieces of PPE, including safety footwear, safety glasses/goggles, a hard hat, gloves and ear defenders.
It is advisable for operators to take advantage of safety shoes or steel-toed boots. This footwear should conform to relevant safety standards such as EN ISO 20345, which was the subject of an update in 2022, superseding the 2011 release (which remained in place until Q1 2024). A key change involves slip resistance, paramount for working near hydraulics, due to potential oil leaks.
“The old slip resistance markings of SRA, SRB and SRC no longer exist,” explains George Coffey, business development manager at V12 Footwear, a supplier of British standard footwear. “This change is because slip resistance has been deemed such a crucial part of safety footwear, it is now mandatory [and will not carry a mark]. However, it’s important to note there can be some additional testing on slip resistance.”
Eyewear protection is another key piece of PPE. Industrial solutions provider RS reports 90% of workplace eye injuries are avoidable.
Safety glasses should comply with European standard DIN EN 166 and provide adequate coverage to shield the eyes from front and side impacts. However, there are other considerations for those operating or maintaining hydraulics. PPE specialist Muveen suggests that professionals working with hydraulics in temperature-variable environments can benefit from protective eyewear with advanced anti-fog coatings to prevent condensation and ensure clear vision at all times.
HEAD FIRST
Among notable advances in hard hat solutions is the Mips Safety System, which helps reduce rotational motion to the head caused by certain angled impacts. A low-friction layer inside the safety helmet allows multidirectional movement of 10-15mm on certain angled impacts, intended to reduce rotational force to the head. The company recently announced partnerships with a number of safety helmet and PPE manufacturers, including Centurion Safety Products.
“We are seeing demand for products equipped with our technology from employers such as large multi-national companies concerned about head protection,” says Olof Rylander, senior business developer for safety at Mips. “Despite the widespread and mostly mandatory use of hard hats, industrial and construction machine workers are still at risk of severe head injuries that include TBI [traumatic brain injury].”
Regarding hand protection, gloves should comprise materials suitable for the specific task without compromising grip or dexterity. Specific for the hydraulics industry is the Pirtek Fluid Power Glove. Featuring proprietary hydraulic injection-resistant technology, Pirtek says it is the only glove of its type available.
The Pirtek 4041P fluid injection glove underwent testing in accordance with EN388:2003. Performed at the HSE Science and Research Centre in Buxton, Pirtek technology demonstrated injection resistance at pressures up to 700 bar from 0.05 to 0.3mm diameter apertures using standard hydraulic oil.
SOUND ADVICE
When it comes to ears, new innovations include wireless, electronic level-dependent hearing protection.3M’s Peltor earplugs, for example, provide noise reduction in accordance with surrounding decibel levels, improving situational awareness and communication. USB charging offers 16 hours of operating time.
Moving forward, ongoing innovation has clear links with the future of PPE. Advances such as smart sensors, augmented reality, artificial intelligence and new materials will shape the workplace safety landscape. However, as with many sectors, the advance of technology does not change the underlying premise that all PPE should undergo an inspection for wear or damage before use. Always better to be safe than sorry.
CLAIMS TO FAME
A common question arises with all types of PPE: are the claims they make true? The British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) recently issued a warning to those overseeing PPE and safety product procurement after its latest independently conducted tests on non-member products highlighted the widespread availability of sub-standard and even dangerous items. Between December 2022 and December 2023, the BSIF examined 123 non-member products. Shockingly, 79% fell short of testing criteria.
Some examples of products from non-BSIF-registered members that failed independent testing included safety boots from an online retailer that did not pass toe-cap compressions tests and a pair of safety spectacles from a high street retailer failed an impact resistance test.
“You don’t have to look far to find examples of sub-standard PPE and safety equipment for sale in the UK,” says Alan Murray, BSIF’s CEO. “As a result, buyers and specifiers must urgently review their procurement processes and consider what assurances they have that their supplied PPE and safety equipment is fit for purpose. Checking for the BSIF Registered Safety Supplier shield is the easiest way to ensure you only deal with compliant, competent and trustworthy suppliers.”