Keep safe and efficient through hydraulic hose awareness

21 November, 2014

a zinc- or chrome-type plating. The next most common material used in the manufacture of hydraulic fittings is stainless steel – most commonly 316 in ‘open air’ or non-corrosive environments, and alternatives such as 318 in more corrosive environments such as in marine or medical installations. With this in mind, it is important always to consider the most appropriate material for a particular application. Additionally, it is inadvisable to mix fittings with different material specifications. By using fittings made of different materials on the same hose application corrosion may occur more easily, and this could result in leaks further down the line even though the hose application might seem to work efficiently to being with. Lifespan Bear in mind also that hydraulic hoses are not permanent. A variety of factors can impact the lifespan of a hydraulic hose. Flexing the hose too much, twisting it, kinking, stretching, crushing or scratching the surface can reduce hose life. Too low or too high operating temperatures will break down hoses as will sudden sharp rises or drops in internal pressures. Using the wrong size, type or weight of hoses can also cause hoses to break down. Hoses should be replaced before they fail; especially when used with hydraulic heavy machinery, brakes or safety-critical hydraulic machinery. Hoses show swelling, cracking, blisters and bubbles when worn or may show virtually no signs at all. Replace hoses as often as recommended by the manufacturer to prevent accidents. Raising awareness The British Fluid Power Association (BFPA) has established a number of programmes aimed at raising the awareness levels of people who work with hydraulic hose at all levels; from the system designer and field engineer, to the machine operator and the person who makes the hose: The BFPA’s ‘Foundation Course in Working Safely with Hydraulic Hose and Connectors’ is an accredited and certified course aimed at personnel who are involved in manufacturing and installation of hydraulic hose assemblies and connectors. The one-day course comprises a classroom-training period, followed by a practical session on the manufacture of a range of hose assemblies and pressure testing procedures. The BFPA’s practical, workshop-based course titled ‘The BFPA Hose Assembly Skills Training Programme’ follows in logical succession to the Association’s Foundation Course. The Skills Course takes this basic level of knowledge and trains to a fully assessed level of ability in hose assembly techniques. This two-day course covers the various theoretical and practical elements involved in working with hose and connectors. During the course the candidate is trained to an assessed level of ability in working with hose and connectors. The BFPA recently introduced a new practical, workshop-based course titled ‘The BFPA Hose Integrity, Inspection and Management Training Programme’. Following in logical succession to the Association’s complementary ‘Foundation’ and ‘Skills’ courses’, this course builds upon the knowledge already gained, extending it into management-related areas such as inspection, analysis, identification, registering and recording of hydraulic hose and related equipment. Key themes covered during the one-day course include: hose life expectancy; risk analysis; competence by way of a robust competence assurance system; identify, inspect & record; hose register – recording of a hose assembly prior to it going into service; and visual hose assembly (installation) inspection check list. Reputable providers Do not trust your equipment to anyone other than a reputable hose equipment provider; whether the company in question is a member of the BFPA Hose Accreditation Scheme, a holder of the BFPDA Approved Hose Assembly Mark or runs a rigorous and reputable scheme of its own. And, in terms of hose training, make sure the provider’s courses are well-established and highly respected within the hydraulics industry;

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