Martin Kingsbury, Membership & Training Director at BFPA (British Fluid Power Association), on why construction professionals need to know about pressure – and we’re not just talking about on the bottom line.
Few construction workers understand the dangers of pressure systems. A typical car tyre is around 32 PSI and 100 PSI is enough to puncture the skin which can lead to severe, life-changing injuries from just one tiny looking pinprick. Construction equipment could be operating at 1000 PSI or more.
- Hydraulic hoses are found on almost every construction vehicle – excavators, dumper trucks as well as many power tools and lifting devices. All are subjected to different weather conditions and can get accidentally damaged onsite.
- Fluid in a hydraulic hose used on a construction vehicle be under pressure at 3000 PSI (207 Bar) and can be as much as 6000 PSI (414 Bar). Under this pressure it will go straight through protective clothing and pierce the skin – causing fluid injection injuries.
- Re-ending hoses is a dangerous practice which can lead to fatal injuries – ultimately, you’re chancing with a liquid bullet.
- The BFPA Approved Hose Assemblies Scheme and the associated Q ‘Quality’ Logo sets practice guidelines for hose manufacturing, distribution, and fitting. Choosing a supplier that carries the Q Mark ensures efficiency, improves your productivity and reduces risk.
