Safety Flash
Hydraulic injury to hand
Hydraulic injury to hand
- IMCA
- Safety Flash
- IMCA SF 06/00
- Hand and Finger InjuriesMachinery and EquipmentPressure Systems
- Hand and finger injuriesLoss of containmentMechanical failurePressure systems
- Inspection and maintenance
- Hand toolsPersonal protective equipment
- Operating and work proceduresPreventive maintenanceRisk assessment
Summary
During engine servicing, hydraulic oil penetrated a worker’s left hand while a bolt-tensioning jack was pressurised to 490 bar. Seal failure was attributed to a missing backup O-ring, whose absence remained unexplained. The flash identifies shortcomings in risk assessment and calls for seal-changing procedures, planned maintenance and additional protective equipment.
Classifications: Hand and finger injuries; finger injury; hand injury.
Classifications: Loss of containment; containment loss.
Classifications: Mechanical failure; equipment failure.
Classifications: Pressure systems; stored pressure; pressurised systems; pressurized systems.
Classifications: Inspection and maintenance; asset inspection; equipment maintenance.
Classifications: Hand tools; hand-held tools; handheld tools.
Classifications: Personal protective equipment; PPE; personal protection equipment.
Classifications: Operating and work procedures.
Classifications: Preventive maintenance; preventative maintenance; planned maintenance.
Classifications: Risk assessment; hazard assessment.
Summary
High-pressure hydraulic oil escaped through a failed seal and penetrated a worker’s hand.
IMCA SF 06/00. Themes: hand and finger injuries, machinery and equipment, pressure systems.