MTS Advantage Pneumatic Grips - Manual (Page 23)

Advantage™ Pneumatic Grips Safety Information 23
Avoid pinch/crush
points
Pinch points exist between the parts of the grip or fixture that contact the
specimen. Be aware of these pinch points when installing a specimen or working
around the grip or fixture during test setup. High forces generated when grip
pressure is activated can pinch, cut, or crush anything in the path of the grip/
fixture specimen contact area and cause serious injury. Stay clear of any potential
pinch points.
A crush point exists between the grips. Whenever possible, use tongs or similar
tool when handling the specimen during specimen installation. Never allow any
part of your body to enter the path of machine movement or to touch moving
machinery, linkages, hoses, cables, specimens, and so forth. These present
serious crush points or pinch points.
Locate and read
hazard placards/labels
Find, read, and follow the hazard placard instructions located on the equipment.
These placards are placed strategically on the equipment to call attention to areas
such as known crush points, electrical voltage, and high pressure hazards.
Know facility safe
procedures
Most facilities have internal procedures and rules regarding safe practices within
the facility. Be aware of these safe practices and incorporate them into your daily
operation of the system.
Know controls
Before you operate the system for the first time, make a trial run through the
operating procedures with the power off. Locate all hardware and software
controls and know what their functions are and what adjustments they require. If
any control function or operating adjustment is not clear, review the applicable
information until you understand it thoroughly.
Know specimen
properties
The user is responsible for understanding the characteristics of the test specimen.
Be sure to use appropriate personal protective equipment (clothing, hand gloves,
eye protection etc.).
Use protective guards such as cages, enclosures, and special laboratory layouts
when you work with hazardous test specimens (for example, brittle or
fragmenting materials or materials that are internally pressurized).