MTS Acumen - Manual (Page 32)

Test all limits for proper operation immediately before a test. Always use these limits and adjust them
properly.
Do not disturb sensors
Do not bump, wiggle, adjust, disconnect, or otherwise disturb a sensor (such as an accelerometer or
extensometer) or its connecting cable when pressure is applied.
Ensure secure cables
Ensure that all cable connections (electrical supply, control, feedback, sensor, communications, and so
forth) are either locking type, or are secured, to ensure that they cannot be disconnected by a simple act.
Do not change any cable connections when pressure is applied. If you attempt to change a cable connection
while the system is in operation, an open control loop condition can result. An open control loop condition
can cause a rapid, unexpected system response which can result in severe personal injury, death, or
damage to equipment. Also, ensure that all cables are connected after you make any changes in the
system configuration.
Stay alert
Avoid long periods of work without adequate rest. In addition, avoid long periods of repetitious, unvarying,
or monotonous work because these conditions can contribute to accidents and hazardous situations. If
you are too familiar with the work environment, it is easy to overlook potential hazards that exist in that
environment.
Stay clear of moving equipment/avoid crush points
Stay clear of mechanical linkages, connecting cables, and hoses that move because you may get pinched,
crushed, tangled, or dragged along with the equipment. High forces generated by the system can pinch,
cut, or crush anything in the path of the equipment and cause serious injury. Stay clear of any potential
crush points. Most test systems can produce sudden, high-force motion. Never assume that your reactions
are fast enough to allow you to escape injury when a system fails.
Know the causes of unexpected actuator motions
The high force and velocity capabilities of MTS actuators can be destructive and dangerous (especially if
actuator motion is unexpected). The most likely causes of unexpected actuator response are operator
error and equipment failure due to damage or abuse (such as broken, cut, or crushed cables; shorted
wires; overstressed feedback devices; and damaged components within the servocontrol loop). Eliminate
any condition that could cause unexpected actuator motion.
Do not use RF transmitters
Keep radio frequency (RF) transmitters away from the workstation computers, remote terminals, and
electronics consoles. Intense RF fields can cause erratic operation of the more sensitive circuits in the
system.
32 | MTS Acumen ™
Safety Overview