MTS Material Test Systems - Manual (Page 30)

the recommended procedure for bleeding a pneumatic or gas-charged device, because it can expose you
to the dangers of escaping compressed gas and particulates that are expelled from the chamber or around
the seals. Do not assume that cover plates and ports are installed in all the critical locations.
Consult MTS when in doubt about the safety or reliability of any system-related procedure or modification
that involves devices that contain any type of compressed gas.
Check bolt ratings and torques
To ensure a reliable product, fasteners (such as bolts and tie rods) used in MTS-manufactured systems are
torqued to specific requirements. If a fastener is loosened or the configuration of a component within the
system is modified, refer to the system and component assembly drawings (located on the System
Documentation CD) to determine the correct fastener, fastener rating, and torque. Over torquing or under
torquing a fastener can create a hazardous situation due to the high forces and pressures present in MTS
test systems.
On rare occasions, a fastener can fail even when it is correctly installed. Failure usually occurs during torquing,
but it can occur several days later. Failure of a fastener can result in a high velocity projectile. Therefore, it
is a good practice to avoid stationing personnel in line with or below assemblies that contain large or long
fasteners.
Practice good housekeeping
Keep the floors in the work area clean. Industrial chemicals, such as hydraulic fluid, that are spilled on any
type of floor can result in a dangerous, slippery surface. Do not leave tools, fixtures, or other items not specific
to the test, lying about on the floor, system, or decking.
Protect hoses and cables
Protect electrical cables from spilled fluids and from excessive temperatures that can cause the cables to
harden and eventually fail. Ensure that all cables have appropriate strain relief devices installed at the cable
and near the connector plug. Do not use the connector plug as a strain relief.
Protect all system hoses and cables from sharp or abrasive objects that can cause the hose or cable to fail.
Use a cable cover or cable tray where cables are in traffic locations. Never walk on hoses or cables or move
heavy objects over them. Route hoses and cables away from areas that expose them to possible damage.
Provide proper hydraulic fluid filtration
For hydraulic systems equipped with a non-MTS hydraulic power unit, make sure that hydraulic fluid filtration
is established to maintain fluid cleanliness standards as stated in the Hydraulic Fluid Care Manual (see the
System Documentation CD). Particles present in the hydraulic fluid can cause erratic or poor system response.
Protect accumulators from moving objects
For systems equipped with accumulators, protect accumulators with supports or guards. Do not strike
accumulators with moving objects. This could cause the accumulator(s) to separate from the manifold resulting
in equipment damage and personal injury.
Record changes
If you change any operating procedure, write the change and the date of the change in the appropriate manual.
30 MTS Material Test System Operation
4.0 Safety