MTS TestLine User Manual
Page 18
Know electrical hazards
When the system electrical power is turned on, minimize the potential for electrical shock hazards. Wear
clothing and use tools that are properly insulated for electrical work. Avoid contact with exposed wiring or
switch contacts.
Whenever possible, turn off electrical power when you work on or in proximity to any electrical system
component. Observe the same precautions as those given for any other high-voltage machinery.
Make sure that all electrical components are adequately grounded. Grounds must remain connected and
undisturbed at all times.
Ensure correct cable connection
If a system cable has been disconnected, ensure that you establish the correct cable-to-connector
relationship during reconnection. Incorrect cable connections can result in improper servo loop phasing
or an open servo loop condition, either of which can cause unstable or unexpected and potentially dangerous
system motions. Verify the correct cable-to-connector relationship by observing the cable and connector
labeling and the system wiring schematics.
Keep bystanders safely away
Keep bystanders at a safe distance from all equipment. Never allow bystanders to be in close proximity
of specimens or equipment while the test is running.
Wear proper clothing
Do not wear neckties, shop aprons, loose clothing or jewelry, or long hair that could get caught in equipment
and result in an injury. Remove loose clothing or jewelry and restrain long hair.
Remove flammable fluids
Remove flammable fluids from their containers or from components before you install the container or
component. If desired, you can replace the flammable fluid with a non-flammable fluid to maintain the
proper proportion of weight and balance.
Know compressed gas hazards
Your system may contain accumulators that require a high-pressure gas precharge (pressures that exceed
138 bar [2000 psi]). High-pressure devices are potentially dangerous because a great amount of energy
is available in the event of an uncontrolled expansion or rupture.
Observe the following safety practices when you work with high-pressure air or gases:
•
When you charge an accumulator, follow all the charging instructions provided in the appropriate product
information manuals. When precharging accumulators, properly identify the type of gas to be used and
the type of accumulator to be precharged.
•
Use only dry-pumped nitrogen to precharge nitrogen-charged accumulators. (Dry-pumped nitrogen
can also be labeled “oil pumped” or “dry water pumped.”) Do not use compressed air or oxygen for
precharging: the temperature increase caused by rapid gas compression can result in highly explosive
conditions when hydraulic fluid is in the presence of oxygen or compressed air.
•
Always follow the recommended bleeding procedures before you remove or disassemble components
that contain pressurized gas. When you bleed a gas or remove a fitting, hose, or component that
contains a gas, remember that many gases cannot support life. Therefore, as the ratio of released gas
to oxygen increases, so does the potential for suffocation.
18 | MTS TestLine Test System Operation
Safety