MTS Series 244 Actuators - Manual (Page 38)

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 electrical power or hydraulic 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.
Contain small leaks
Do not use your fingers or hands to stop small leaks in hydraulic or pneumatic hoses. Substantial pressures
can build up, especially if the hole is small. These high pressures may cause the oil or gas to penetrate your
skin, causing painful and dangerously infected wounds. Turn off the hydraulic supply and allow the hydraulic
pressure to dissipate before you remove and replace the hose or any pressurized component.
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 and hoses; 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.
Hazard Placard Placement
Hazard placards contain specific safety information and are affixed directly to the system so they are plainly
visible.
Each placard describes a system-related hazard. When possible, international symbols (icons) are used to
graphically indicate the type of hazard and the placard label indicates its severity. In some instances, the
placard may contain text that describes the hazard, the potential result if the hazard is ignored, and general
instructions about how to avoid the hazard.
38 Series 244 Actuators Product Information
Safety