MTS Series 311 Load Frame - Manual (Page 26)

Series 311 Load Frame 26 Safety
Provide proper
hydraulic fluid
filtration.
If the system is equipped with a non-MTS hydraulic power unit, ensure proper
filtration to the hydraulic distribution system and testing components. Particles
present in hydraulic fluid and cause erratic or poor system response.
Protect accumulators
from moving objects.
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.
Provide test area
guards
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).
Do not exceed the
Maximum Supply
Pressure
For standard MTS systems, ensure that hydraulic supply pressure is limited to a
maximum 21 MPa (3000 psi). If you system has a custom application that
requires higher pressure, make sure you limit supply pressure to that rated for the
custom components.
Do not disable safety
devices
Your system might have active or passive safety devices installed to prevent
system operation if the device indicates an unsafe condition. Do not disable such
devices as it can result in unexpected system motion.
Use appropriately
sized fuses
Whenever you replace fuses for the system or supply, ensure that you use a fuse
that is appropriately sized and correctly installed. Undersized or oversized fuses
can result in cables that overheat and fuses that explode. Either instance creates a
fire hazard.
Provide adequate
lighting
Ensure adequate lighting to minimize the chance of operation errors, equipment
damage, and personal injury. You need to see what you are doing.
Provide means to
access out-of-reach
components
Make sure you can access system components that might be out of reach while
standing on the floor. For example ladders or scaffolding might be required to
reach load cell connectors on tall load units.
Ensure equipment is
secure
Make sure the equipment is secure or provide vibration isolation. Some testing
can be performed at resonant frequencies that might cause the equipment to
vibrate and move during testing.
Safety Practices While the System Is in Operation
Wear appropriate
personal protection
Wear eye protection when you work with high-pressure hydraulic fluid,
breakable specimens, or when anything characteristic to the specimen could
break apart.
Wear ear protection when you work near electric motors, pumps, or other devices
that generate high noise levels. Some systems can create sound pressure levels
that exceed 70 dbA during operation.
Wear appropriate personal protection equipment (gloves, boots, suits, respirators)
whenever you work with fluids, chemicals, or powders that can irritate or harm
the skin, respiratory system, or eyes.