Keep Workers Safe During Flange Spreader Use By Avoiding These Mistakes
Posted on: 26 April 2017
Flange spreaders are important pieces of equipment for many industrial operations. However, they can be dangerous if they are not used properly.
Protect workers at your industrial facility by instructing them to avoid the following five flange spreader operation mistakes:
Being unaware of the torque rating of the flange spreader you're using
One of the first things you and your workers should know about flange spreaders is that they come at different torque ratings. Different torque ratings are appropriate to different pipe pressures.
Before you begin using torque spreaders at your industrial facility, you need to make sure that the torque rating of the flange spreader you're using is appropriate to the pressure demands of the pipes that you are working on.
As a rule of thumb, remember that it's always better to use a larger machine with a higher torque rating to take extra care that the pressure demands of the task at hand are not too much for the equipment you're using.
Wearing inappropriate clothing for the task
There are numerous pieces of protective apparel that should be worn during flange spreader use. Workers using flange spreaders should have steel-toe boots on so that their feet and toes are protected. It's also important to wear a thick jacket or covering over the upper body and a tough pair of work pants.
Another important thing to wear during flange spreader use is goggles that protect the eyes from any debris. The ears also need to be protected with a high quality pair of headphones that will block out the extremely loud noises produced during operation.
Neglecting to use spacer blocks during flange spreader operation
Spacer blocks are always important, but they're especially important when you're separating equipment pieces that are under higher pressures. Without spacer blocks, the equipment pieces you're working on can easily slip out of place due to pressure and cause injury to those who are working with the flange spreader or nearby.
Leaving fasteners and bolts in during operation
When you're working with equipment pieces on a flange spreader, you need to make sure you take all of the bolts and fasteners out of connections before you begin work. When bolts have been removed, you can rest assured that they won't injure workers by being projected forcefully from equipment.
Inspecting flange spreader equipment infrequently
Every day before a flange spreader is used, it's important to look over your equipment and make sure that all of its hydraulic hoses, fasteners, and fittings are properly in place and aren't cracked or damaged in any way.
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