Guidelines for The Safe Use of Hydraulic Rescue Tools

Hydraulic rescue tools are widely used in emergency scenarios such as firefighting, traffic accident rescue, and earthquake rescue. They can quickly cut, expand, and demolish various obstacles to improve rescue efficiency. However, the high-pressure power and strong cutting force of hydraulic rescue tools also bring potential safety risks. Therefore, it is crucial to use these tools correctly and safely. This article will provide you with a detailed guide to safely operate hydraulic rescue tools to help rescuers perform their tasks better.

Preparation before use

1. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)

Rescuers should wear protective gloves, protective glasses, puncture-proof and cut-proof work clothes, steel-toed safety boots, etc. to prevent injuries caused by splashing debris.

Wear earplugs or noise-reducing earmuffs during operations that may generate high noise.

2. Check the status of the equipment

Hydraulic system inspection: Check the oil level in the tank to ensure that the hydraulic oil is sufficient and uncontaminated, and check the hose for cracks or leaks.

Tool inspection: Confirm that the blade, expansion arm or push rod is intact, the connection parts are firm, and the moving parts are lubricated normally.

Power supply check: If an electric hydraulic rescue tool is used, check whether the battery power or power supply line is normal.

3. Be familiar with the operating environment

Ensure that the working area is well lit and there are no flammable or explosive items around.

Ensure the safety of the rescue area and avoid unauthorized personnel approaching the working area.

Safety Operation Guide

1. Correct Startup and Operation

Hydraulic Pump Startup: Before starting the hydraulic pump, ensure that the pressure is adjusted correctly to prevent sudden excessive pressure from causing equipment damage or danger.

Hold the tool firmly: Hold the tool tightly with both hands and ensure a stable standing posture to avoid imbalance caused by reaction force.

Gradually pressurize: When using the tool, increase the hydraulic pressure slowly to avoid sudden pressurization that may cause the target to splash or the equipment to lose control.

2. Avoid Misoperation

Do not touch the running tool or cutting part with your hands or body.

Ensure that the hose will not be cut, flattened or entangled on obstacles to prevent hydraulic failure.

Avoid exceeding the rated load of the tool to avoid damage to the equipment or danger.

3. Safe Operation of Cutting and Expansion

Cutting:

Choose a suitable cutting angle to avoid splashing of debris during cutting.

Avoid cutting directly on dangerous parts such as high-pressure gas tanks and fuel pipelines to prevent explosions or fires.

Expansion:

The two expansion arms of the expander must be evenly stressed to prevent the tool from slipping or the target from suddenly moving.

Gradually expand the opening to ensure that there is enough space for rescue without causing secondary injuries.

Maintenance and storage after use

1. Cleaning and inspection

Wipe the surface of the tool in time after use to remove oil and debris to prevent corrosion.

Check whether the hydraulic hose is damaged and whether the connection parts are loose.

2. Maintenance of hydraulic oil

Check the cleanliness of the hydraulic oil regularly. If the oil is turbid or has impurities, it should be replaced in time.

Replace the hydraulic oil and clean the oil tank regularly according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

3. Storage precautions

Store the tool in a dry, ventilated and dust-free environment to avoid moisture causing rust on the parts.

The hose should be stored in a natural coil to avoid squeezing or folding that may cause internal damage.

Make sure the equipment is powered off to avoid danger caused by accidental startup.

Emergency handling

Equipment failure: If the hydraulic tool makes abnormal noise, insufficient pressure or jams during use, stop using it immediately and check the cause of the failure.

Leakage treatment: If hydraulic oil leakage is found, the equipment should be shut down immediately to prevent the hydraulic oil from contacting the skin, and the leakage area should be cleaned up in time.

Personnel injury: If the operator is injured during use, emergency treatment should be carried out immediately and sent to a doctor for treatment.