This Resource Centre provides general guidance only. Always follow the equipment manufacturer’s instructions, the product technical data sheet and your site’s safe system of work. Isolate stored energy before maintenance. For safety-critical, regulated or uncertain applications, ask a competent engineer or the product manufacturer to confirm the specification.
High-pressure fluid can penetrate skin through a pinhole too small to see clearly.
Before inspection
- Keep people away from the hazard.
- Lower or mechanically support suspended loads.
- Shut down and isolate all energy sources.
- Release stored hydraulic pressure using the machine procedure.
- Allow hot surfaces and fluid to cool.
- Wear PPE selected by the task risk assessment.
Finding the source
Start with a visual inspection under safe, depressurised conditions. Look for wetness, damaged hose cover, abrasion, loose clamps, coupling movement and contamination trails. If a live-system check is essential, it must follow an approved method using suitable remote or shielding techniques. Never use fingers or any part of the body to search for a leak.
Repair
Do not patch a pressure hose or use a makeshift fitting. Replace the defective assembly with a correctly specified and manufactured part. Clean the area, correct routing or support faults and verify the repair in a controlled manner.
Injection injury
A high-pressure injection injury may appear as a small puncture with limited initial pain. It is a medical emergency. Stop work, obtain immediate emergency medical attention and identify the injected fluid if possible. Do not delay.
Need help sourcing the item?
Send the manufacturer, reference, photographs and operating details.