Hydraulic fluid use in our workplaces varies from moveable equipment to machinery. It is a hidden hazard in many workplaces. The hazard becomes known if a leak occurs and by chance the leak finds an ignition source. Then all hell breaks loose. Here is a recent incident highlighting this hazard.
A fire occurred in an aluminum factory operating in an Industrial Zone in (town name omitted), possibly as a result of the oil pressure hose of the hydraulic machine bursting and contacting the hot parts of the active profile making machine. While the fire was extinguished by the Fire Brigade Teams, the active aluminum profile production machine, the machine that heats the oven, the electrical cables and the control panel were burned, and 8 sandwich panels on the side of the factory were damaged due to the heat. During the fire, factory worker (name omitted) was injured in both hands and head, and he was taken to (a medical office) After his treatment at (a nearby) Hospital, he was taken under surveillance in the surgical service. The investigation continues.
We pray that the injured worker recovers fully from their injuries. We believe the injuries are burns. Lastly, we have changed our opinion over time regarding this incident. We had been proponents to nonflammable hydraulic oil. That was until we had a discussion with someone who we respect, and they convinced us. It does not matter whether the hydraulic fluid is flammable or not. What factories need to do is keep the areas where hydraulic line leaks are possible contained. One company has installed clear plexiglass boxes/containers around localized areas that historically have hydraulic leaks. Inside these plexiglass containers are fire suppression control devices if a leak occurs. One aluminium company sponsored a paper on this safety mechanism, and it was very impressive. They had several hydraulic leaks that previously would have ignited and resulted in a large fire being prevented.
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