A flange spreader can be a very handy piece of equipment, but like most heavy machinery, it can also be dangerous. Luckily, it's possible to use a flange spreader without having to put your or someone else's safety at risk, so give these tips a try.
1. Inspect the Equipment Daily
On a daily basis, it's smart to thoroughly inspect your flange spreader to make sure that it's in good, safe working condition. You'll want to inspect the hydraulic hoses and fittings to make sure that there are no cracks or other type of damage. Hoses should be connected properly, and there should be no pressure issues. Any damaged jaws that are not able to grip properly should be repaired before you begin work, too. Not only will inspecting the flange spreader before each use help you ensure that you can use it safely, but it can also help you catch any repair problems so that you can perform necessary maintenance and repairs.
2. Remove Fasteners
Before working with flanges, check to make sure that any bolts or other fasteners have been removed. This is an important step that can be easy to forget, but it's essential not to. Bolts and screws that are left in your flanges can crack or otherwise become damaged when put under pressure, which can cause them to "pop" or fly up. This could cause them to hit you on the head or elsewhere or could put someone nearby at risk. Additionally, along with helping to prevent any accidents that could put you at risk of injury, removing fasteners will also help you avoid breaking or damaging fasteners, so you can put them back in place rather than having to replace them after you have finished using your flange spreader.
3. Use Safety Blocks
It might be tempting to get to work right away, but it pays to use spacer blocks, which are also sometimes called safety blocks. Safety blocks work to help prevent flanges from snapping back after they have been spread. If you don't use these blocks, you could put yourself at risk of crushing your fingers or otherwise injuring yourself. Using safety blocks also helps make the job easier, since you can focus on what you are doing.
As you can see, there are a few different safety tips that you can follow when using flange spreaders if you would like to use them safely. Follow these tips if you'd like to help prevent any accidents while working with a flange spreader. Contact a company like SMP Specialty Maintenance Products to learn more.
