Potential risks
Risk of injury
If hydraulic lines are detached without having depressurized the system beforehand, dangerous injuries can occur to the skin or eyes due to the very high pressures involved (greater than 200 bar). Skin damage can occur if hydraulic fluid, particularly central hydraulics fluid (a particularly serious health hazard) comes into contact with unprotected skin.
Risk of poisoning
Swallowing hydraulic fluid may produce symptoms of poisoning such as headaches, dizziness, stomach aches, vomiting, diarrhea, cramps and unconsciousness.
Safety precautions/instructions
Depressurize the hydraulic systems before beginning work on them, and it may even be necessary to empty the system.
Do not pour hydraulic fluid into beverage containers.
It is particularly important to have good ventilation when working with central hydraulics fluid.
Ensure accessibility to hydraulic fluid only for authorized persons.
Immediately close off disconnected lines and hoses and connections to the major assemblies using blind plugs.
Wear protective gloves, protective clothing and safety glasses.
The following points should be observed if protective gloves cannot be worn:
Keep contact of skin with hydraulic fluid to a minimum; clean affected part of skin with water and soap.
Change wetted clothing as quickly as possible.
First aid measures
Have the person affected drink plenty of water with the addition of activated charcoal.
If large amounts are swallowed, consult a physician.
If hydraulic fluid gets into the eyes, rinse eyes immediately with copious amounts of clean water/eye rinse.
Consult a physician immediately in cases of injury to the skin or eyes from an hydraulic fluid jet.