Understanding and Preventing a Hydraulic Injection Injury

In all industries that depend on fluid power, from agriculture and construction to mining and manufacturing, hydraulic systems are the foundation of operations. They are the incredible power that can be controlled to lift tons, crush rocks or move soil. However, this power poses a hidden dangerous threat which is the damage caused by injections of hydraulic fluid.

This is among the most dangerous and deceitful dangers in the world of industry. It is caused when a high-pressure stream from hydraulic fluid (oil or paint, grease or solvent) is pushed through a tiny leaking in a fitting or line and then penetrates the skin. The wound that is pierced through the skin is usually small, appearing like a tiny scratch or pinprick, but can cause catastrophic delays in treatment that could result in amputation, or even death.

The Deceitful Damage What happens inside?

To comprehend the magnitude that is involved, you must comprehend the science behind. A typical hydraulic system functions with pressures ranging between 22,000 to more than 6000 pounds/square inch (psi). Modern systems can even exceed 10,000 psi. In comparison, skin's resistance to penetration can be defeated by pressures that are as low as 100psi.

1. The Shockwave and Penetration

When a stream of fluid is sprayed onto the skin, it's moved beyond the natural barriers into the subcutaneous tissue usually piercing the hands, fingers or arm. The fluid doesn't stop there, it continues to travel.

2. Mechanical and Chemical Tissue Destruction

This is where the true destruction is triggered. The fluid that is injected, irrespective of the type, functions as a toxic, foreign invader.

• Mechanical Injury: The volume of fluid that enters the small area of hand (or another body area) creates a massive increase in pressure inside the body. This can lead to the condition known as acute compartment syndrome--a condition in which the pressure stops blood flow to nerves and muscles.

• Chemical Deterioration: Most hydraulic fluids contain petroleum-based products, additives and solvents which are extremely toxic to human tissues. Your body's defense system is trying to fight against the foreign substance, resulting in an intense inflammation response. Injections of paint and thinners are especially damaging because they're much more caustic and acidic.

• Vascular Occlusion The fluid injected spreads across fascial planes and within blood vessels causing swelling and inflammation, which reduces the size and damage of small veins and arteries, leading to necrosis of the tissue ( necrosis) because of the insufficient oxygen.

3. This is The Urgency of Time

The most notable feature of this type of wound is its deceiving latency. Most victims experience only an occasional ache or sting and might ignore the wound completely due to the fact that it appears tiny. Then, within 6 to 12 hours the pain will become intense, the area expands and the tissue begins to disappear.

The time frame for a successful procedure to save limbs is extremely small and often shorter than 6 minutes. Delayed treatment dramatically increases the chance for functional decline, repeat operations, and high risk of Amputation (sometimes more than 50% in delay cases).

A Danger Zone: Where and How Injuries Happen

Injection injuries usually occur when workers try to locate the source of a leak or carry out maintenance when the system is still under pressure.

The Most common scenarios:

• Pin-hole leaks: The most frequent reason. A tiny fracture or abrasion within the hose's flexible structure causes the leak to a degree that's nearly invisible, creating the appearance of a needle. People often employ their hands to look for leaks, but they are inadvertently placing their fingers, palms or body part directly in direction of the stream.

• Checking Connections Try the tightening or loosening of a fitting when the line is being pressurized.

• Hydraulic Lines and Fittings Fingers and hands are the most often injured body parts since they are the closest to fittings and hoses to be examined.

5 Guidelines to Avoiding the possibility of sustaining a Hydraulic Injection Injury

Preventive measures are the sole guaranteed remedy for this catastrophic injury. The strictest adherence to safety procedures is a must.

1. Tag Out and Lock Out. Lock Out, and then depressurize Then!

This is the most important step. Before you perform the maintenance or adjustment on an hydraulic system:

• Deactivate the power source: Lock out and mark the power source.

• Reduce from Pressure Turn the control on or open the bleed-down valves, ensuring all energy stored in the lines, hoses and accumulators -- is released completely. When the pumps has been turned shut off, the high pressure may be left trapped.

2. Don't use your hands to search for a leak

This is the most serious violation of safety in hydraulics. Do not drag your palm or fingers through a hose in order to feel the spray.

• Utilize a tool: Always use a piece of cardboard, wood or paper that is held by an extended tool to look for leaks. The fluid spray will visually leave marks on the surface without threatening the skin.

• Utilize Leak Detection Spray For systems that use air specially designed foaming sprays can detect leaks without risk.

3. Use the right Protection Equipment (PPE)

Work gloves that are standard work gloves are not enough to stop high-pressure fluid.

• Gloves Choose heavy duty liquid-resistant gloves made of substances such as thick neoprene, butyl, or other specialized blends that are designed to withstand the effects of penetration.

• Eye and Face Safety: Always wear safety glasses or a face protector, because injections to the eyes can be blinding.

4. Check and maintain the Hoses on a regular basis.

Hoses have a short lifespan and are usually the weakest part.

• Check for wear: Look for abrasion or bulging. Also look for kinking or any external cracks. Hoses must be replaced as soon as there is a signs of wear even if they're not leaky yet.

• Right Routing Check that the hoses aren't in contact with moving components and sharp edge.

5. Proper System Installation

Utilize safety devices whenever you can:

• Security: Install appropriate guarding around high-pressure parts.

• Quick-Disconnect Couplers: Utilize couplings that automatically ease tension upon disconnect.

What to do if an Injection occurs (The Emergency Procedure)

It is imperative to act immediately. Don't wait for symptoms to get worse.

1. Urgent medical attention: Stop the machine and go to an emergency room right away. Inform the medical personnel exactly what occurred: " I have an high-pressure hydraulic fluid injection accident." Insist on your use of the term "injection. "

2. Do not wait: Do not delay even for hours because the window for saving limbs is very short.

3. Please provide the following information: Tell the doctor about the kind of fluid (oil grease, oil or paint) and the estimated pressure of the system and the date of the injury. This information can guide the treatment.

4. Avoid first aid mistakes: Do not attempt to "massage" the fluid either by applying ice, or apply an ice pack or tourniquet. These actions could cause the damage to tissues and reduce important blood circulation.

Immediate surgical consultation and wide surgical decompression/debridement are the standard and necessary treatments to save the limb.

By recognizing the hydraulic force and adhering to the safety guidelines for pressing the hydraulic system down, we are able to effectively reduce the danger of the destructive, silent shot, also known as the injury caused by hydraulic injection. Keep yourself safe, remain vigilant and do not use your hands to replace diagnosis tools.fffffghjk