f3504x4
New member
i have to do some work on my backhoe and it will involve hydro fluid. i noticed on some posts the mention of how dangerous this can be if it gets on your skin. any comments or protective wear i should know of? thanks, chris
hydro fluid safety?
- Thread starter f3504x4
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Go and buy yourself a decent pair of rubber gloves. The disposable ones (that hospitals use) work ok too, but I double them. Never check your hoses with your bare hands! Use a piece of cardboard or thicker type of rag (no paper towels etc.) Hope this gets you started.
beenthere
Super Star Member
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Not dangerous if it isn't under pressure, to the best of my knowledge. I recall warnings that oil under pressure can get under the skin, but doubt you will be working on the bh while it is 'under pressure'.
Might be I'll learn something else about the hydro fluid, but I've had plenty on my skin and no problem that I am aware of.
Might be I'll learn something else about the hydro fluid, but I've had plenty on my skin and no problem that I am aware of.
Morgan1952
Bronze Member
Hydrualic fluid is not any more dangerous than most other oils. The problem comes from people removing lines or checking for leaks with thier hands while under pressure. Even a pin hole can blow a hole in your skin real quick. I watched a maintenance man remove a small hydraulic line with the machine off and he got lucky, it only blew the wrench out of his hand he found it about 20 feet away. Just remember that just because a system is down you can still have pressure. Even water under pressure is dangerous. Wear the right gear and be careful, remove lines slowly and before you start, work the controls to make sure the implement doesn't move. You shouldn't have any problems.
Bob
Bob
VictorW
Veteran Member
The fluid itself is no more dangerous than motor oil or other oil types. As mentioned by others, it's the pressure that will hurt you. Imagine using a pressure washer to take a shower but holding the nozzle close to your skin. That will force water under your skin just as the oil can be forced under the skin by pressure in the lines. Just make sure the pressure in the lines is relieved first. When you disconnect the first line, do it slowly. I always wear a pair of heavy leather gloves just in case. And as someone else said, a pair of safety glasses if it shoots out at your face. I think that if you read the label on almost all petroleum products, they advise to limit skin contact. It's not like acid but can be absorbed by the skin over long periods of time. If you're worried about skin contact after disassembly, someone else mentioned rubber or surgical gloves. They work good and keep you hands clean. Have fun with the hoe. Nothing to worry about... just some precautions.
