MTS Series 647 Hydraulic Wedge Grips - Manual (Page 31)

Because of these variables (and the possibility of others), your system can operate under unforeseen
circumstances that can result in an operating environment with unknown hazards.
Improper installation, operation, or maintenance of your system can result in hazardous conditions that can
cause death, personal injury, or damage to the equipment or to the specimen. Common sense and a thorough
knowledge of the system’s operating capabilities can help to determine an appropriate and safe approach to
its operation.
Warning:
The grips and their components can be heavy, which can make handling them awkward.
Dropping a grip or one of its components can cause injury to personnel and damage to equipment.
Ensure that you take appropriate precautions while moving and positioning the grips and their
components.
Read all manuals
Study the contents of this manual and the other manuals provided with your system before attempting to
perform any system function for the first time. Procedures that seem relatively simple or intuitively obvious
may require a complete understanding of system operation to avoid unsafe or dangerous situations.
Avoid Pinch and Crush Points
Pinch points exist between the parts of the grip or fixture that contact the specimen. Be aware of these pinch
points when installing a specimen or working around the grip or fixture during test setup. High forces generated
when grip pressure is activated can pinch, cut, or crush anything in the path of the grip/ fixture specimen
contact area and cause serious injury. Stay clear of any potential pinch points.
A crush point exists between the grips. Whenever possible, use tongs or similar tool when handling the
specimen during specimen installation. Never allow any part of your body to enter the path of machine
movement or to touch moving machinery, linkages, hoses, cables, specimens, and so forth. These present
serious crush points or pinch points.
Locate and read hazard placards/labels
Find, read, and follow the hazard placard instructions located on the equipment. These placards are placed
strategically on the equipment to call attention to areas such as known crush points, electrical voltage, and
high pressure hazards.
Series 647 Hydraulic Wedge Grips Reference Manual 31
Safety