MTS 318 Load Unit - Manual (Page 45)

318 Load Unit Safety 45
318 Load Unit: Crush Point Hazards
It is important to stay clear of any potential crush points when the system is
operating. Know where the crush points are in your system and protect yourself
and others from those crush points with appropriate safety devices. The
following paragraphs describe crush points and precautions to take while
working around crush points.
Locations A crush point exists between the platen and crosshead on load units where the
actuator piston rod and specimen move (both areas are shown). Another potential
crush point exists where the lower end of the actuator piston rod extends below
the platen and the bottom of the load unit/load frame.
Precautions
Keep clear of any mechanical linkage that moves within a closed area. If the
linkage should move (when the system starts or due to mechanical failure), very
high forces can be present that could pinch, cut, or crush anything in the path of
linkage movement.
Never allow any part of your body to enter the path of machine movement or to
touch moving machinery, linkages, hoses, cables, specimens, etc. These present
serious crush points or pinch points.
647 Hydraulic Wedge Grip
647 Hydraulic Wedge Grip
Crush
point
areas