MTS Insight Material Testing Systems - Manual (Page 31)

Safety 31
Safety Practices While the System Is in Operation
Wear appropriate
personal protection
Wear eye protection when you work with electromechanical testing machines,
breakable specimens, or when anything characteristic to the specimen could
break apart.
Wear ear protection when you work near electric motors, pumps, or other devices
that generate high noise levels. Some systems can create sound pressure levels
that exceed 70 dbA during operation.
Wear appropriate personal protection equipment (gloves, boots, suits, respirators)
whenever you work with fluids, chemicals, or powders that can irritate or harm
the skin, respiratory system, or eyes.
Provide test area
guards
Use protective guards such as cages, enclosures, and special laboratory layouts
when you work with hazardous test specimens (for example, brittle or
fragmenting materials or materials that are internally pressurized).
Specimen temperature
changes
During cyclic testing, the specimen temperature can become hot enough to cause
burns. Wear personal protection equipment (gloves) when handling specimens.
Handle chemicals
safely
Whenever you use or handle chemicals (for example, cleaning fluids, hydraulic
fluid, batteries, contaminated parts, electrical fluids, and maintenance waste),
refer to the appropriate MSDS documentation for that material and determine the
appropriate measures and equipment required to handle and use the chemical
safely. Ensure that the chemical is disposed of appropriately.
Know system
interlocks
Interlock devices should always be used and properly adjusted. Interlock devices
are designed to minimize the chance of accidental damage to the test specimen or
the equipment. Test all interlock devices for proper operation immediately before
a test. Do not disable or bypass any interlock devices as doing so could allow
crosshead movement regardless of the true interlock condition. The Reset/
Override button is a software function that can be used to temporarily override
an interlock while attempting to start and gain control of the system.
Know system limits
Never rely on system limits such as mechanical limits or software limits to
protect you or any personnel. System limits are designed to minimize the chance
of accidental damage to test specimens or to equipment. Test all limits for proper
operation immediately before a test. Always use these limits and adjust them
properly.
Do not disturb sensors
Do not bump, wiggle, adjust, disconnect, or otherwise disturb a sensor (such as
an accelerometer or extensometer) or its connecting cable when power is applied.
Ensure secure cables
Do not change any cable connections when electrical power is applied. If you
attempt to change a cable connection while the system is in operation, an open
control loop condition can result. An open control loop condition can cause a
rapid, unexpected system response which can result in severe personal injury,
death, or damage to equipment. Also, ensure that all cables are connected after
you make any changes in the system configuration.