Hydraulic Safety Standards Around the World

International Organization for Standardization (ISO)

ISO standards have a profound effect on global hydraulic safety systems. They set the bar for integrity and reliability across industries. Each ISO standard provides a comprehensive set of guidelines to ensure the design and operation of these systems occur under universally accepted safety protocols. They help to mitigate the risk of system failure and enhance workplace safety.

Adopting ISO standards ensures that engineers have a common language and methodology for assessing and maintaining hydraulic system safety. They are international and the perfect benchmark for organizations operating in many countries. The most critical ISO hydraulic standards include:

• ISO 4413:2010: This standard specifies general rules and safety requirements for hydraulic fluid power systems and components. It addresses many of the significant hazards associated with hydraulic systems and specifies procedures for avoiding risks. ISO 4413:2010 applies to the design, construction, and modification of systems.
• ISO 4414:2010: This standard establishes general rules and safety requirements for pneumatic systems and their components, including control devices like relays and controllers.
• ISO 1219-1:2012: This standard establishes standardized symbols and circuit diagrams for fluid power systems. It aims to facilitate the communication of information about these systems, making it easier for engineers, technicians and operators to understand the design.
• ISO 13849-1:2023: This standard provides a methodology and requirements for the design of safety-related parts of control systems in machinery, including hydraulic components. It provides guidelines for designing safe control systems, including hydraulic locking devices.

American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)

North American standards often lay the foundation for global standards. Some of the principal standards governing hydraulic systems in North America include:

• ANSI/ASME B30.5-2021: This standard is part of a set of regulations and codes intended to enhance public safety. It contains provisions for the construction, operation, inspection, testing, and maintenance of cranes and other lifting devices. It also contains requirements for hydraulic systems. ANSI/ASME B30.5-2021 emphasizes the need for these components to withstand the stresses encountered during operations.
• ANSI/ASSP Z244.1: ANSI and the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) developed this standard to ensure operator safety when working with hazardous energy, including hydraulic energy. It establishes the requirements for controlling this energy using lockout/tagout and alternative methods, including de-energizing and securing hydraulic equipment using failsafe devices.
• SAE J517: This standard provides general, dimensional and performance specifications for hoses used in hydraulic systems. It applies to all hydraulic hoses, including marine applications.

European Norms (EN) and the Machinery Directive for Hydraulic Safety

In the European Union (EU), three legally recognized European Standardization Organizations (ESOs) exist. They produce harmonized EN standards that govern the requirements international organizations must meet to obtain a Declaration of Conformity prior to exporting. Some relevant EU standards for hydraulics include:

• EN ISO 4413:2010: This standard defers ISO 12100 and specifies general rules and safety requirements for hydraulic fluid power systems.
• Machinery directive 2006/42/EC: This directive outlines health and safety requirements for designing and constructing machinery placed on the EU marker. It shapes the compliance landscape for hydraulic systems across the EU, including designing and constructing hydraulic systems to minimize risk.

International Electrochemical Commission (IEC) and Australian Standard (AS)

Various other global standards shape the world of hydraulics, including:

• IEC 60204-1: This standard outlines the prescriptions of the electrical equipment of machines, including those with hydraulic systems.
• AS 2671: This standard adopts ISO 4413:2010 for general rules and safety requirements but includes regional modifications specific to Australia.

Industrial Security and Safety With Bear-Loc^®

Bear-Loc^® sets the global standard for hydraulic rod-locking devices. It adheres to international safety standards by providing fail-safe locking when hydraulic power is intentionally or accidentally lost. Motion is impossible in any direction when Bear-Loc^® is engaged due to its interference fit design. The device comprises of a rod and liners that are enclosed in a sleeve. This sleeve creates an interference fit with the rod's external diameter. It provides a positive mechanical connection, locking the rod at any point in the stroke.

In addition to infinite position locking, Bear-Loc^® offers zero backlash and high system stiffness. This reliable hydraulic locking device can enhance safety and contribute to mission success in line with global standards.