7 Safety Tips for Industrial Bolting
Correct bolting techniques are essential for most industrial and construction sites, making a safe working environment of utmost importance. With the wide range and complexity of each bolting process, it’s important to understand every step involved in securing joints and structures correctly.
From clamping parts together to creating an optimum seal for pipes, gaskets, or welding machines, following safety regulations can save time and ensure the optimum performance of structures, as well as prevent serious accidents from occurring.
In this blog post, we will discuss 7 tips to maximize your safety with industrial bolting equipment, such as torque wrenches and hydraulic tensioners.
Always ensure that all bolts are properly tightened to avoid accidents
It is essential to take the necessary measures to ensure everyone’s safety. Always inspect and double-check that all bolts on equipment and machinery are correctly tightened before beginning any task. This is because unexpected accidents caused by improperly tightened bolts can be difficult and costly to manage.
Not only can tight bolts reduce the likelihood of unexpected incidents, but they can also help extend the life of the equipment or machinery in use.
Therefore, never skip this important step when preparing for a project – ensuring that all bolts are tight is always worth the extra effort!
Understand the torque specifications for each bolt before installations
Torque is an essential step during the installation of any fastener. It is important to understand the torque specifications for each bolt before installation in order to properly secure components together and ensure their safety and performance. In most cases, the torque specification can be found on the parts’ instruction sheets or by simply consulting with a specialist.
Once the proper torqueing of components is achieved, a full evaluation of overall system performance can take place. Proper installation and techniques using torque values within the accepted range will result in reliable assembly applications that function as expected.
Wear proper safety gear when performing industrial bolting operations
The importance of wearing the proper safety gear when performing industrial bolting operations cannot be overstated. As a preventative measure, it is essential to get into the habit of using the proper PPE when performing any industrial bolting work. This at a minimum requires steel toe footwear, safety glasses, hard hat and in some locations hearing protection. Wearing your safety gear ensures that you are adequately protected against potential hazards while carrying out industrial bolting operations, as these types of procedures can be very dangerous.
Additionally, investing in proper safety gear will give workers greater peace of mind and security on the job, ultimately leading to continued productivity.
Inspect bolts for damage and check for correct fit regularly
Regular inspection of bolts and other fasteners should be an essential part of any maintenance plan. Looking for signs of damage or an incorrect fit are key indicators of potential failure, which could cause further damage to the product or surrounding components. You always want to make sure you have proper thread engagement and have a consistent checking plan for bolts that could potentially become lose on rotating or vibrating equipment. Tightening or replacing fasteners when necessary is a simple step that can go a long way in keeping a system operating safely and reliably. A well-maintained piece of equipment not only lasts longer, but also eliminates costly repairs due to preventable failures.
Utilize hydraulic tensioners or precision torque tools to ensure bolts are tightened correctly
Installing complicated pieces of machinery such as turbines, engines, and structural steel requires the use of specialized and certified industrial torque and tensions tools. There are a variety of options that will allow you to get to the proper torque /clamp load requirements such as Precisions Gearbox Driven Torque Wrenches like the RAD Torque Systems line, hydraulic wrenches, hydraulic bolt tensioners along with a manual torque wrenches. The force exerted by hydraulic tensioners through a hydraulic pump can be accurately adjusted, which allows for proper bolt clamp load so bolting jobs can be completed more quickly and efficiently.
What’s more, hydraulic tensioners help reduce the risk of human error since they help ensure bolts are tightened to the correct specifications every time. Utilizing a tool like this will not only speed up the installation process but will also boost overall product quality and safety if done properly.
Apply calibration equipment to torque wrenches regularly
A torque wrench is an essential tool for industrial bolting operations, as it helps to ensure the bolts are correctly tightened. However, if the torque wrench isn’t calibrated and maintained properly, it may cause issues such as too-tight or too-loose bolts.
Therefore, it is important to use calibrated equipment to ensure that torque wrenches provide precise readings and that your bolting operations are being conducted properly.
Conclusion
Industrial bolting is an essential part of the majority of jobs that requires any type of assembly from structural steel, power generation, heavy manufacturing, oil & gas, mining and many other sectors. Proper installation is key to success. Taking the necessary steps to check for proper fit and torque requirments, such as inspecting bolts for damage before installation, utilizing the proper tool that is called out for the application, making sure that your equipment is calibrated and in tolerance, and being aware of potential hazards, will help ensure a safe and successful job.
Browse Industrial Bolting Equipment at ALLTORC Today
ALLTORC offers a comprehensive range of products that are designed to meet all of your torque and tension needs. Our products can help ensure that bolts are tightened correctly and securely, so you can rest assured that your installations will be done right the first time.
Browse our industrial torque tools today or contact us to learn more about our bolting solutions.