Workplace S.W.P. SAFE USE OF ALL HOSES on site!When it comes to using ANY pressure hose

on any site what did you and your teams discuss and who is involved! An unexpected hose failure can damage equipment, stop production and even cause injury or death. We know that hose couplings are usually required for the connection of hoses to an installation. We know from experience that many mistakes are made with the choice of couplings and their assembly on the hose. Hence we will therefore be pleased to advise you about the correct type of coupling the assembly method.

• Replacing hoses on an established schedule regardless of hose condition. • Identification of potential problems before failures occur. • Keeping equipment in operation by preventing key component failures. • Properly using the correct hose for the application. • Replacing hoses showing signs of deterioration/damage before it fails.

Operating Authority or Supervisory Performing Authority topics;• Responsible for safe and efficient execution of this procedure.• Responsible to ensure hose selected is suitable for it’s intended application• Responsible to ensure the hose has been inspected prior to use.• Responsible to ensure the hose has been properly connected and secured prior to use.• Responsible to ensure damaged hoses have been properly discarded.

Show your clients you have the knowledge you say you have in place!Proper training and demonstrated competency are prerequisites to performing this Standard Operating Procedure. Training shall be provided by a competent person and records shall be maintained. And Deviations from this standard operating procedure must be authorized using the Management of Change procedure. Deviations must be documented and documentation must include the relevant facts supporting the deviation decision.When it comes fitting and hose are you teaching your staff to B.E.S.A.F.E.!Hose assemblies must be inspected prior to each use. Worn out fittings, attachment devices, hose and accessory items must be replaced. Retaining devices (safety devices) such as clips, cables or chains must be used. Clamps must be checked regularly to the specified torque. Under no circumstance should any coupling be disconnected while under pressure

unless the coupling is specifically designed to do so. Disconnecting couplings under pressure could result in serious injury or death, and destruction to property and equipment.

Beware hose assemblies when used improperly or in the wrong application can be dangerous. The maximum working pressure shown on the hose is not an indication of the working pressure of the assembly.

Eliminate hazardous conditions by inspecting, maintaining and testing hose assemblies.

Secure and inspect hose, fittings, clamping devices and safety accessories before each use. Never take for granted that the coupling or attachment devices are properly installed.

Always inspect and re-tighten the bolts of any bolt style clamping device to the manufacturer’s torque specifications.

Fittings hose and clamping devices that are worn out or damaged must be removed from service.

Educate your employees about the proper use, care and potential hazards of hose assemblies.

How is it use on site!Hose Application Families: Acid/Chemical – chemicals Air and Multi-Purpose – air, water, oil transfer Food and Beverage – milk, oils, wine, beer, etc.

Material Handling – dry bulk, slurries Marine – engine coolant, fuel, etc.

Petroleum Transfer – liquids and gases Oil Field – oil exploration drilling and servicing

Pressure Washer – wash down Steam – saturated and superheated steam Water – water suction and discharge

DID YOU STAMP all YOUR HOSES long before purchase or use!

S.T.A.M.P.E.D. — a guideline for manufacturers to choose the right industrial hose. Therefore, this guideline is essential in the selection process. It defines and highlights seven

characteristics about hoses, from size to pressure and the attachment onto the application or machine.

 STEP 1: SIZE Industrial hoses cover distances between machines, vehicles, devices and factory workers. Therefore, the length of the hose needs to be determined. Also the inside diameter needs to be determined according to the purpose of the hose.

 STEP 2: TEMPERATURE INDUSTRIAL hoses transfer liquids, gases, steam of various types of temperatures.What is the maximum temperature that the hose should be able to convey?

 STEP 3: APPLICATION MAYBE the most important question of choosing the right industrial hose:what is the actual application of the hose? Will it be used indoors or outdoors, by workers or by machines or vehicles? For offshore or onshore usage? 

 STEP 4: MATERIAL IN order to develop the perfect industrial hose, we need to know the material of the product that is conveyed through the hose. Is it liquid, gas or steam? Does it contain acids of other aggressive substances? 

 STEP 5: PRESSURE THE product is transferred through the hose via pressure or vacuum. After defining the material of the product, the required pressure or vacuum needs to be determined. Thick liquids, for example, require a higher pressure than steam.STEP 6: ENDS INDUSTRIAL hoses used at factories and plants are connected to several

machines, vehicles and devices. Therefore, the type of end connection of the hose needs to be determined.

 STEP 7: DELIVERY The last step of this guideline is delivery: the date when the hose is required.

TALK about and REVIEW ALL!Have supervisors cover with staff and contractors SHOW ME THE SIGN OFF SHEET1. Never exceed the rated working pressure of a hose. • Never allow pressure spikes or surges above the maximum rated working pressure of the hose. • Excessive pressure can shorten the life of the hose. 2. Never run over a hose with equipment or vehicles, such as fork lifts. • Running over a hose can damage the tube, reinforcement and cover. • A buildup of pressure can cause damage at the coupling. 3. Never pull a hose by its coupling. • Pulling a hose at the coupling can kink the hose and weaken the coupling bond to the hose. 4. Never lift a heavy, large-diameter hose by the middle with the ends hanging down. • The internal reinforcement can be damaged at the support point. • Support large hose every ten feet with rope saddles or slings. • When moving a hose, always lift the hose and coupling together. • Use dollies, rollers or derricks when moving large hoses. 5. Never over-bend a hose to the point of kinking. • Never bend the hose tighter than the recommended minimum bend radius • Never kink a hose to stop the flow of material. • Kinking a hose can seriously damage the tube and reinforcement. • If needed, install bend restrictors at the coupling to prevent the hose from being bent past the minimum bend radius. 6. A hose cover exposed to excessive wear can be protected with an extra cover, such as a nylon sleeve or pad. • Make the cover slightly longer than the hose to accommodate any change in the hose length when in use. 7. Remove kinked or crushed hose from service immediately. • Inspect and test the hose before putting it back in service, • An outside diameter of a hose which has been permanently reduced by more than 20 percent should be removed from service. • An outside diameter of a hose which has been reduced by 20 percent or less should have a hydrostatic test done before being put back into service. Remove and test any hose assembly that has been subjected to abuse. • This includes hose that has been severely pulled at the coupling, flattened, crushed, kinked, cut, abraded or exposed to temperatures or pressures above noted maximums. 8 Visually inspect and pressure test hose at regular intervals. • This is extremely important for critical application hoses, such as acid/chemical, steam, LPG and petroleum. • Check for kinks, bulges, soft spots, loose areas, abrasions and cuts. • Cuts or abrasions which expose the reinforcement are signs that the hose should be immediately removed from service.

Typical hazards that may be encountered while working with hoses may include;

Ergonomic Hazards• Parts of Body in Line of Fire• Walk area not clear / level• Excessive force• Heavy / Awkward Lifting

Identified Hazards• Hazards identified on the Work Permit• Hazards identified on the Field Level Risk Assessment

Work Environment Hazards• Exposure to Steam• Exposure to hydrocarbons or other chemicals• Slips or trips• Pinch points

Personal Limitations• Distractions in work area• Confusing instructions• No / lack of training• Fitness for Duty

Also susceptible are industrial rubber hoses and their assemblies, used in every factory, attached to various objects and directly in contact with transferred substances. The external factors influencing the rubber hoses vary from mild to extreme and have different categories — yes, an even bigger list of threats than you might think:

1. Temperature2. Pressure3. Vibration4. Static electricity5. UV/ozone radiation6. Chemical attacks7. Erosion8. Steam9. Human activity

And even worse: These types of exposure occur day in, day out. It is repeated exposure, being an enormous threat to the sustainability of the hose and the hose assembly. Therefore, an essential and frequently-asked question has popped up regarding sustainability in industry: “How do I maintain the proper quality of a rubber hose?”

You will need WRITTEN PROCEDURAL REQUIREMENTS1. No hose may be connected to any process line without approval from client or site operations supervisors.2. Prior to using any hose, the following must be considered;• Is the hose suitable for the intended application?• Are the hose connections suitable for the intended hose application?• What is the process or supply pressure?• What is the source material temperature?• What are the fluids involved?• What are the physical and chemical properties of the fluid involved?• Is a safety device involved?• What are the normal operating conditions for the system the hose is connected to?• Are there any special operating conditions?

When connecting a properly selected hose to a process line, always check that the process pressure is lower than the hose system pressure and that a check valve is in place to prevent backflow into the supply side and that the hose and check valve are rated for the system pressure.

INSPECTION HOSES & FITTINGS and put it on a checklist or formA visual inspection of the hose and hose fittings must be made before each use.Inspect the hose and couplings for;• Blistering• Cracking• Excessive Abrasion• Deep cuts• Coupling Slippage• Coupling Damage• Connector Damage, ie thread damage.

The degree of resistance of any rubber or plastic with a particular fluid depends upon such variables as temperature, concentration, pressure conditions, velocity of flow, duration of exposure, aeration, stability of flow, coupling compatability, etc.

WARNING:

1) A failure of chemical hose in service can result in injury to personnel or damage to property. All chemical hose manufacturers recommend specific hose constructions to handle various chemicals. THE MANUFACTURER SHALL BE CONSULTED TO DETERMINE WHAT PARTICULAR HOSE MAY BE USED TO HANDLE A SPECIFIC CHEMICAL.

2) Do not use chemical hose at temperatures of pressures above those recommended by the manufacturer. All operators must be thoroughly trained in the care and use of this hose and must at all times wear protective clothing. A hose or system failure could cause the release of a poisonous, corrosive, or flammable material.

The bend radius is the radius to which the hose can be bent in service without damage or shortening its life. Textile reinforced hoses have a tendency to kink as the bend radius is reduced. A helical wire is used inside the hose layers to help withstand severe bends without flattening or kinking. 

Remember that the bend should be smooth and should take place over the entire minimum length.

Show your client your PM Program in advance and proof there of;Preventive Maintenance Program: Preventive Knowledge every worker on site should know and be able to discuss with competency!• Proper hose selection and application • Proper coupling selection • Proper attachment of couplings to hose • Maintenance and storage guidelines • Agency specifications Preventive Action • Periodic inspections • Hydrostatic pressure testing • Scheduled replacement • Proper hose storage • Troubleshooting

A CLEAN HOSE IS A HAPPY HOSE

Solution Recommendations

1. Cleaning solutions should be chosen that will dissolve or remove the residual material without damaging the hose assembly.

2. A dilute solution of soap in water can often be sufficient. CAUTION — Some chemicals, such as concentrated acids or bases can react with water releasing heat and byproducts, and possibly splatter.

3. Consult the GHS SDS of the material being cleaned to identify potential cleaning solutions.

4. After identifying potential cleaning solutions, check the Chemical Resistance for compatibility with the hose tube and cover.

5. Non-compatibility of a cleaning solution can cause damage to the hose.

Shuttle Method

This is not a recommended cleaning method for hose assemblies. This method uses a shuttle to travel through the inside of the hose assembly to wipe

residual material from the hose. The shuttle and residual material can come out of the hose at velocities that could cause injuries or damage.

There is also danger from a buildup of pressure if the shuttle becomes lodged. The shuttle can cause damage to the hose tube.

Recommended Cleaning of Chemical Hose • Drain the hose after each use. • Flush with water or other neutralizing cleaning solution. • Properly dispose of drained fluid and cleaning waste. • Between uses, store the hose in a clean, dry environment away from sunlight. • Avoid cross contamination. Dedicate a hose to handle a specific chemical.

Recommended Cleaning of Food Hose • Drain the hose after each use. • Flush with water or other cleaning solution. • Properly dispose of drained material and cleaning waste. • Between uses, store the hose in a clean, dry environment away from sunlight. • Avoid cross contamination. Dedicate a hose to handle a specific food material.

All hoses found to be damaged MUST be immediately removed from service and discarded. In order to prevent re-use of a damaged hose, always cut the hose in half prior to discarding.

Proper hose selection includes:

selecting a hose identified as steam hose construction, providing steam hose identification in the form of permanent branding on the hose's

outer cover, not just the package, identification of the type of service the steam hose is to accomplish,

o Is the hose manually handled?o What is the anticipated frquency of use?o What is the actual pressure of the steam service?o Is the hose subject to pressure surges or peaks?o What is the temperature of the steam?o Is the steam saturated (wet) or super-heated (dry)?o What environmental factors may the hose cover be exposed to?

and recognizing potential spillage or accumulations of corrosive or petroleum-based products may have deteriorative effects on a hose cover.

Ensure that the hose is properly installed:

Use hose couplings designed for steam service. Steam hose couplings use a bolt-on outside clamp which can be re-tightened over the hose's service life.

Avoid extreme hose flexing near the coupling. Use elbows in the piping system to assure a straight line connection with the hose.

Installation of a shut-off valve between the steam source and hose will maximize hose service life and operator safety. Boston considers a shut-off valve mandatory!

Spring guards can relieve some of the acute flexing encountered in heavy manual handling applications.

Provide a suitable means of storing the hose when not in use. A permanent rack or tray will minimize damage to the hose while in storage. Do not hang the hose on a hook, nail, or other object which could cut or damage the hose.

Common Sense with Steam equals Safety:

Provide operators with adequate safety clothing including gloves, rubber boots, full-length protective clothing, and eye protection. This minimizes the effects of scalding burns received from splash-back of steam or hot water.

Ensure the working area is clear of clutter and tripping hazards. Check the tightness of coupling bolts prior to each use. De-pressurize the hose after use. This provides safety and dramatically increases

hose life. The best prevention of accidents is an awareness and anticipation that they may

occur.

KNOWThree Basic Elements of a Hose Tube – Its purpose is to handle specific fluids or solids. It is the innermost rubber or plastic component of the hose that must be resistant to the material being conveyed because it is in contact with the material. A variety of compounds can be used depending on the application. Reinforcement – Its purpose is to withstand a specific amount of working pressure measured in pounds per square inch (psi) or Pascal (Pa) or vacuum (In Hg, inches of mercury). The reinforcement may consist of multiple layers of fabric, yarn or wire placed on top of the tube and referred to as “plies.” Cover – Its primary purpose is to protect the tube and reinforcement from external factors such as ozone, weather, abrasion and heat. A variety of compounds can be used depending on the application

AIR & WATER HOSESTemperature and pressure limitations are indicated on all air hoses and must not be used if these pressure and temperatures will be exceeded.Air hoses are NOT heat tolerant and must not be used in conjunction with any steaming operations.Whip check safety cables shall be installed at both ends of the hose, securing it to fixed anchor points such as piping or hand wheels.

Whenever two hoses are connected, a whip check safety cable must be used to secure the connection.

STEAM HOSESSteam hoses must not be used if their rated pressure and temperature will be exceeded.A check valve must be placed at the end of the hose and the live process tie in point to prevent process from flowing backwards.Whip check safety cables shall be installed at both ends of the hose, securing it to fixed anchor points such as piping or hand wheels.Whenever two hoses are connected, a whip check safety cable must be used to secure the connection

Never use superheated steam! This will exaggerate the potential damages noted above. Only “open end” 50 psi steam should be used. If the hose has a blockage, remove it before introducing steam. If the steam source has a wand attached, use caution inserting the wand so that physical damage to the hose is not caused. Sharp edges on the wand can cut the tube, and thin spots could occur where the hot wand contacts the tube.

Corrosive Steam

When the water used to generate steam contains dissolved air, oxygen or carbon dioxide, these gases end up as contaminants in the steam. At the high temperatures of steam both oxygen and carbon dioxide are extremely corrosive.

Carbon dioxide is acidic and therefore attacks metals, whereas the oxygen corrodes metals and oxidizes rubbers. Corrosion of metals in the presence of both oxygen and acids is forty times faster than with either alone.

Boiler water is therefore normally treated not only to remove the "Hardness" which would cause "furring" of the boiler but also to remove dissolved oxygen and carbon dioxide and to ensure that the steam is not only not acidic but even slightly alkaline. 

*Rules to Remember Rule:

Steam hose should be used to transfer ONLY steam! Never use it to transport other materials. Reason: The hose is specially designed to handle steam. Materials other than steam could damage the tube.

Rule: Couple steam hose to a length of pipe to separate the hose from the steam source. Reason: Constant high heat can shorten the life of a steam hose.

Rule: Always have an accurate pressure gauge and positive shut-off valve installed between the steam source and the hose. Reason: A surge in the hose could cause a failure and injury.

Rule: Operators should always wear protective clothing which includes face or eye protection, heavy-duty clothing, gloves and boots. Reason: Protection from flying particles and liquids.

Rule: Operators should NEVER open a steam valve when the hose is lying free. Reason: The sudden surge in pressure can cause the hose to whip; which could cause injury or damage.

Rule: ALWAYS drain steam hose when not in use. Reason: Water remaining in the hose may be absorbed by the tube. When the hose is then reheated and still under low pressure, the absorbed water may change to steam and “popcorn” or expand and explode the tube. Popcorning can weaken and destroy a hose.

EXTERNAL DAMAGE AND WEAR

Steam is hazardous and steam hoses should not be used if there are signs of wear or damage on the cover. Kinking a steam hose causes internal damage to the reinforcement which will reduce the service life and can be a cause of unexpected catastrophic failures. The hose should be inspected for damages and proper fitting installation before each use.

PRESSURE, TEMPERATURE, AND VACUUM

Never use a steam hose (or other kind of hose) which isn’t rated for the pressure and temperature of the system to which it is connected. Attaching a hose to a system with a higher rated pressure or temperature than the hose causes premature failure of the hose assembly. Steam hoses aren’t designed to resist a vacuum and should not be used in a system that has a vacuum.

EXTERNAL ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS AND STORAGE

Even a good quality hose can be affected by some external environmental factors; sunlight, temperature variations, salt water, chemical & chemical vapour, and contamination can attack the hose to the extent that it must be replaced. All of these factors should be considered carefully when storing new or used hoses.

PROPER INSTALLATION

For safe and proper use, it is important that hose assemblies be properly fitted to the application. The correct length of hose between the two connection points ensures equal weight and pressure distribution. To reduce kinks, vertically oriented outlets with the opening pointed down are ideal in reducing stress on the hose.

CLEAN HOSES

Sand, dust, dirt, and other foreign material in or around the hose can cause damage.Before using the hose, it is important to remove all these materials.

PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE

Used hose assemblies should be inspected regularly for damage and be annually hydrostatically tested at twice the rated working pressure. This ensures a safe and secure assembly, even with used hoses.

CERTIFICATIONS OF CERTAIN HOSES!

Worldwide there are numerous standards and certificates for steam hoses. For example, in Canada the TSSA requires that steam hose, couplings, and the assembly are verified for consistency. For USA and Europe, hose standards contain RMA safety standard, ISO 6134-2A, NFPA for fire protection and TS16949, ISO9001 and ISO14001 for quality.

HYDRAULIC HOSES:Hydraulic hoses are used for three main purposes;• As a drain hose for non-hydrocarbon or hydrocarbon fluids.• As a transfer hose for non-hydrocarbon or hydrocarbon fluids.• As a transfer hose for lubrication oil.

When draining through a hose to sewer;• Secure the end of the drain hose to a weighted hose anchor , cover with a rubbermat on top of the sewer or grating• If the sewer grating must be raised to accommodate the hose, barricade and tapeoff the area.• Replace the grating immediately upon job completion.

HYDROCARBON / VAPOUR HOSESAll hoses that connect directly to a tank truck, railcar, marine vessel or hydrocarbon process must be annually tested and tagged. Hoses used for tank trucks must comply with B-620 requirements.

Don’t forget to cover STATIC ELECTRICITY build up!What is a static bond? • The grounding of a static-eliminating or static-conducting component. Static Electricity Grounding Importance: • Movement of some dry material through a rubber or plastic hose can generate enough static electricity to be hazardous. Not only could a static spark ignite a fire or cause an explosion, but enough charge could build-up in the hose to cause a severe shock if contacted.

Grounding can be achieved through use of: 1. Static conductive stock in the tube or cover. 2. Bent wire method Use with a hose that is wire-reinforced. • Locate the helix wire or the static wire. • Pull the wire out with pliers. • Bend the wire into the inner surface of the hose tube. • Use caution not to puncture the tube. • Attach the couplings so the bent wire and the coupling make contact. (The bent wire must not extend the full length of the stem, since it could create a leak at the coupling.) • Place the assembly on a non-conductive surface and

check it for electrical continuity with an ohmmeter that measures electrical resistance. (The maximum allowable resistance is 20 thousand ohms per foot of hose.) • Record all test data on a hose inspection card and file it with maintenance records.

Electrically Nonconductive Hose: Certain applications require that the Hose be nonconductive to prevent electrical current flow or to maintain electrical isolation. For applications that require Hose to be electrically nonconductive, including but not limited to applications near high voltage electric lines, only special nonconductive Hose can be used. The manufacturer of the equipment in which the nonconductive Hose is to be used must be consulted to be certain that the Hose and Fittings that are selected are proper for the application. Do not use any Hose or Fittings for any such application requiring nonconductive Hose, including but not limited to applications near high voltage electric lines, unless

(i) the application is expressly approved in the hose manufacturers technical publication for the product,

(ii) (ii) the Hose is marked “nonconductive”, and (iii) (iii) the manufacturer of the equipment on which the Hose is to be used

specifically approves for such use.

Electrically Conductive Hose: manufactures special Hose for certain applications that require electrically conductive Hose. Company hose manufactures special Hose for conveying paint in airless paint spraying applications. This Hose is labeled “Electrically Conductive Airless Paint Spray Hose” on its layline and packaging. This Hose must be properly connected to the appropriate hose manufacturer fittings and properly grounded in order to dissipate dangerous static charge buildup, which occurs in all airless paint spraying applications. Do not use any other Hose for airless paint spraying, even if electrically conductive. Use of any other Hose or failure to properly connect the Hose can cause a fire or an explosion resulting in death, personal injury, and property damage

HOSE STORAGE 1. Store hose in a cool, dry room with moderate humidity. 2. Store hose out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources. 3. Keep hose away from ozone sources such as arc welders, electric motors, transformers and other electrical equipment. 4. Store hose in original shipping container or wrapping to protect from harmful environmental exposure. 5. Hose shipped straight should be stored straight. 6. Use care when using knives or sharp tools to open packing materials. 7. Hose shipped in coils or bales should be stored on a horizontal plane. 8. Hose should be stored in a first in, first out basis. 9. Do not hang coiled hose on a hook. 10. Do not stack hose too high. Excessive weight can crush and damage the hose at the bottom.

The appropriate method for storing hose depends to a great extent on its size (diameter and length), the quantity to be stored and the way in which it is packaged. Hose should not be piled or stacked to such an extent that the weight of the stack creates distortions on the hose lengths stored at the bottom. Since hose products vary considerably in size, weight and length, it is not practical to establish definite recommendations on this point. Hose having a very thin wall will not support as much load as could a hose having a heavier wall or hose having wire reinforcement. Hose shipped in coils or bales stacked to save freight should be stored so that the coils are in a horizontal plane and re-stacked to prevent weight damage. Whenever feasible, hose products should be stored in their original shipping containers, especially when such containers are wooden crates or cardboard cartons which provide some protection against the deteriorating effects of oil, solvents and corrosive liquids; shipping containers also afford some protection against sunlight and ozone. Certain rodents and insects will damage hose, protection from these elements must be provided. The ideal temperature for storage of rubber & plastic hose products ranges from 50º – 70º F (10º-21.2º C), with a maximum limit of 100º F (38º C) for short periods. If stored below 32º F (0º C) some product will become stiff and will require warming before bending or being put in service. Hose product should not be stored near sources of heat, such as radiators, heaters etc. Nor should they be stored under conditions of high or low humidity (recommended 30% to 60%).

THE DO’S are just as important as the DON’TsDo – Use hose designed and recommended for the service intended. Contact Apache and our staff will assist you in the selection of the best hose product for your requirements.Do – Make sure hose is easily identifiable as to the type and use. Where dangerous misuse can occur, use different fittings or end connections. Do – Make sure your site and manufacturer hose is the correct length for the job intended. Remember to engineer for a possible -4% contraction to +5% elongation at max working pressure on the hose assembly. Do – Set up regular hose inspections before each use so that damaged or worn hose assemblies can be replaced. Do – Attach hose using proper elbows and nipples, so that its operation (including its own weight and heavy end connections) will not cause it to bend sharply at the coupling. Support hose ends with heavy couplings attached. Do – Avoid subjecting hose to damage by vehicles, falling rocks, or other objects. It is easy to install protective covers on hose. Do – Check manufacturer’s chemical resistant charts to insure the hose will transfer the chemical before it is put in the hose. Do – Store hose in a cool, dry, dark and clean place. Do – Always wear safety clothing, gloves, boots, hard hat and eye protection when using a hose. Do – Test hoses every six (6) months or sooner to 1.5 times the working pressure or to industry recommended pressures based on RMA, USCG, OSHA, DOT, API, NPGA or others.

Do – Educate all employees on how to inspect a hose before each use to insure it is safe to use along with correct hose use and care. Teach employees to “Error on the side of safety!” When in doubt, remove the hose from service!Don’t – Crush or kink hose. Avoid repeated bending which may eventually break the reinforcement of the hose leading to a rupture. Don’t – Substitute hose types. All hoses are not equal. Consult your hose supplier for the correct recommendations. Don’t – Use a hose if any of the reinforcement is exposed through the cover due to cuts, gouges or just prolonged use. Don’t – Exceed the working pressure of the hose for any reason (including pressure spikes). Don’t – Use damaged or worn fittings. Check to see if the coupling is loose or has moved, has worn threads, worn gasket or is corroded. Successful hydro testing will help verify the integrity of the coupled assembly. Don’t – Store hose after use, without rinsing & draining if it carried substances that ultimately deteriorate the hose tube. Don’t – Use a hose outside its recommended temperature limits. Don’t – Pull on a hose by its coupling. Don’t – Kink a hose to stop the flow of product. Kinking can seriously damage the tube and reinforcement. Don’t – Lift a hose by the middle with the ends hanging down. This can kink the hose in the middle (especially in hoses over 3" ID). Use hose lifting saddles to prevent kinking. Don’t – Bend a hose beyond it minimum bend radius Don’t – Subject a hose to temperatures above its rated temperature recommendations (especially any hose with plastic parts PVC, etc).