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WARNING: Safety Guide
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WARNING

Failure, improper use or improper selection of the systems and/or components described herein may cause death, personal injury and/or property damage.

This document, as well as all other catalogs, price lists and information provided by SafeWay Hydraulics, Inc., its subsidiaries or authorized distributors is intended to provide product information and/or system options for further consideration by users having substantial technical expertise. It is imperative that all aspects of any intended use be analyzed and all pertinent information reviewed concerning the component or system in a current product catalog. Due to the variety of operating conditions and applications for these components and systems, the user, through its own analysis, testing and evaluation, is solely responsible for making the final selection of the products and systems and ensuring that all safety, warning and performance requirements of the application or use are met.

The components described herein, including without limitation, all component features, specifications, designs, pricing and availability are subject to change at any time at the sole discretion of SafeWay Hydraulics, Inc. and its subsidiaries at any time without notice.

Safety Guide — Quick Action Couplings

1.	Quick couplings can fail without warning for a variety of reasons. All equipment and systems should be of a fail-safe design to avoid endangering persons and property.
2.	Any person responsible for selecting or using quick couplings should read and understand this safety guide and have a good understanding of hydraulic system design and maintenance.
3.	SafeWay, its representatives and distributors do not represent or warrant that any quick coupling is suitable for any specific use. The user, through its own testing and evaluation, is solely responsible for final selection of the products and systems and ensuring that all safety, warning and performance requirement of the application or use are met.

Coupler Installation
Quick couplings should be located so as not to expose the operator to moving parts, hot parts, the potential of falling, slipping, or other hazardous conditions. Precautions should be taken to not over tighten mating threaded parts during installation.

Locking Mechanism
Ball locking quick couplings can unintentionally disconnect if they are dragged over obstructions while on the end of a hose, or if the sleeve is bumped or moved enough to cause disconnect. Sleeves designed with flanges to provide better gripping for gloved hands are especially susceptible to accidental disconnect and should not be used where these conditions exist. The sleeve lock option should be considered where there is a potential for unintended uncoupling.

Thread connection must be fully connected prior to pressurization. Pressure ratings must apply to full connected or fully disconnected quick couplings. If using a connect-under-pressure style threaded connection quick coupling, adhere to the specified maximum pressure rating for connection-under-pressure (usually less than 10% of the maximum operating pressure).

Coupler Size
Transmission of power by means of pressurized fluid varies with the system pressure and flow rate. The body size of the coupler must be adequate to keep pressure loss to a minimum to avoid damage due to heat generation or excessive fluid velocity.

Mechanical Loads
Excessive axial and side forces or vibration can reduce coupler life or cause failure.

Pressure
When selecting your quick coupling, make sure its maximum operating pressure is equal to, or greater than, the maximum possible system pressure. Do not exceed the limits of the coupler. Pressure impulse can shorten the life of a coupler.

Hose Whip
A short length of hose between the tool and the coupler half should be used instead of a rigid mount. This reduces the potential for coupler damage and provides some isolation from mechanical vibration which could cause accidental uncoupling. Never try to connect or disconnect the coupler when there is pressure in the system unless you are using a quick coupling designed for that purpose.

Environment
Environmental conditions including, but not limited to, moisture, water, chemicals, ozone, ultraviolet radiation and air pollutants can cause degradation of coupling components and premature quick coupling failure. Choose the proper body material for use in the environment in which the system is placed.

Vacuum
Not all quick couplings are suitable or recommended for vacuum service. Quick couplings used in vacuum applications must be selected to ensure that the quick coupling will withstand the vacuum and pressure of the system.

Fluid and Temperature
Quick coupling body and seal materials must be compatible with the media and ambient temperature, both steady and transient. Do not exceed the limits of the coupler.

Fluid Leaks
Do not go near fluid leaks. High pressure leaks of fluid such as oil easily puncture skin and can cause serious injury, gangrene or death. Relieve pressure before loosening fittings. Do not use fingers or skin to check for leaks. If injured, seek emergency medical help. Immediate surgery is required to remove oil.