Technical & Safety Information Technical & Safety Information
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Hose and Hose Coupling Safety
“The very properties that make compressed gases useful in almost every area of modern life can also make them
dangerous when mishandled. Years of experience with compressed gases have led to practices and equipment which,
if employed, result in complete safety.”**
Dixon hose couplings have been carefully engineered to meet specific requirements. If hose or couplings are not
used in correct applications or are incorrectly applied, accidents and downtime can result. It is up to the end user
to inform the distributor of the application and pressures involved when ordering hose assemblies and it is up to
the distributor to supply the right hose and coupling for that application. When in doubt, Dixon is here to help you
with a proper coupling recommendation.
1. Air hose couplings
This form of energy can be one of the most dangerous because it is used in so many applications and, when
mishandled, can have more serious results than fluids. Air, as a gas, is compressible (fluids press only against hose or
vessel walls and lose little volume under pressure). When pressurised air releases suddenly, it does so with explosive
force and can cause rapid hose whip, which can do serious physical harm to personnel or damage to nearby objects.
This is why the selection of proper hose and couplings for air lines is so important, along with their proper installation
and maintenance. Never take for granted that a coupling is installed properly or a clamp fully tightened on an air hose -
check it regularly and use safety devices (see paragraph 4).
2. Steam and gas
The same rules apply for steam and gas, but, because these are inherently more hazardous materials, personnel tend to
treat hose and couplings on these lines with more respect and care. Checking clamp tightness is very important with
steam hose, where it is not unusual for clamps to loosen in service, in which case they must be retightened! Safety
devices should also be used (see paragraph 4).
3. Fluid hose couplings
Again, nothing should be taken for granted - in particular, check clamps for tightness each time the lines are used -
especially when petroleum products or other hazardous liquids are involved. Large diameter hose, when suspended,
can also be quite dangerous if it drops unexpectedly due to a coupling “pull-out” or sudden disconnection. A heavy
fitting or clamp, plus the weight of the hose itself falling from any significant height, can cause injuries or damage. Be
sure to use safety devices (see paragraph 4).
4. All hose assemblies
All hose assemblies should be treated with respect as potential hazards. Worn-out fittings should be replaced.
Retaining devices such as clips, cables or chains should be used. Clamps should be checked regularly. Under no
circumstances 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 of property
and equipment.
**”Handbook of Compressed Gases”
444 Telephone: +44 (0)1772 323529 Fax: +44 (0)1772 314664
Technical & Safety Information
General Safety Information
Pressure Ratings
Pressure ratings for couplings, as stated in this catalogue, are based upon ambient temperature (21°C or 70°F)
applications with true hose I.D., new Dixon supplied couplings, new Dixon supplied clamps, new quality hose, and proper
installation by a qualified assembler using Dixon procedures and equipment. In addition, temperature can affect coupling
retention. For temperatures other than ambient (21°C or 70°F) contact the hose manufacturer or call Dixon.
Product Selection
Many of the products in this catalogue are used in hose assemblies in a variety of applications. The safety of any hose
assembly rests on the proper selection, installation, testing and use of each product. The safe use of any product in this
catalogue is dependent upon the correct selection of the hose, fittings and method of attachment. To ensure such a proper
selection, the user must inform the distributor of the application and pressure involved when ordering hose assemblies.
The use of S.T.A.M.P.E.D. (Size, Temperature, Application, Media, Pressure, Ends, Dixon) will help in the proper selection
of hose assembly components (see next page). The selection of couplings and clamping devices is the responsibility of the
purchaser or user, based upon the hose manufacturer’s recommendations. If the purchaser or user is uncertain about the
use or application of a product, Dixon stands ready to provide information, including test results (if available), coupling and
clamping recommendations and other data to help resolve those matters.
Installation
To achieve a safe and reliable assembly, proper installation procedures must be followed. Each component of the assembly
has a part in determining these procedures. The purchaser or user must follow proper procedures.
If the purchaser or user has any questions regarding installation, please contact Dixon.
Testing
Dixon recommends that all hose assemblies be tested in accordance with the hose manufacturer’s recommendations.
Re-testing and inspection
Dixon recommends inspection and re-testing of hose assemblies on a regular and consistent basis in accordance with the
hose manufacturer’s recommendations. The application determines the regularity of the inspection and retesting schedule.
Any worn-out fittings, damaged hoses or missing safety devices should be replaced immediately. Bolt-style clamps must
be checked and retightened on a regular and consistent basis.
Proper selection, care, use and maintenance of hose couplings and accessory Items
All hose assemblies should be viewed as potential hazards. This document is designed to inform and educate anyone
who manufactures, specifies, supplies, purchases, assembles, uses, maintains or tests any hose assembly or its
component parts. The proper selection and maintenance of hose, couplings, attachment devices and accessories are
imperative. It is the end users responsibility to identify to the distributor the application and any special conditions that
the hose assembly must meet. It is the distributors responsibility to supply the proper assembly for the intended
application. Accidents and down time may occur if hose assemblies are not properly selected for the specific application.
The performance and safety of the assembly is affected by the quality of the individual components. The use of the
acronym S.T.A.M.P.E.D. (Size, Temperature, Application, Media, Pressure, Ends, Dixon) will help in the proper selection
of the hose assembly components (see following page).
Warning!
Failure to use these procedures can result in serious injury or death, and destruction of property and equipment.
N
If anyone is uncertain about the use or application of a product, Dixon can provide test results, coupling and clamping
recommendations and other data to help resolve those matters. Please call Dixon.
