Health & Safety | Torque and bolting

HAND SAFETY

Are your bolting methods safe?

Industrial bolting can become a safety issue with costly consequences when dealing with large, bulky products requiring heavy equipment. HYTORC eliminates the pinch points that cause common hand and finger injuries. Hand safety is paramount in industrial bolting.

 

Read this article to avoid costly mistakes for your company.

WHAT’S AT STAKE?

While 27% of all occupational injuries are related to hands and fingers in the regular workplace, the numbers are increasing in heavy industry. For example, the International Association of Drilling Contractors reported that 43% of all injuries in the oil and gas industry are caused to workers’ hands and fingers.

From broken bones to mutilating, crushing and debilitating injuries, the ensuing investigations can cause a plant or refinery to shut down production for an entire year.

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COFA workplace safety

SAFETY PROBLEMS IN THE WORKPLACE: What’s the cost?

A hand injury can cost between $50,000 and $250,000 in losses, not including the resulting lawsuit. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the average number of hand injury claims now exceeds $6,000, with each claim resulting in nearly $7,500 in lost time. Hand injury investigations can shut down a plant or refinery for an entire year, easily resulting in millions of dollars in lost revenue.

 

hand safety COFA


SAFETY IN THE WORKPLACE: What’s the solution?

Eliminate pinch points with the unique REACTION FREE ARM and BACKUP WRENCH bolting solution.

The HYTORC “washer” also eliminates the complex set-up usually associated with other bolting systems, and makes the bolting process more intuitive to improve working times.

 

Transcript of hand safety video

The risks are very real for operators using conventional bolting methods with torque tools, reaction arms and auxiliary legs. When a power tool is activated on the front face of the flange, a conventional reaction arm creates a pinch point hazard. Accidents can occur, resulting in two serious hand injuries. The backup leg can also move, creating a pinch point. Injuries occurring at the back of the flash can be as devastating as those occurring at the front. The HYTORC Washer System is the only solution to reduce the risk of hand injuries by eliminating pinch points. The washer system consists of a reaction washer and a “back-up” washer, which perform all the functions of standard hardened washers, etc. The reaction washer has a smooth side to reduce friction of the rotating nut. The opposite side is knurled to prevent the reaction washer from rotating. The contoured outer surface reinforces the reaction forces during tightening, eliminating the need for a reaction arm. The reaction washer is installed with the knurled side to prevent rotation. The smooth side faces the nut. The external reaction surface remains accessible for tool engagement. The auxiliary washer has knurling on both sides and is installed between the rear nut and the rear flange. When bolting with the high torque washer system, the double-ended socket driver is positioned over the nut and reaction washer. The external driver engages the external lobes of the reaction washer. The internal driver is a standard socket that engages the nut. The socket rotates the nut inside the fixed external driver. The advantage is obvious. There are no exposed moving parts. All reaction pinch points are securely contained inside the external driver. On the opposite side of the flat, the backup washer replaces the backup wrench, eliminating pinch points on the rear. The HYTORC washer is the only industrial bolting solution that can reduce the risk of hand injury by completely eliminating pinch points. Contact HYTORC today for a free demonstration.  

To see how we can help you reduce the risk of injury on the job: Contact us