What is a key safety practice when working around high-pressure hydraulic lines?

• A. Work with lines pressurized to test reliability
• B. Stand directly over lines while working
• C. Avoid PPE to speed up work
• D. De-energize when possible

Answer: (D)

Relieving stored energy by de-energizing the hydraulic system and bleeding off pressure before working on lines is essential. High-pressure fluid can inject into skin or spray out from a line if it’s still pressurized, causing serious injury in an instant. By shutting the system down, applying lockout/tagout, and carefully releasing pressure through proper bleed procedures, you remove the energy that could cause a dangerous release. After the pressure is confirmed released, you can inspect, disconnect, or repair safely, while still wearing appropriate PPE and staying clear of potential spray paths. Working with lines that are still pressurized, standing over lines, or skipping PPE significantly raises the risk and is not acceptable.