Notes On Scrapping Gas-Filled Hydraulic Components - OS00.00-P-1000-01A
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Unusable gas pressure dampers, spring accumulators, pressure reservoirs and impact absorbers have to be depressurized before being scrapped according to the respective valid accident prevention regulations. These safety measures are necessary because gas pressurized hydraulic parts can explode if heat is applied. A risk of explosion is given, e.g. when scrapping with cutting torches, smelting or if gas pressurized parts in landfills start to burn or are part of a smoldering fire.
The scrapping of gas-filled hydraulic parts can also be handed over to a scrap dealer who carries out the required safety measures. If accepted, the scrap dealer must sign an official declaration (see sample), in which he/she is bound to scrap gas-filled hydraulic parts in accordance with the respective valid accident prevention regulations.
This type of agreement however does require that it is absolutely impossible to retrieve shock absorbers from the scrap which can then be subsequently repaired. Any such devices therefore need to be damaged to permanently disable them for any reuse. To this end it is sufficient to bang the shock absorber pipe on a hard edge, to make a dent in it with a light hammer blow or to crush it slightly in a vise.
On no account should the piston rod be bent, this may cause an accident!
If agreements to render gas-filled hydraulic parts harmless, cannot be made with a scrap dealer, then the specified safety measures must be performed by the owner. For accident prevention reasons, safety glasses and gloves must be worn as protection against any escaping gas and oil as well as drill shavings. The balance holes are to be drilled with as little operating speed as possible. Any escaping oil is to be collected.