Hose Master partners with NAHAD to promote Hose Safety Awareness Week, emphasizing the
criticality of hose safety in the industrial market. Safety is a collective mindset across the supply
chain, involving manufacturers, distributors, and end-users. Each sector has distinct roles and
responsibilities to uphold for industry-wide safety practices.
Manufacturers’ Responsibilities:
Manufacturers play a pivotal role in ensuring that the hoses and related products they produce
are safe and reliable. Their responsibilities include:
- Ensuring Performance to Specifications: Products must perform to their published
specifications, ensuring they meet the necessary standards for safety and functionality. - Quality Assurance Systems: Implementing robust Quality Assurance (QA) systems is
essential for promoting quality, providing a structured approach for continuous
improvement, and proactively identifying and rectifying potential safety issues. - Safety Prioritization: Manufacturers need to prioritize safety for both production
workers and end-users, including stringent testing and safety protocol adherence during
manufacturing.
Distributors’ Responsibilities:
Distributors play a vital role linking manufacturers to end-users, with crucial responsibilities.
- Accurate Information Exchange: It is vital to ensure that accurate and complete
application information is received from customers and conveyed to the manufacturer.
This ensures that the right product is delivered for the specific application. - Proper Training and Certification: Fabricators in the distribution network need proper
training and certification to ensure they can create safe hose assemblies. - Safe Storage and Shipping: Products must be stored and shipped in a manner that
prevents damage, preserving their integrity and safety. - Guidance and Support: Distributors should assist customers with proper handling,
installation, testing, inspection, and storage of hose assemblies. This guidance helps in
maintaining safety throughout the product’s lifecycle. - Proper Tagging and Periodic Audits: Ensuring hose assemblies are properly tagged
as required protects operators. Regular audits of job sites help verify adherence to
safety protocols.
End-User Responsibilities:
End-users play a crucial role in the chain, and their compliance with safety practices is vital.
- Providing Detailed Information: End-users need to provide detailed information on the
intended service, fitting specifications, code requirements, and more for selecting the
right hose and ensuring safe operation. - Verifying Proper Handling: It is essential to verify that hose assemblies are handled
according to the information provided by manufacturers and distributors. - Establishing Inspection Protocols: Having clear protocols for hose inspection and
testing helps determine when a hose should be taken out of service, preventing potential
accidents. - Proper Installation: Hoses must be installed to avoid overbending, external damage, or
exposure to corrosive agents. Proper installation prevents premature failure and
enhances safety. - Using Hoses for Intended Applications: Never use a hose assembly for any service
other than its intended application. Misuse can lead to dangerous failures and accidents.
Conclusion:
Hose safety is a collective responsibility necessitating commitment and diligence from all
stakeholders. Embracing a safety-first approach and following best practices ensures a secure
work environment. Let’s use Hose Safety Awareness Week as a reminder to review and
reinforce our safety protocols, making hose safety a continuous priority.
For more information, please contact Hose Master at (800) 221-2319 or visit our website at
https://www.hosemaster.com/contact-us/.