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By Hannah Coursey, Publisher, Fluid Power Journal
June holds special significance for those of us in the fluid power industry. It’s not just the start of summer; it’s a month dedicated to celebrating Fluid Power Professionals’ Day and Fluid Power Safety Month. These dual observances give us the chance to reflect on the vital contributions of our industry while emphasizing the importance of safety in our daily work.
Fluid Power Professionals’ Month
Recognizing Excellence
June 19 is officially recognized as Fluid Power Professionals’ Day, a day set aside to honor the engineers, technicians, mechanics, and specialists who make fluid power systems possible. This day, designated by the International Fluid Power Society (IFPS) and allied organizations in celebration of our collective efforts to innovate, maintain, and advance hydraulic and pneumatic systems that power industries worldwide.
Fluid Power is often described as a “hidden giant” (notably by John Pippenger amazing book of the same title). It’s everywhere—quietly powering machinery, vehicles, planes, ships, trains, etc.; enabling manufacturing processes; transportation, and supporting agriculture. Yet many people don’t realize how integral it is to our modern life. Without fluid power, productivity would grind to a halt. The work done in the fluid power sphere directly impacts the world’s ability to move goods, produce food, and build infrastructure. Whether you’re designing systems or maintaining equipment, every professional in fluid power plays a critical role.
The choice of June 19 isn’t random—it’s Blaise Pascal’s birthday. Pascal, a French physicist and mathematician, laid the foundation for fluid power with his groundbreaking work in hydrodynamics and hydrostatics. Pascal’s law, states that Force is equal to Pressure times Area (F=PxA) a fundamental principle of Fluid Power. His invention of the hydraulic press revolutionized machinery and paved the way for all future innovations in fluid power.
Fluid Power Safety Month
Prioritizing Protection
June also coincides with National Safety Month, making it an ideal time to focus on safety in fluid power systems. Safety has always been at the forefront of our industry because hydraulic and pneumatic systems operate under extreme pressures that can pose serious risks if not handled properly.
The Importance of Safety
Safety isn’t just about following rules—it’s about protecting lives. Fluid power systems are powerful but can be dangerous if mishandled. Risks include high-pressure leaks, injection injuries, crushing hazards from torque forces, and rapid depressurization accidents. These dangers remind us that safety protocols are non-negotiable. One of the most efficient ways to stay safe is participating in proper training and adherence to safety standards that can help to prevent accidents. Whether it’s wearing approved safety gear or conducting regular equipment inspections, every precaution matters.
Stop-Detect-Prevent Method
STOP: Isolate hazardous energy before accessing machinery.
DETECT: Identify potential risks through inspections.
PREVENT: Implement measures like monitored safety valves or proper maintenance protocols.
June is a great time for professional development. Many organizations offer training courses and seminars during this month to help professionals stay informed about emerging technologies and best practices. The IFPS provides online courses on hydraulic safety awareness, including topics like fluid injection injuries and high-risk maintenance. Courses like these are invaluable for expanding knowledge and fine-tuning expertise. They’re not just educational—they’re opportunities to improve in the fluid power sphere. See Bradley “BJ” Wagner’s article on page 14.
For Fluid Power Safety Month, it’s important to raise awareness. Whether it’s distributing safety posters or hosting toolbox talks on proper equipment handling, every effort helps create safer workplaces.
Fluid power professionals are problem-solvers who ensure that machines run smoothly and safely while driving innovation forward. Safety remains a cornerstone of everything we do. By prioritizing protection alongside progress, we ensure that our industry continues to thrive without compromising well-being.
June is more than just a month on the calendar—it’s a celebration of innovation, dedication, and responsibility within the fluid power industry. By honoring professionals and emphasizing safety practices, we strengthen the foundation of an industry that powers modern life.