When and how often should you test and certify industrial hoses?

Do we need to have the hoses in our company tested and certified? When and how often should this be done? These are questions our experts are frequently asked regarding the use and management of industrial hoses. To get straight to the point: there is no simple answer. However, we can help you get a good start on setting up a policy for this. Our experts offer some tips.

MOT Inspection for Hoses

Testing and certifying hoses with fittings can be compared to the MOT inspection for cars. This inspection is carried out periodically to check whether the car is still safe to drive, whether the emissions of the combustion engine remain within limits, and whether there are no leaks of fluids harmful to the environment. A testing policy for hoses and fittings exists to ensure safety, prevent environmental damage, and improve continuity in business processes. A leaking, bursting hose or a fitting that comes loose not only creates unsafe situations or environmental harm but also has immediate consequences for productivity. Not to mention the cleanup costs and reputational damage if an incident makes the news.

Start with the Risk Inventory

It is important to map out how all hoses in the company are used and then conduct a risk inventory and evaluation (RI&E) based on this. This involves assessing the risk of, for example, a leaking, bursting hose or a hose that comes loose. Such as:

• Is the medium hazardous to health or harmful to the environment?
• Does a loose hose pose a danger to people and equipment nearby?
• Does the medium make the workplace unsafe (think of slipping hazards)?
• Is the medium valuable?
• Are there negative consequences for the continuity of business processes?

If the RI&E reveals that a risk is present, it is important to have hoses inspected and tested periodically.

What Does Testing and Certification Involve?

Testing and certification consist of several phases. In the first phase, a visual inspection is carried out on the entire hose assembly; the hose itself and the fittings are examined and any defects recorded. In the second phase, any defects are repaired in consultation with the user and as far as possible. In the third phase, the hose is pressure-tested according to a fixed protocol in a specially equipped test facility. If the hose passes the test, this is documented in the fourth phase in a digital or paper certificate.

How Often Should a Hose Assembly Be Tested?

How often a hose assembly needs to be tested depends on the level of stress it undergoes and how it is used. A hose that pumps highly hazardous chemicals will need to be tested more frequently than a hose that drains harmless groundwater. The general rule of thumb is once a year. Additionally, testing and certification are advisable if a hose has been unused in storage for an extended period (months to years) and is about to be put back into service. Many companies choose to conduct testing and certification during a production shutdown.

On-Site or at a Testing Center?

Testing is often conducted at a testing center. For example, we have our own unique test setup that allows nearly all types of hoses to be tested, even under extremely high pressure. Inspections on-site are also possible, albeit with some limitations.

Don’t Throw Away, Test and Reuse

Hoses are often replaced preventively even though they are still in good condition. However, as part of corporate social responsibility (CSR), more and more companies choose not to simply discard hoses—and thus valuable raw materials such as rubber, plastics, and metal. Instead, hoses are increasingly being repaired, tested, and certified, allowing them to remain in service for many years. A caveat is that not all hoses can be repaired for safety reasons. Our experts can tell you more about this.