At Hydraquip, we believe safety is never optional. That is why we are proud to highlight NAHAD’s Hose Safety Awareness Week (HSAW) 2025, taking place September 7–13. This annual campaign, led by the National Association for Hose and Accessories Distribution, serves as a vital reminder of the importance of proper hose selection, inspection, maintenance, and replacement practices.
Hydraulic, pneumatic, and industrial hoses may seem like small components in large, complex systems, yet they carry enormous responsibility. When hoses fail, they can stop entire operations, damage expensive equipment, put workers at risk, and create costly environmental hazards. Many of these failures are preventable with consistent attention to hose safety. As a proud member of NAHAD, Hydraquip is committed to helping companies adopt best practices that protect both people and equipment.
Why Hose Safety Awareness Week Matters
Hose Safety Awareness Week is designed to educate, re-train, and remind the industry about the risks of hose failure and the proactive steps that can prevent accidents. NAHAD and its Hose Safety Institute provide valuable guidelines and training resources that align with OSHA and industry best practices. These efforts directly support Hydraquip’s mission of delivering safe, reliable, and high-performing fluid power solutions.
By participating in HSAW, companies show their commitment to:
- Protecting employees from preventable accidents
- Reducing downtime caused by hose-related failures
- Extending the service life of equipment
- Improving overall system efficiency
When it comes to hose safety, awareness is only the beginning. Hydraquip works alongside our customers to ensure awareness is followed by inspection, documentation, training, and action.
The Real Cost of Hose Failures
It is easy to underestimate the risks until something goes wrong. A hose under pressure can release fluid at speeds high enough to cut skin or damage eyes. Hydraulic leaks may cause fires or serious environmental contamination. Equipment downtime caused by hose failure can cost thousands of dollars per hour in lost productivity.
At Hydraquip, we are cognizant of the consequences of overlooking hose safety. Common issues include:
- Cracked or blistered hoses that burst unexpectedly
- Worn fittings that leak hydraulic fluid
- Incorrectly routed hoses that rub against sharp edges and fail prematurely
- Hoses past their service life that were never replaced
The truth is simple: hoses rarely fail without warning. With proactive inspection and replacement practices, most accidents can be avoided.
Hydraquip’s 5 Key Hose Inspection Tips
As part of Hose Safety Awareness Week, Hydraquip encourages customers to adopt these five hose inspection habits, based on NAHAD Hose Safety Institute guidelines:
- Check for Surface Damage
Examine hoses for cracks, abrasions, blisters, or exposed reinforcement. Even minor surface flaws can weaken hose integrity over time. - Inspect Fittings and Connections
Look closely at couplings, clamps, and fittings. Corrosion, leaks, or loose fittings are signs of damage or improper installation. - Monitor for Kinks and Twists
Hoses should never be bent or twisted beyond recommended limits. Poor routing increases stress and shortens hose life. - Watch for Fluid Leaks or Drips
Small leaks may indicate internal damage. Addressing them immediately can prevent catastrophic failures. - Feel for Soft Spots or Bulges
Gently run your hand along the hose (while depressurized). Bulges or soft areas suggest internal breakdown or high-pressure weakening.
By training your team to perform these inspections regularly, you reduce the risk of surprise failures and create a safer work environment.
When to Replace a Hose
Knowing when to retire a hose is just as important as knowing how to inspect one. Hydraquip recommends replacement when:
- The hose has reached the manufacturer’s recommended lifespan
- Visible damage or performance issues appear
- A major contamination or system failure has occurred
- Improper storage or exposure to extreme conditions has compromised hose integrity
Replacement should never be delayed. The cost of downtime, injury, or equipment damage far outweighs the price of a new hose assembly.
Best Practices for Storage and Handling
Even when hoses are not in use, how they are stored and handled can impact safety. Hydraquip advises:
- Store hoses in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and harsh chemicals
- Avoid stacking hoses or bending them in tight coils that create permanent deformation
- Use hose reels or racks to keep hoses organized, untangled, and stress-free
Proper storage extends service life and ensures hoses are ready when needed. Safe storage is only one part of the equation, that’s why we emphasize cleanliness and quality in every assembly we build.
Hydraquip’s Commitment to Cleanliness and Quality
At Hydraquip, we follow the latest best practices in hose assembly and testing. Our facilities are ISO 9001:2008 certified, ensuring that every hose meets rigorous standards for cleanliness and reliability. Learn more about our hose and coupling capabilities here.
Want to see how proper hose crimping plays a role in long-term safety? Check out our guide on how to crimp a hydraulic hose.
Training and Certification: Raising Industry Standards
NAHAD’s Hose Safety Institute has developed detailed training and certification programs that ensure hose assemblies are fabricated, installed, and maintained according to best practices. Hydraquip supports these standards and encourages customers to take advantage of the available resources.
Training benefits include:
- Improved safety culture within organizations
- Reduced risk of accidents and liability
- Consistency in hose assembly fabrication and installation
- Stronger compliance with OSHA and other safety regulations
When companies partner with Hydraquip, they gain access to both our expertise and NAHAD’s trusted resources, ensuring that safety is always a priority.
Hydraquip’s Role in Promoting Hose Safety
As a distributor of fluid power solutions, Hydraquip does more than provide hose assemblies and fittings. We partner with customers to develop comprehensive hose safety programs that include:
- Custom hose assembly solutions built to NAHAD standards
- On-site inspections and consultation from our technical experts
- Training resources to support workforce education
- Preventive maintenance programs that reduce risk and extend hose life
Hydraquip’s commitment to safety aligns with NAHAD’s mission during Hose Safety Awareness Week and throughout the year.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hose Safety
- What causes most hose failures?
Most failures are caused by wear and tear that could have been detected during routine inspections. Common culprits include abrasion, improper routing, excessive pressure, and aging materials. - How often should hoses be inspected?
Hoses should be visually inspected before each use and thoroughly inspected on a regular schedule, depending on operating conditions. Hydraquip can help establish an inspection plan suited to your equipment. - Why is NAHAD’s Hose Safety Awareness Week important?
It brings national attention to an often-overlooked issue. HSAW reminds companies that hose safety saves lives, prevents downtime, and protects reputations.
Stay Safe, Stay Proactive
Hose safety begins with awareness, but it succeeds through consistent action. Hydraquip proudly supports NAHAD’s Hose Safety Awareness Week 2025 and encourages all companies to make hose inspection and replacement a priority.
By working with Hydraquip, you gain a partner committed to your team’s safety and your equipment’s reliability. Together, we can prevent hose failures before they happen and build safer, more efficient worksites.
Learn more about Hydraquip’s hose solutions and request support today.