What is the best practice when working with flexible hoses?

The best practice when working with flexible hoses is to confirm they are free from kinks and abrasions. Ensuring that hoses are in good condition is crucial for maintaining safety and functionality. Kinks can restrict flow and lead to increased wear on the hose material, while abrasions can compromise the structural integrity of the hose, potentially leading to leaks or failures during operation. Regularly checking hoses for these issues helps to prevent accidents and ensures that they can effectively handle the required pressures and conditions.

Regarding the other options, reusing hoses without inspection can lead to undetected damage, which poses a serious risk. Storing hoses in a dry place is beneficial, but it does not address the immediate need to check their physical condition before use. Using hoses rated for lower pressures compromises safety, as they may not withstand the demands of operations involving higher pressures, leading to potential failures. Thus, confirming the condition of flexible hoses is the most critical practice to uphold safety standards when working with them.