What is the first safety precaution that must be taken before disassembling an accumulator?

The first safety precaution when disassembling an accumulator is to release all of the air or preload. Accumulators are designed to store energy in the form of pressurized gas, which can be very dangerous if not properly handled. Releasing the air or gas preload ensures that the accumulator is depressurized and mitigates the risk of a sudden release of pressure that could cause injury or damage during disassembly.

Properly preloading the accumulator is crucial because even a small amount of remaining pressure can lead to hazardous situations. It’s essential to handle this step with great caution to ensure safety before performing any further tasks such as disconnecting hydraulic lines or draining fluid, as these actions are typically secondary to the primary concern of managing the accumulator's pressure.