In many canadian jurisdictions, cleaning with compressed air is not allowed by law. Compressed air used for cleaning must only be permitted with effective chip guarding and personal protective. Pointing a compressed air nozzle at someone or using compressed air to clean yourself off is strictly prohibited. Air under pressure is delivered via a regulator, airline and air hoses to air tools and equipment. Includes a description of each incident along with a. To do the online course is the most cost effective measure you can do to achieve results both short and long term. Trace analytics, llc is an a2la accredited laboratory specializing in compressed gas analysis for the breathing air, manufacturing, and medical gas industries worldwide. Full guide to air compressor safety last updated on. Air, compressed safety data sheet p4560 this sds conforms to u. For over 29 years, weve upheld the highest quality standards in the industry, delivering uncompromising quality in accordance with iso 8573, nfpa 1989, osha learn more. Compressed air may be stored in cylinders and air receivers or generated by compressors.
Compressed air pipelines should be identified psi as to maximum working pressure. Have a few compressed air examples for group discussion. Reflecting the volatility of compressed air, this guidance promotes greater safety knowledge and is addressed to compressor designers, manufacturers, installers and users. Observe the following precautions when using compressed air. What causes threefourths of all injuries that involve compressed air. Highpressure, compressed air can and has punctured and ripped skin and muscle.
The jetblack safety range are a safe alternative to compressed air, using less energy and emitting less noise than compressed air units. The instructions recommended within this document apply to normal risk conditions. Compressed air safety compressed air is often misjudged and not recognized as a hazard because people often think of air as harmless. Users of compressed air should be aware of the hazards, such as. The enclosed occupational safety and health administration osha standard 29 cfr 1910. This is a leaders guide to a video of compressed air accidents. Handling, storage, and use of compressed gas cylinders. Hazards of compressed air and compressed air equipment. Mar 29, 2017 home resources and publications guidance materials information sheet compressed air. Compressed air is widely used in both domestic and commercial situations.
The goal of the compressed air training is to achieve direct results in the areas of energy savings, environment, safety and the working environment. So, pay close attention as we get to the point about compressed air safety. Safe operating procedure compressed air sop0002 version 1. You must also have effective chip guarding and proper ppe osha standard 1910. Things you should know before handling or transporting compressed gas cylinders did you know that all compressed gases are labeled. That is the point of our facilitys policies regarding the use of compressed air and that is the point of this program. In a perfect world where people practiced common sense, this hazard would not be present. Hazards of compressed air and compressed air equipment safe. Compressed air is often misjudged and not recognized as a hazard because people. Dont use compressed air to pressurize a vessel, such as to empty oil from a gearbox, as these vessels arent designed to handle high pressures.
Business leaders want to make sure their employees are safe, maintain high morale among their workforce and reduce the. Compressed air safety starts with a preuse inspection. Compressed air used for cleaning in the workplace can be very dangerous if the necessary precautions are not taken. Consult the air products safety data sheet sds and safetygrams for safety information on the gases and equipment you will be using. There are many times when people use the compressed air hoses as something like a toy, which can actually cause many serious injuries. The occupational safety and health administration osha standard 29 cfr 1910. Most pneumatic tools, including air guns, require 80120 psi to operate effectively and to do useful work. Dont dry bearings using compressed air, as doing so can cause excessive rotations speeds that can cause bearings to explode. Air compressor safety working safely with compressed air. Also, be sure to wear the proper safety gear for the job.
Compressed air is frequently used to blow water or dirt off of manufactured parts, similar to the way a leaf blower is used to clean a driveway. In fact, almost every process and machine found in an industrial environment use some form of pressurized air or gas. Accident search results page occupational safety and. Reference to cleaning may also be included with specific. Even at 30 psi the nozzle of a compressed air hose can be dangerous. Check hoses carefully for indications of cuts, cracks or other damage. Apr 03, 2012 compressed air can be a significant employee safety concern. If used incorrectly, compressed air systems have the potential to cause serious and permanent injuries.
Provides several strong safety points to observe when handling compressed air. The following precautions pertain to the use of compressed air in machine shops. A guide to the work in compressed air regulations 1996. Occupational exposure limits, if available, are listed in section 8. Compressed air safety compressed air is put under pressure in order to do work. Accident search results page occupational safety and health.
Select equipment suitable for the pressure being used. All pipes, hoses, and fittings must have a rating of the maximum pressure of the compressor. It is flexible, odourless and non toxic, but it can be dangerous if not used responsibly. Compressed air can cause serious injuries if used incorrectly. And never, under any circumstances, use compressed air to blow off your clothing, skin, or other body parts. Each employer must determine that compressed gas cylinders under hisher control are in a safe working condition to the. Compressed air distribution systems compressed air distribution systems when a compressed air distribution system is properly designed, installed, operated and maintained, it is a major source of industrial power, possessing many inherent advantages. Compressed air safety safety toolbox talks meeting topics. Weekly safety meeting compressed air safety safety.
Safe use of compressed air do not play practical jokes or be involved in horseplay with compressed air it can. Compressed gas association pamphlet p11965, covers inplant handling, storage, and use of all compressed gas cylinders, portable tanks, or motor vehicle cargo. Mixture any concentration shown as a range is to protect confidentiality or is due to batch variation. Know that compressed air can kill you and others if not handled properly. Air forced into body tissues through the skin can cause an air embolism air bubbles in the blood stream which can be fatal if it reaches the heart, lungs, or brain. Compressed air safety page 5 of 50 health and safety executive introduction 1 this guidance booklet aims to promote the safe use of compressed air by giving advice to designers, manufacturers, installers, users and others concerned with or responsible for health and safety at work. It is safe to clean your body with compressed air as long as your hose is equipped with an approved nozzle. Compressed air is a valuable utility and is a safe power source when used properly. Though rare, air that is injected into the blood stream can cause an embolism air bubble in the veins. Cleaning machinery and equipment with compressed air should be done only when safety procedures are set up for trained employees using the proper equipment. If you must clean with compressed air, do not use air that is set above 30 psi. The compressed air system distributes energy in the. As an air liquide company, the world leader in gases, technology and services for industry and health, airgas offers customers an unrivaled global footprint and industryleading technology and innovations. With regard to vehicles, if pressure gauges are displaying incorrect information, a customers tires.
Did you know air forced into body tissues through the skin can cause an air embolism air bubbles in the blood stream which can be fatal if it reaches the heart, lungs, or. Dangers of compressed air air control industries ltd. Barriers and ppe are not necessary when using compressed air to clean equipment or when clearing lines. The inappropriate use of compressed air on minesites may result in the following occupational health and safety hazards. Compressed air safety 5 hazards to avoid creative safety. Compressed air shall not be used for cleaning pur poses except. The side ports prevent the full velocity and force of the compressed air from causing an injury.
Compressed air is present across just about every industry. Safety should be the priority in any workplace environment, whether its a construction site, a factory or another setting. Compressed air can be a significant employee safety concern. Due to the fact that it is so commonplace, people fail to recognize it as the potential hazard that it is. Today, most safety air gun nozzles have side ports that allow you to clean at higher pressures, such as 90 psi, but do not exceed 30 psi if the nozzles discharge end is blocked also called dead ended. Compressed air is often misjudged and not recognized as a hazard because people often think of air as harmless. It is safe to clean your body with compressed air as long as your. Before using any compressed air hose, fitting, tool or equipment it must be inspected it to make sure everything is in good working condition. Cotton clothing is not a barrier to compressed air. Ensuring that we use compressed air safely can prevent injuries and save lives. The dangers encountered when using or being exposed to compressed air. Using compressed air for cleaning an employees body and. True or false compressed air should never be used to clean a persons skin or clothing.
Can compressed air greater than 30 psi be used for industrial purposes. Use toolbox trainings to encourage safety environmental discussions during monthly. Compressed air can be used for powering pneumatic tools, transferring nonflammable liquids and under strict controlled conditions can be used for cleaning machinery and equipment. Like all forms of stored energy, compressed air presents real hazards. These compressed air cleanups, called blowoffs, typically include a pipe or a hose supplied with compressed air. Compressed air is safe, economical, adaptable and easily transmitted and provides labor. Physical hazards of compressed gas cylinders pressure weight stability mechanical failure movement. Emphasis is on raising awareness of headline dangers of air compression use, eg orificial bodily entry, skin penetration, explosions and optical damage caused by particles.
Top 12 compressed air safety guidelines mcguire air compressors files943922uploadedcompressed%20air%20safety%20guidelinesposter. Information sheet compressed air safe work australia. These compressed air cleanups, called blowoffs, typically include a pipe or a hose supplied with compressed air that feeds to one or more outlets or nozzles. Compressed air safety general safety requirements for compressed air. Know and understand the properties, uses, and safety precautions before using any gas or gas mixture.
The blowerdriven systems delivers a high volume of air at a relatively low pressure only 2. Alberta, newfoundland, prince edward island, quebec, and saskatchewan specifically mention that compressed air shall not be used to clean clothes, or in other situations cleaning a person, machinery, work benches, etc. The compressed gas safety manual was created to ensure the safe use of compressed gases and all associated equipment by depaul university employees and students, and to ensure compliance with applicable osha and industry consensus standards. However, they must have a relief device or air port within the system that will drop the pressure to under 30 psi if the air system becomes dead ended. If the air compressor is to be operated in a dangerous or hostile environment, the userclient is responsible. Never use a compressed air hose to clean dirt or dust from your clothing or body.
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