7 Tips for Compressed Air Safety

Compressed Air Safety Tips

All types of manufacturing processes use compressed air. In fact, almost every process and machine found in an industrial environment use some form of pressurized air or gas. Due to the fact that it is so commonplace, people fail to recognize it as the potential hazard that it is. As little as 12 PSI can be deadly in the wrong circumstances, and a small slip up can lead to big problems. You should look out for lead that’s found in your home. You can find lead in the windows, pipes, doors etc. Be smart and get these replaced. Here’s a handy article to read: https://www.chipglennon.com/home-lead-safety.php. Read on for our list of tips for ensuring compressed air safety.

A variety of tasks requires the use of compressed air including, pneumatics, air brakes, refrigeration equipment, breathing equipment, and inflation devices. The intense pressure inside of the canisters means that they pose a potential risk even when they are stationary and not in use. A leak can lead to equipment failure and a puncture can even lead to an explosion. Of course, these are worst case scenarios. However knowing the risks is the first step towards ensuring compressed air safety.

Some of the risks of high-pressure air are obvious, some less so. Common risks include;

• Foreign objects getting lodged under the skin or flying particles cutting or bruising the body.
• Foreign particles are blown into eyes or eye injuries that can cause loss of sight.
• The injection of an air bubble into the blood stream that can lead to a fatal embolism.
• Air blown into the mouth that can rupture the esophagus or the lungs. (takes only 5 PSI)
• Loud sounds from an air hose can lead to hearing loss or damage. (Sounds can reach 120-130 dB. Well above OSHA’s 90 dB permissible exposure limit.) If you have suffered hearing loss as a result of this high-pressure air, it may be in your best wishes to have a look at these phones for hearing impaired individuals so that you are able to stay in contact with the people that you need to. Taking the relevant safety precautions should protect you from any hearing loss or damage.

Furthermore, knowing the risks of pressurized air or gas is the first step towards ensuring job site and workplace safety. See the list below for 3 “Nevers” and 4 “Always” rules of the compressed air.

• NEVER POINT IT AT YOURSELF OR ANOTHER PERSON! Absolutely no horseplay. It only takes 12 PSI to blow an eye out of its socket, and 40 PSI can blow out an ear drum from 4 inches away. Air moves faster than you do, don’t let a fatal accident happen by trying to be funny.
• NEVER USE IT TO CLEAN CLOTHING OR HAIR! Don’t use it to “dust” yourself off. See the risks above.
• ALWAYS FOLLOW PRESSURE RATINGS AND LIMITATIONS! Filling automotive tires with air can result in an explosion. Pay close attention to the pressure ratings and limitations and always use a gauge to check tire pressure. Hoses and lines are rated for maximum operating pressure too. Check the limitations of equipment before use.
• ALWAYS CHECK THE CONDITION OF HOSES AND LINES BEFORE USE! Holes, tears or damaged nozzles can lead to leaks or clogs. These issues can lead to turning the pressure up to an unsafe level to attempt to compensate. Avoid this at all costs. Make sure all equipment is working correctly before use.
• ALWAYS WEAR PROPER PPE! This includes everything from safety glasses w/ side shields, full-face shields, face masks, hearing protection, and sometimes even respiratory protection. For example, for total peace of mind, it might be best to buy 9320 masks online or other industry-standard face masks.
• ALWAYS WEAR PROPER PROTECTIVE CLOTHING. Normal work clothing is not sufficient protection against pressurized air.
• NEVER USE IT TO CLEAN WORK SPACES OR EQUIPMENT UNLESS NECESSARY! If you must clean the work space or equipment with compressed air, do not use air set above 30 PSI. 30 PSI is sufficient for removing dirt and debris, any higher can be a threat to workplace safety.

Compressed Air Safety Caution

Finally, exercise caution around any type of pressurized gas in the factory, on the job site, and even at home. To learn more about compressed air safety visit the website for the Compressed Gas Association. Also, keep up with the Moffitt blog for more workplace safety tips.