Compressed Air Safety - Employer and Employee Responsibilities
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Compressed Air Safety - Employer and Employee Responsibilities

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Compressed air is a safe, reliable form of power.

It is flexible, odourless and non-toxic, but it can be dangerous if not used responsibly. Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, the employer has a responsibility to provide a safe working environment and the employee, in the case of compressed air, has a responsibility to use air operated tools and equipment in a safe manner to protect his/her own safety as well as that of work colleagues.

Key hazards within a compressed air system:

  • The accidental release of high-pressure air, resulting from equipment failure, or the use of air supply equipment in the wrong, untrained or unaware hands, can have potentially fatal consequences.
  • Noise from compressed air leaks and pneumatic machinery.
  • Hand arm vibration from pneumatic tools (this is also a hazard with electric tools).
  • Hot discharge pipes.
  • Moving parts of compressor.
  • Exposed drive shafts and belts.
  • Trip hazards from trailing hoses.
  • There are several types of health problems which can be caused by working in compressed air.

Do...

  • Take care, compressed air injected into the skin at any pressure can kill.
  • Wear personal protective equipment where required, e.g., one or more of: safety goggles, ear defenders, face mask, gloves.
  • Select low vibration tools from reputable suppliers.
  • Check hoses on air tools for cracks or loose connections.
  • Make sure you have proper training on all pneumatic equipment you use.
  • Report any hazards or unsafe practices.
  • Remember that everyone, including you, has a responsibility for safety.
  • Remember blowguns should only be used for cleaning purposes where the use of vacuum is not possible or appropriate. Very serious injuries, sometimes fatal, have occurred when the nozzle of the gun has been pointed towards the body, even at some distance from it. Many of the injuries occur when clothing is dusted down and because of this compressed air should never be used for cleaning clothing. Others are the result of horseplay.
  • Maintain your system as required by the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 (PSSR).
  • Consider the replacement of quick release couplings with a 2-stage safety coupling.

Don’t...

  • Point a compressed air jet at any part of anyone’s body.
  • Block the end of a blow gun even if it has a cut-out safety mechanism.
  • Use compressed air for general cleaning purposes such as work benches or clothes.
  • Interfere or tamper with any safety devices fitted to equipment.
  • Use pneumatic equipment unless you have been trained.
  • Use blow guns without personal protective equipment even at 2 bar damage can still occur.

More information regarding the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 can be found on https://www.hse.gov.uk/legislation/hswa.htm 

If you would more information or advice, please do not hesitate to follow the link to send us an email at sales@air4ultd.co.uk