Compressed Air Safety: Is Compressed Air Dangerous?
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Compressed Air Safety: Is Compressed Air Dangerous?

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Is Compressed Air dangerous? If used incorrectly, yes it can be. Below are a few simple tips to keep you safe. 

Do:

  • Take care as compressed air injected into or aimed at the skin, at any pressure, can penetrate the skin and in extreme circumstances kill!
  • All employees who are using Compressed Air should wear proper eye protection as well as hearing protection.
  • Make sure you have had training on the task being carried out.
  • Carry out Risk Assessments. 
  • Know the system limitation and pressure restrictions.
  • Report any potential hazards or unsafe practices.
  • All Compressed Air Equipment should be kept in good working condition. Inspect it regularly, and perform any maintenance as soon as possible.
  • Check hoses. Air Tool hoses, in particular, can crack in warm temperatures and connections become damaged. Use crimp connections instead of worm drive clips.
  • Ensure you have a WRITTEN SCHEME OF EXAMINATION in place and that items are being regularly inspected. ttps://www.air4ultd.co.uk/what-is-a-written-scheme-of-examination/
  • And if the operators are breathing the Compressed Air, you must deliver the air quality required by BS EN 12021.

Do not:

  • Fool around with blow guns. Blocking the end of a blow gun, even if it has a safety nozzle, is still dangerous.
  • Use it to 'dust yourself off'.
  • Use blow guns without the correct P.P.E.
  • Use Pneumatic Equipment unless trained.
  • Use air directly from a Compressor for breathing purposes, unless the system has been designed for breathing air and tested on a regular basis. https://www.air4ultd.co.uk/is-the-air-from-your-compressor-safe-to-breathe/ 
  • Use hoses and fitting not rated for the maximum pressure of the Compressor.
  • Leave hoses lying across the floor or aisles, where they are liable to cause personnel to trip and fall. When possible, air supply hoses should be suspended overhead, or otherwise, located to afford efficient access and protection against damage. 

 

To talk to one of our team about your Compressed Air, requirements, please call 01903 257117 or email enquiries@air4ultd.co.uk