The program is designed to suit any work environment where compressed air is used, and provide people with a practical understanding of how compressed air works and why it is dangerous. Some compressed gases, such as silane and diborane, are pyrophoric they can ignite spontaneously in air. General compressed air is an energy source, used throughout industry for various purposes. Compressed air that hits an eye can blow the eyeball from its socket, and compressed air blown into an ear can rupture the eardrum. The dangers of using compressed air to clean up combustible dust. Compressed air safety safety toolbox talks meeting topics. When released through a hose, the pressurized air from the air compressor has several purposes. Unfortunately easy access to compressed air lines in factories and warehouses means that these dangers are often. Compressed air is not suitable for cleaning clothing or human skin. What precautions should be taken when using compressed air. Compressed air can enter the body through the navel, even through a layer of clothing, and rupture the intestines. As such, compressed air systems are never suitable for blowing dust or debris off of clothes or bare skin. Even air at a pressure of 15 psig can cause serious injury. Never use compressed air to clean dirt or dust from your clothing or body.
Many people or everyday users may be unaware of these risks, making the use of canned air even more dangerous. Dangers of compressed air acis jetblack system is powered by a blower and delivers a large volume of air with a relatively low pressure. Safety toolbox topic on the dangers of compressed air and ways to prevent accidents and injuries when dealing with them compressed air safety safety toolbox talks meeting topics s a f e t y. But the potential energy in compressed air could turn the air compressor into a highpressure air gun or an explosive bomb if used or maintained improperly. Only use it at 30 psi or less, and then only with goggles, a face shield or approved safety glasses. Second, the compressed air itself is also a serious hazard. Reflecting the volatility of compressed air, this guidance promotes greater safety knowledge and is addressed to compressor designers, manufacturers, installers and users. Compressed air can enter the bloodstream and cause an embolism with serious to fatal consequences. While compressed air normally works well with very few problems, the risks are real and very serious.
When using shop air for cleaning purposes, dont exceed 15 psi without the aid of a nozzle. It is recommended that manual drain valves should be full bore. Pneumatic tools are capable of generating static energy, and must therefore be grounded whenever activated. Provides several strong safety points to observe when handling compressed air. Just 12 pounds of compressed air pressure can easily blow an eye right out of its socket. The dangers of cleaning with compressed air although its a very bad practice to use compressed air for cleaning dust and debris from machinery, workshop surfaces and clothes etc. Workers are tempted to use compressed air for dusting and cleaning, but at high pressure, this can be dangerous. 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. Nov 29, 20 this video is a gory version of a compressed air safety training video. Compressed air can enter the body where the skin is not present i.
Potential hazards of compressed air energy storage in depleted natural gas reservoirs mark c. The large amount of air pressurizes due to the limited space available for the air to reside. Hazards of compressed air and compressed air equipment. Compressed gas safety environment, health and safety.
Information sheet compressed air safe work australia. It can be difficult to understand that air can be dangerous. Know the hazards of compressed air and be familiar with osha safety requirements for using compressed air tools. Jun 17, 2019 huffing canned air can cause an immediate rush of euphoria as well as possible hallucinations and delusions. This allows you to safely direct the jetblack to any part of your body except eyes and ears. For example, phosphines autoignition temperature of 100c 212f is low enough that it could be ignited by a steam pipe or a lit light bulb. This is a leaders guide to a video of compressed air accidents. It can also break the skin and cause air pockets to form inside the body, which can be extremely dangerous. Compressed air pipelines should be identified psi as to maximum working pressure. Introduction compressed air is sometimes characterized as the. Top 12 compressed air safety guidelines mcguire air compressors. Figure 7 compressor air cooler hazards of compressed air people often lack respect for the power in compressed air because air is so common and is often viewed as harmless. But remember, you could be doing more damage than good. Never use a compressed air hose to clean dirt or dust from your clothing or body.
Make sure others are well out of range of flying debris when using such equipment. Hazards of compressed air and compressed air equipment flying particles and debris can result in eye injuries, cutsscrapes or other significant injuries to almost any body part. Compressed air safety general safety requirements for compressed air. Compressed air powers many different kinds of devices. Many people are unaware of the risks of blowing with compressed air. Compressed gases can cause fires, explosions, oxygen deficient atmospheres, toxic gas exposures as well as the innate physical hazard associated with cylinders under high pressure. Aug 28, 2014 the storage of heavierthan air compressed gases such as liquefied, and cryogenic gases, should take into account the dangers of gas collecting in lowlying areas such as drains, basements and ducts. There have also been reports of hearing damage caused by the pressure of compressed air and by its sound. The following precautions pertain to the use of compressed air in machine shops.
Working safely when cleaning with compressed air duke safety. Compressed air pipelines should be identified psi as to maximum. As an energy source it must be treated with the same respect as electricity, if it is not used correctly it can be fatal. They also sell videos on the subject of compressed gases.
Many flammable compressed gases are heavier than air. Remember, it doesnt take too much air pressure to cause these types of injuries. The advantages of air power will be discussed further in the proceeding pages. Some very graphic images of what can happen when someone uses an air compressor incorrectly. Air coolers are used because drier compressed air helps prevent corrosion and cooler compressed air allows more air to be compressed for a set volume. Compressed air is an energy source, used throughout industry for. Lets look at how to avoid 9 dangers of compressed air. Special storage, use, handling and disposal procedures are necessary to ensure the safety of researchers using these chemicals and equipment. Cooper abstract this report is a preliminary assessment of the ignition and explosion potential in a depleted hydrocarbon reservoir from air cycling associated with compressed air energy storage. Hazards of compressed gases physical and health hazards are present with use of compressed gases.
Compressed air may be stored in cylinders and air receivers or generated by compressors. Whenever providing employees with compressed air safety training, the most important thing is to make sure they all recognize the seriousness of the risks that are there. With locations in tennessee, virginia, and north carolina, we are able to assist with your compressor needs right away. Noise reducing mufflers can be fitted to machines to lessen the noise health hazard. Compressed air safety 5 hazards to avoid creative safety. Safety codes and regulations should be followed when working with compressed air. 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. Air pressure of 40 pounds can drive chips and other particles into the eyes and face with the force of shrapnel. An air compressor is a mechanical device used to pull large amounts of air into a cylinder. Never apply compressed air to the skin or direct it at a person. Read how it is possible to lower the noise level, prevent occupational injuries and improve efficiency, when blowing with compressed air. In its original state, compressed air consists of regular air, but it is no longer regular air when it has. The effects of huffing may also be paralyzing, interfering with a persons ability to move normally or even move at all. Use leather or pvc or similar aprons where there is a risk of contact with compressed air.
In the united states, workplace safety is regulated by occupational safety and health administration osha regulations. Air hoses should not be placed where they will create tripping hazards. The compressed gas association cga offers publications on handling compressed gases, such as, pamphlet p1, safe handling of compressed gases in containers. Free shipping on eligible orders and 3 more promotions. Hi there, im dan clark of the safety brief, tackling health and safety hazards in todays demanding industrial and construction worksites.
However, compressed air is under pressure and can cause harm and bodily damage if not respected. When compressed air is blown into the mouth, the lungs, stomach or intestines can rupture. Working with compressed air what you need to know envico. Many safety measures exist, but the risk around compressed air is often underestimated. Potential hazards of compressed air energy storage in. Air blow guns, air nozzles and air knives are used in industry, every day. Air compressor safety working safely with compressed air. All pipes, hoses, and fittings must have a rating of the maximum pressure of the compressor. Nov 16, 20 as well, compressed air pointed towards an eyeball can blow it out of its socket, and the ejection force from these canisters can rupture an eardrum. An air bubble in the blood stream is known medically as an embolism, a dangerous medical condition in which a blood vessel is blocked, in this case, by an air bubble. First, compressed air is itself is a serious hazard. Compressed air dangers with so many whs issues to consider, compressed air might not seem a high priority, but it is a serious, life threatening hazard that deserves critical attention especially as many people dont realise how dangerous compressed air is.
It has been known for compressed air to enter the blood stream through a break in the skin or through a body opening. An air compressor is wonderful piece of equipment that, as a single source of energy, provides power to a versatile array of tools. By increasing peoples awareness of the dangers of compressed air the risk of injuries can be reduced and workplace safety can be improved. High pressure air can result in air injection into the body leading to potential injuries such as air embolism, ruptured ear. In fact there are numerous hazards associated with the use of compressed air, and accidents and. The inappropriate use of compressed air on minesites may result in the following occupational health and safety hazards. Compressed air is a very useful utility in the workplace and it can be employed in a number of ways within an industrial facility. Hazards of compressed air and compressed air equipment safe. Have a few compressed air examples for group discussion. The unseen dangers of air compressors air compressor tips. Compressed air is often misjudged and not recognized as a hazard because people often think of air as harmless. Dizziness, loss of inhibitions, inability to make sound decisions, and slurred speech are common results of huffing. Dangers of blowing with air blow guns for compressed air. Compressed gas cylinders must by law display hazard warning signs to increase safety awareness and help minimise risk of.
The dangers encountered when using or being exposed to compressed air. Compressed air entering the bloodstream through a break in the skin or through a body opening can create an air bubble embolism, which is a dangerous. This guide manual provides information on the safe use and. Compressed air creates four main hazards, some of them deadly. Opolar cordless air duster for computer cleaning, replaces compressed spray gas cans, rechargeable 6000mah battery, powerful 33000 rpm, 10w fast charging, handy and efficient for electronics. The trouble with compressed airworkers might not think its. Mar 29, 2017 home resources and publications guidance materials information sheet compressed air. As little as 12 pounds of compressed air pressure can blow an eye out of its socket. Flying particles can also cause cuts and bruises to other parts of the body. Click here to view a video about stored energy from pennsylvania state universitys agricultural safety and health program. As a general rule, there are three risks associated with this. Compressed air is a concentrated stream of air at high pressure and high speed that can cause serious injury to the operator and the people around him. Includes a description of each incident along with a. May 17, 2019 never point a compressedair nozzle or pressurewasher nozzle toward a person, including yourself.