SATURDAY TOOLBOX TALK

Compressed Air Safety

Date: 13.04.2024 Dept.: All Departments
Introduction:-
Compressed air tools are commonly used in many workplaces. Many workers take them for granted, ignoring the
hazards involved in their use. Compressed air is not "just air." It's a directed flow of pressurized air propelled at a
high velocity, which can cause serious injury or death to its operator or persons in the immediate area.
CAUTION: SERIOUS INJURY MAY OCCUR!

Did you Know:-

 Air forced into body tissues through the skin can cause an air embolism (air bubbles in the
bloodstream) which can be fatal if it reaches the heart, lungs, or brain.
 Inflation injuries of the intestine can be caused by air being directed at private body areas.
 Air blown into the mouth at only 5 PSI can rupture the esophagus or the lungs.
 Eye and ear injuries can occur from a blast of air or flying particles. These types of eye
and ear injures can cause partial or total loss of sight or hearing.
 The sound from a compressed air hose can reach 120-130 dB which is well above 90 dB
permissible exposure limit.
 40 PSI can blow out an ear drum from 4 inches away and possibly cause brain damage.
 As little as 12 PSI can blow an eye out of its socket!
 Flying particles can cause cuts and bruises to any part of the body.

To prevent accidental injury when working with compressed air, here are several
precautions to follow:
 Hoses and lines should be rated to meet the maximum operating pressure of the equipment.
 Always wear proper Personal Protective Equipment:
 Safety glasses with side shields and a face shield if needed
 Hearing protection
 Respiratory protection, depending on the material(s) being worked with
 NEVER USE COMPRESSED AIR TO CLEAN CLOTHING OR HAIR!
 NEVER POINT COMPRESSED AIR AT YOURSELF OR ANOTHER PERSON!
 Before operating an air hose, examine all connections to make sure they are
tight and will not come loose under pressure. Whip Checks must be installed in
the fully extended position (no slack) for proper safety assurance. The proper
size whip check must be selected for the specific hose diameter.
 Check the air hose carefully to make sure it is in good condition before opening
the valve to let air into the hose; when the job if finished, turn off the valves on
both the tool and the airline.
 Hold the nozzle when turning the air on or off.
 Before turning on the air pressure, make sure that dirt from machinery will not
be blown onto other workers.
 Don't kink the hose to stop the airflow; always turn off the air and the control valve.
 Continuously check the condition of a compressed air tool and the air hose for damage or signs of failure.
 Never point a compressed air hose nozzle at any part of your body or another person.
 Never use compressed air for a practical joke.
 Keep air hoses out of aisle ways where they can be damaged by traffic or be a tripping hazard.

Towards Zero Harm to People & Environment