Did you know that if compressed air enters your bloodstream through physical contact it can cause symptoms that closely resemble a heart attack or stroke?
It’s important that you make sure every employee fully understands how to operate, activate, and handle all machinery to avoid this scary scenario.
Here are 5 essential safety tips for how to use compressed air that your team should be familiar with.
1. Always Use Saftey Gloves and Goggles
Compressed air gets into the bloodstream when it manages to get under the skin. There have also been plenty of reports of employees sustaining serious eye damage from it.
To protect against this, always use impact-resistant safety gloves and goggles.
2. Check Your Hoses
Before you get started, make sure all hose fittings are as tight as possible. Loose fittings can not only affect the compressor’s performance but also cause personal and equipment damage.
Clean all hoses of dirt and debris. This will extend the life of your machine and the hose.
3. Important Maintenance Tips
You will need to perform regular maintenance on the machine. Avoid changing or adding oil to the compressor when it’s running, or has been used recently. Doing this will help you avoid the risk of smoke or fire.
Get into the habit of checking for oil and air leaks before each use of the machine. Even if it’s a small leak it can still cause the hose or other components to blow.
If you do find a leak, don’t use the compressor again until it’s been fixed.
4. Use Your Air Compressor Outdoors
You should use your air compressor outdoors unless it’s powered electrically. Gas compressors produce toxic fumes
If you use it indoors you will run the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Never directly inhale the air, or you run the risk of this as well. If you or one of your employees notice the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning, turn off the machine immediately and call 911.
5. Pay Attention to Electrical Outlets
The machine needs to be plugged into a properly grounded outlet. If the electrical circuits aren’t grounded, you may damage the electrical panel or start a fire.
Check your manual for the recommended extension cord length. Having one that is longer than the manual suggests can cause a loss of power and damage the panel as well.
6. Use Your Tools Smartly
Never point tools near your face or body in general. This will help you avoid serious personal injury to your skin and eyes.
Make sure you don’t pull the trigger while you’re in the middle of turning on the compressor and never put your hand at the end of the tool.
Just like in your high school science lab, you want to put your hair up and keep any baggy clothing away from parts of the tools.
Essential Safety Tips on How To Use Compressed Air
Air compressors can be helpful and powerful machines to use in the workplace, but like all other machines, they can be dangerous. Make sure all of your employees are aware of how to use compressed air, or tragedy can ensue.
It is very possible that if you don’t fix your air compressor in the right way, you can cause it to blow. For tips on how to avoid this unfortunate scenario, check out our blog.
Have any questions in regards to compressor safety? Or need help finding the right air compressor for your needs?
Give us a call at 830-257-5006 or email sales@max-air.com. We’d be happy to help!