Secure compressed gas cylinders in an upright position on an approved carrier while being transported. Aug 24, 2012 compressed air safety with wes swiger alex verstoppen chris dunn kelley higgins kathi dixon. Compressed air should not be used for cleaning purposes without appropriate reduction of valves 30 psi maximum. We then benchmark published good manufacturing practices as they relate to compressed air use in a food processing facility under a global food safety initiative sqf, brc, fssc22000 environment. Be equipped with a manual type sprinkler system that can be activated inside the lock. Top 12 compressed air safety guidelines mcguire air compressors. In most cases, compressed air contacts the product.
In many cases, a properly designed heat recovery unit can recover anywhere from 50 to 90 percent of this available thermal energy and put it to useful work heating air or water. Dont let this dangerous air pressure hurt you or a coworker. Did you know 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. The occupational safety and health administration osha standard 29 cfr 1910. Underground construction, caissons, cofferdams, and compressed air. Compressed air can break through skin and cause minor injuries, but if the air enters into the bloodstream, and travels to the brain or heart, stroke or heart attack symptoms can occur. Compressed gases safety training powerpoint presentations. Finally, exercise caution around any type of pressurized gas in the factory, on the job site, and even at home. 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. Fsma, haccp, and your compressed air system international.
What are the compressed air standards in the pharmaceutical. The compressed air system distributes energy in the. Benchmarking compressed air gmps for food safety compliance. This section provides information about the hazards involved with compressed air and the associated safe work practices. Compressed air and gas safety compressed air compressed air is air kept under high pressure that is used on its own and to power mechanical devices.
Compressed air safety 5 hazards to avoid creative safety. Excessive noise may cause hearing loss and rupture eardrums. Never tamper with air guns to modify them in any way. Compressed air pdf files you can use in your safety training programs. This guidance is issued by the health and safety executive. Compressed air comes out of a nozzle at a bazillion miles an hour.
Compressed air can be a killer provides several strong safety points to observe when handling compressed air. Compressed air safety ppe safety glasses face shield gloves hearing protection proper footwear risks eye injuries embolism hearing damage projectiles always wear proper ppe check condition of hoses and connectors lubricate air tools with proper oil before each use before starting check the area around you and in the direction the air is directed for other people wipe off excess fluids from the. To learn more about compressed air safety visit the website for the compressed gas association. It shows graphic footage of real injuries resulting from compressed air related machinery. On the contrary, solids and particles are present almost everywhere in the form of dust in various concentrations. Hear about how to protect people and equipment working with. All pipes, hoses, and fittings must have a rating of the maximum pressure of the compressor.
Use the proper ppe which should include eye protection and hearing protection. What types of injuries a person can suffer when cleaning the body with compressed air. This gory compressed air safety video will give workers an up close look at what can happen when safety precautions arent taken. Additional sections of this safety manual contain related policies and should be consulted for specific. Accident search results page occupational safety and. Associated guidance on the use of compressed air in relation to tyres is. Compressed air safety with wes swiger alex verstoppen chris dunn kelley higgins kathi dixon.
The trouble with compressed air workers might not think its hazardous emphasize the hazards. While compressed air normally works well with very few problems, the risks are real and very serious. Compressed air used for cleaning in the workplace can be very dangerous if the necessary precautions are not taken. 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 safety toolbox talks meeting topics. When there is a risk for particulate exposure, always wear goggles or a face shield over safety glasses to protect the eyes. Includes a description of each incident along with a short quiz. Hazards of compressed air and compressed air equipment. Never apply compressed air to the skin or direct it at a person. With all the important safety issues on your training agenda, compressed air safety might not seem like a pressing problem. Compressed air safety guidelines general information. The trouble with compressed airworkers might not think.
Even air at a pressure of 15 psig can cause serious injury. The department of labor does not endorse, takes no responsibility for, and exercises no control over the linked organization or its views, or contents, nor does it vouch for the accuracy or accessibility of the information contained on the destination server. Compressed air shall not be used for cleaning pur poses except where. Cylinders should never be stored horizontally in a vehicle.
Pressured air tanks, hoses and nozzles can be a dangerous combination if treated casually. Keeping the leakage losses to a minimum will save on compressed air generation costs,and reduce compressor operation time which can extend its life and lower maintenance costs. As the pharmaceutical industry has grown, so too has the use of compressed air for breathing air, equipment, and instrument air operation. That is the point of our facilitys policies regarding the use of compressed air and that is the point of this program. Finally, we provide several compressed air quality gmps based on those published standards. Gas cylinder safety environmental health and safety. Air compressor safety working safely with compressed air. The dangers encountered when using or being exposed to compressed air. The importance of hearing protection in areas where compressed air produces excessive noise levels. Compressed air is frequently used to blow water or dirt off of manufactured parts, similar to the way a leaf blower is used to clean a driveway. Common contaminants of compressed air or gas include solid particulates, oil vapors and aerosols, water vapor or aerosol, and viable microbial contamination. Working safely when cleaning with compressed air duke. Never use a compressed air hose to clean dirt or dust from your clothing or body.
This book aims to promote the safe use of compressed air and describes the many ways in. Trace analytics, llc is an a2la accredited laboratory specializing in compressed gas analysis for the breathing air, manufacturing, and medical gas industries worldwide. Depending on the compressed air or gas system, contamination can take several forms and have multiple sources. Be sure you are working with an air line, not a gas or water line. 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 t o o l b o x t o p i c s. But it is a very real hazard, and it certainly deserves attentionespecially since most of your workers probably dont think compressed air is dangerous. Information sheet compressed air information sheet compressed air. Lifethreatening emergency or imminent hazard to the environment 911 from cell phone. Compressed air systems 2 days offered by the compressed air challenge. 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 and potentially deadly medical condition. The usa accounts for about half of the global pharmaceutical market. This instruction should be read in conjunction with the risk assessment procedure for the air compressor. What causes threefourths of all injuries that involve compressed air.
Inspect the compressed air system regularly and after performing a proper lockout procedure repair any defects before continuing the job. For over 29 years, weve upheld the highest quality standards in the industry, delivering uncompromising quality in accordance with iso 8573, nfpa 1989, osh. It not only wastes huge amounts of compressed air but also violates osha noise and dead end pressure requirements. Wet air reduces the adsorptive capacity of the adsorbent material, reducing adsorption filter element cartridge lifetime. Compressed air safety general safety requirements for compressed air. Compressed air shall not be used for cleaning pur poses except. Compressed air safety compressed air is often misjudged and not recognized as a hazard because people often think of air as harmless. So, pay close attention as we get to the point about compressed air safety.
The hazards associated with using compressed air for cleaning purposes. Are compressed air receivers periodically drained of moisture and oil. Compressed air systems must be designed for the pressures expected. Ensuring that we use compressed air safely can prevent injuries and save lives.
The purpose of this course is to present fundamentals and general information on compressed air systems. Since all compressed air systems will have some amount of leakage, it is a good idea to set up a leak prevention program. Blowing air from a compressed air system into your mouth can cause ruptures in the lungs or stomach. Blowing air from a compressed air system into your mouth can cause ruptures in. Even harmless substances like oxygen and air can be hazardous when kept in a pressurized container, which can explode or become a deadly missile if handled carelessly. Use of compressed air for cleaning purposes this document outlines the general requirements for the safe use of compressed air for cleaning purposes. These compressed air cleanups, called blowoffs, typically include a pipe or a hose supplied with compressed air that feeds to one or more outlets or nozzles. Published in december 2010 by the workplace safety and. Compressed gas safety program ohio state university. The inappropriate use of compressed air on minesites may result in the following occupational health and safety hazards. Employees will ensure that compressed air systems are used for their intended purpose and that preuse inspection is completed prior to use.
For over 29 years, weve upheld the highest quality standards in the industry, delivering uncompromising quality in accordance with iso 8573, nfpa 1989, osha learn more. Never use compressed air to clean your clothes or body. Know the hazards of compressed air and be familiar with osha safety requirements for using compressed air tools. Compressed air corporate health and safety government. Fittings and valves look different, but sometimes hose lines cross. What precautions should be taken when using compressed air. All employees using a compressed gas cylinder must be properly trained in the safe use, handling, and storage of the cylinder. Hazards of compressed air and compressed air equipment safe. British standards can be obtained in pdf or hard copy formats from bsi. However, air pressure of less than 10 psi can cause injury if not used properly. If the air compressor is to be operated in a dangerous or hostile environment, the userclient is responsible for conducting an appropriate risk analysis and applying suitable controls to mitigate those additional risks. Information sheet compressed air safe work australia.
Risk assessment pdf ifsqn compressed air testing trace. 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. Have a few compressed air examples for group discussion. Accident search results page occupational safety and health. Must be fitted with a safety pressure relief valve, a pressure gauge, a drain valve and inspection hole or cover.
Why it is important to inspect and maintain compressed air systems, tools and equipment. Compressed air safety data sheet according to the hazardous products regulation february 11, 2015 21022017 en english 66 dot special provisions 49 cfr 172. No horseplay can be tolerated when using compressed air. Use toolbox trainings to encourage safety environmental discussions during monthly. Compressed air safety this is a leaders guide to a video of compressed air accidents. Compressed air corporate health and safety government of.
Compressed air safety compressed air is put under pressure in order to do work. Use a noise reducing air gun and wear hearing protection when peak noise levels are greater than 85 decibels. Its a hard hitting tactic for getting their attention, and. Valve protection caps must be in place when compressed gas cylinders are transported. Compressed air distribution systems compressed air distribution systems when a compressed air distribution system is properly designed, installed, operated and maintained, it is a major source of industrial power, possessing many inherent advantages. This safety note provides guidelines for the safe use of compressed air. Thank you for visiting our website you are exiting the department of labors web server. Compressed air can be used for powering pneumatic tools, transferring nonflammable liquids and under strict controlled conditions can be used for cleaning machinery and equipment. When using compressed air for cleaning purposes, ensure pressure does not exceed 30 psig per osha regulations. Compressed air is safe, economical, adaptable and easily transmitted and provides labor saving power. Also, keep up with the moffitt blog for more workplace safety tips.
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