Air compressors are essential to your business, but they can also become a safety hazard when used improperly. Reading your owner’s manual and following all proper safety precautions before use is vital in keeping your compressor in great, working condition. Place your compressor in an ideal location that has clean, dry inlet air. Perform a routine safety check before each use of your air compressor. Always wear eye protection and hearing protection when operating your air compressor. Loose fittings can hinder the performance of your compressor and/or cause damage. Do not use air directly from a compressor for breathing purposes unless the system has been designed specifically for breathing air.
Air compressors are commonly used in workplaces that require the use of pressurized air. Medium-pressure air compressors discharge air at 151 to 1,000 psi. High-pressure air compressors discharge air at over 1,000 psi. As with any powered machinery, it’s important to follow some basic safety tips when using an air compressor to prevent bodily injury. Ideally, you should use an air compressor with a self-retracting cord. Try to get into the habit of checking your air compressor for both oil and air leaks each time before using it. If you find a leak – either oil or air – do not use the air compressor until it has been fixed.
We had a good time, but every single one of the pneumatic models would be useless were it not for the unsung hero of that particular shootout: the air compressor. Not everyone knows how to use an air compressor properly, however. If you’re just learning how to use an air compressor, don’t stress out. No matter the size, before you fire up your air compressor, check the manual to make sure your compressor uses oil, and where it goes. If the compressor has air in it, some will release as you lock the hose in place and you’ll feel it push back. Often, air compressors that have a duty cycle of less than 100% will tell you specifically how much time it can run. Turn the pressure regulator knob to switch off the hose’s air supply and turn off the compressor.
how to safely use an air compressor Related Question:
Is it safe to use air compressor?
Air compressors are useful for many jobs, but they can also become dangerous when not maintained properly or misused. Compressor machines, hoses, pneumatic tools and electric connections can all pose hazards in the workplace. Air compressor accidents could potentially cause harm to workers and machinery.
What should you not do with an air compressor?
DON’T wear jewellery or loose clothing when operating your air compressor as they can become entangled cause injury. Do not wear short-sleeve shirts or work trousers when working near your compressor, and be sure to always wear sturdy shoes to protect your feet.
How do air compressors explode?
Air compressor explosions are most commonly caused by substantial corrosion of the compressor tank. Excessive condensation leads to corrosion, and you can avoid this outcome by monitoring and servicing the compressor and its auxiliary components.
Where should I place my air compressor?
Your air compressor should always be accessible for servicing. A rule of thumb is to place your compressor somewhere that allows a minimum of a three-foot radius around the unit. This allows doors on any side of your compressor to open fully, meaning different components can be changed during servicing.
Do air compressors give off carbon monoxide?
Compressed air can be used to supply clean breathing air to respiratory protective equipment. However, there is a risk that the air supplied by compressors powered by internal combustion engines can be contaminated with harmful gases and substances, including carbon monoxide.
Are air compressors flammable?
A high-pressure explosion: Because the air in an air compressor itself is highly flammable and highly pressurized, any combustion caused by a malfunction in the air compressor system can lead to a fiery explosion.
Can air compressor catch fire?
Risk of fire or explosion with air compressor motor Electrical contacts within the air compressor motor or pressure switch can spark, creating a risk for fire or explosion. Serious overheating caused by the restriction of ventilation openings in the air compressor also poses a risk of fire.
What PPE should always be worn when working with compressed air?
ALWAYS WEAR PROPER PPE! This includes everything from safety glasses w/ side shields, full-face shields, face masks, hearing protection, and sometimes even respiratory protection.
When using compressed air do you need to distance yourself from the nozzle and equipment?
The air should be blown around the components with a minimum distance of three to four inches from the nozzle. When we try to clean our pc or laptop we need to always make sure to maintain a distance of at least three to four inches or about 10 cms between the air source and the device.
Can air compressors be used indoors?
– Do not use gas air compressors indoors. – Always wear eye protection and hearing protection when operating your air compressor. – Do not add or change the oil or fuel in your compressor while the unit is running or has recently been used. Your compressor could potentially catch fire while doing so.
Do air compressors need to be grounded?
I just started reading the manual and it states, “Serious injury or death could occur if compressor is not properly grounded Make sure the air compressor is plugged into a properly grounded outlet which provides correct voltage and adequate fuse protection.”
Can air compressor tanks explode?
There have been incidents where the air holding tank of a compressor explodes. Although manufacturing defects can caused a tank to explode, the leading cause of air compressor tank rupture is corrosion of the tank from water condensate.
How often should you drain your air compressor?
It is recommended that you drain your tank daily, whether it is manually or automatically. Water build up in your tank can cause the bottom of your tank to rust forcing you to invest in a new tank. If you find yourself forget about draining your tank, you should look into purchasing an electronic drain valve.
Can a rusted air compressor tank explode?
Rust. If the tank is not drained daily, liquid can accumulate in the bottom of the tank over time. This liquid can corrode the bottom interior of the tank, eventually leading to the air pressure inside rupturing the weakened metal and causing an explosion.
Is it OK to leave air compressor outside?
Moving your compressor outside can be done, however it does come at a risk to your business and your compressor. If you do decide to install it outside, please make sure to keep it covered, insulate your machine & regularly check and maintain.
