Is Compressed Air Dangerous?

Yes, compressed air is dangerous and can cause serious injuries and even death when mishandled. The specific hazards range from physical injuries and internal damage to hearing loss and equipment-related accidents.

The risks aren’t always obvious until an accident occurs, so proper awareness and safety protocols are essential. To help you avoid incidents, this guide will cover the dangers of compressed air you should know about and outline the necessary safety guidelines to follow.

The Hidden Physical Dangers of Compressed Air

While compressed air seems harmless compared to other industrial tools, it can exert force similar to a solid object. The pressure created can be powerful enough to cause serious harm.

Even at relatively low pressures, compressed air can be deadly. As little as 12 PSI of compressed air (a pressure level commonly found in many industrial settings) can blow an eye out of its socket.

Compressed air can also penetrate the skin. When forced into the body, it can rupture internal organs and cause life-threatening conditions.

If compressed air enters the bloodstream through a break in the skin, it can create an air embolism – air bubbles in the bloodstream that can travel to the brain, heart, or lungs with potentially fatal consequences.

Another overlooked danger occurs when compressed air is accidentally blown into the mouth. This can rupture the lungs, stomach, or intestines, causing severe internal injuries that may not be immediately apparent.

Finally, the physical force of compressed air can turn everyday dust and debris into dangerous projectiles. These particles can cause eye injuries and skin punctures or be inhaled, creating additional health risks.

Hearing Damage and Noise-Related Hazards

Compressed air systems can generate noise levels reaching 120-130 decibels. This is well above OSHA’s 90 dB permissible exposure limit and can cause permanent hearing damage. Other hazards include:

• High frequency: the high-frequency noise produced by air leaks or improper air tool usage can damage the sensitive structures of the inner ear. Even short-term exposure to these noise levels can lead to temporary hearing threshold shifts.
• Noise in enclosed spaces: the risks of compressed air increase in enclosed spaces where sound can reverberate and amplify. Workers in these environments face even greater hearing hazards when using compressed air tools.
• Overpowered warning signals: excessive noise can mask warning signals, make communication difficult, and contribute to accidents by preventing workers from hearing approaching dangers.

Long-term exposure to excessive sound without proper hearing protection often results in permanent hearing loss. This type of damage accumulates over time and is irreversible.

Safety Regulations and Best Practices

OSHA has established strict guidelines regarding compressed air usage due to its inherent dangers. According to them, compressed air used for cleaning must be reduced to less than 30 PSI. Even at this lower pressure, it must only be used with proper protective equipment.

Many workplaces implement additional safety measures beyond these minimum requirements, such as:

• Limiting compressed air use: some facilities completely prohibit using compressed air for non-essential purposes (e.g., cleaning). Several jurisdictions have also banned the use of compressed air for certain applications altogether.
• Comprehensive training: safety protocols should include proper training for all personnel who work with compressed air. Understanding the risks is the first step in preventing accidents.
• Using PPE: essential personal protective equipment (PPE) includes safety glasses, face shields, and hearing protection. These basic safeguards can prevent many common compressed air injuries.

Regular inspection and maintenance of compressed air equipment is crucial for safety. Damaged hoses, faulty pressure regulators, or improperly maintained compressors all increase accident risk.

Safe Handling and Alternative Methods

Safe handling of compressed air begins with proper equipment selection. Using the right tools designed specifically for compressed air applications helps minimize risks.

Air nozzles with safety features like pressure reduction or air curtain technology can significantly reduce dangers. These specialized nozzles limit maximum pressure output regardless of line pressure.

Proper hose management is also important because it prevents tripping hazards and reduces the risk of hose failure. Hoses should be regularly inspected for:

• Wear
• Damage
• Weak points

When possible, consider alternatives to compressed air for cleaning purposes. For example, vacuum systems remove debris without creating dangerous projectiles or forcing air into the body.

Brush cleaning or wiping surfaces with appropriate materials are also solid alternatives that eliminate the risks associated with compressed air while still effectively removing contaminants.

For operations requiring air movement, electric blowers or fans often provide safer alternatives. These options move air without the dangerous pressures of compressed air systems.

Before performing maintenance on any compressed air system, always de-energize and depressurize the equipment. Many accidents occur during maintenance when proper lockout/tagout procedures aren’t followed.

Finally, never point compressed air at yourself or others – even as a joke. What seems like harmless fun can result in serious injury or death.

Conclusion

Compressed air comes with real dangers that require proper safety guidelines and careful handling.

Following safety regulations, using proper protective equipment, and exploring safer alternatives can greatly reduce these risks. Many compressed air accidents are preventable with proper education and protocols.

Remember that the invisible nature of compressed air doesn’t make it harmless. On the contrary – its invisibility makes it potentially more dangerous as workers may not perceive the threat until it’s too late.

By understanding the dangers of compressed air, industrial facilities can continue to benefit from this versatile utility while keeping their personnel safe from its potential hazards.