If you’re in the manufacturing industry, you’ve definitely come in contact with compressed air. Compressed air is used for many different tasks within the manufacturing industry. Unfortunately, due to it’s commonality, many people neglect to see how harmful the tool can actually be.
Since a number of tasks require the use of compressed air and air compressors, it’s important to know how to be safe while using it. Here are a few tips on how you can stay safe while utilizing air compressor pipes.
Never Point Air Compressor Tubes Toward Yourself or Anyone Else
You may not realize it, but the pressure coming out of the tube is extremely dangerous. It’s enough to blow your eye right out of its socket. If you pointed the tube at yourself or someone else, you’re setting yourself up for a serious injury. The air moves faster than you can, so even if you’re just trying to be funny, you’re risking a potentially fatal injury.
Check Hose Conditions Before Use
Before you turn on the machine, check to make sure that it’s in working order. Any holes, cracks, or tears in the hoses or pipes can cause some serious issues. Often times when there are issues that go unnoticed, users will turn the air pressure up because they think the level just needs to be raised. However, that isn’t the case. You need to avoid turning the pressure up to prevent any accidents from happening.
Wear Protective Gear
Since compressed air is so powerful, it has the momentum to damage anything it comes in contact with. Make sure you’re wearing long-sleeved clothing, safety goggles, protective face masks, and even hearing protection. Many people don’t think of protecting their hearing while using he device, but your ears can be damaged just as easily as any other part of your body.
Never Use it to Clean Yourself Off
If you’re working in a machine shop, chances are you’re going to get dirty. As tempting as it may be, if you think that cleaning yourself off with the use of the compressed air hose is going to help, you’re wrong. Again, this brings us back to never pointing an air compressor tube at another person or yourself.
Air compressors are very useful tools that can place pressure on an item or even convert energy into heat. In fact, as much as 80% to 90% of the electrical energy used by an air compressor is converted to heat. While they’re useful tools, be mindful of potential safety concerns at all times. Only use the tool if you’re sure you’re going to remain out of harms way.