Working with compressed air requires awareness about safety. Being aware of the hazards and having the right equipment is essential to having a safe workplace, and safety and reliability should not affect performance and efficiency Soft air gun.
In the US, more than 25% of all work-related injuries that involve days off work are caused by slips, trips and falls , according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Workplace floors can easily become littered with cables and hoses lying around as potential tripping hazards.
Trip accidents are just one of several potential risks when working with compressed air, and much can be done to avoid them. Here are our safety tips for a safer and more efficient work environment when working with compressed air.
- Retractable hose reels , preferably at a height above the head
Using a hose reel that easily retracts the hose will minimize the risk of unused hoses and cables lying on the ground. Ideally, hose reels should be installed in an overhead position to clear the floor and be easily accessible to workers.
- Brightly colored hoses (high visibility)
Hoses should always be stored in the hose reel when not in use. In cases where the hoses remain on the ground, they should be of a color that stands out from the ground and makes them more visible. This way, workers can easily see them and avoid them without tripping. A high visibility hose is designed to be easily seen on any surface even in low lighting conditions. If you can see the danger, you can also avoid it.
- Hose reels with safe retraction speed
A hose reel with controlled retraction speed guides the hose into the housing, which can prevent worker injuries and property damage caused by uncontrollably retracting hoses attached to quick couplers and tools.
- Trip-proof bumper ball
For hoses lying on the ground, any tool attached to the hose poses a trip hazard. The stopper ball on the retractable hose reel can also be a potential tripping hazard. Winders are usually equipped with a hard stop ball of spherical or cylindrical shape. Accidentally stepping on the stopper ball is a risk for tripping accidents or injuries such as sprains and tears. Using a winder with a soft stop ball , the ball will squish rather than roll away, minimizing the risk of accidents.
- Soft covers to prevent damage to surrounding objects
Using soft covers on quick plugs protects surrounding objects from damage, and the abrasion-resistant surface protects the quick plug from external influences and therefore damage, thereby increasing the life expectancy of the plug.
- Check that the material has no dust or damage
Always check that both the hose and quick coupler are in good condition before use. A damaged hose can swell and burst. Damaged material should be replaced immediately. Dust on or in a quick plug can cause failure resulting in serious injury.
- Bleeding Quick Plugs
When disconnected, a conventional quick coupler will cause the hose to fly with a characteristic pop. A purged safety plug releases downstream pressure before the plug is disconnected. There will be no recoil whip of the hose and the purged air will only make a discreet hiss. It is worth investing in purged safety plugs to increase worker safety by protecting their hearing while avoiding potential shock during disconnection.
- Safe air guns for cleaning
Compressed air is not the same as normal air, but is condensed and contained at a pressure greater than that of the atmosphere. Pressure is derived from this air as it attempts to return to its original volume. When used, it forms a concentrated stream of high-pressure, high-velocity air. Even with several layers of clothing, air can penetrate the skin causing serious injuries, for example air embolism.
Avoid risks when using compressed air for cleaning. When blocking the outlet of an air gun, the static pressure in the main port should not exceed 2 bar (30 PSI). Always use a safety air gun for cleaning work to prevent dangerously high pressure of air from coming into contact with the body.
- Air guns with particle guard
Effective protection prevents splinters or particles of any size from flying into the eyes or skin of the operator. A particle shield can be either mechanical or created with an air curtain, choose the best protection system depending on the application and type of particles.
- Low-noise air guns
Use a low-noise air gun whenever noise exposure levels exceed an 8-hour weighted average and a sound level of 85 dB(A). Companies should implement a noise conservation program to protect their employees from hearing damage.
- Follow local regulations and regulations
Make sure the material you are using complies with local market regulations and standards, such as US Department of Occupational Safety and Health regulations, European Standards and Guidelines, and local labor authority standards. These regulations, among other things, establish and enforce safety and quality standards.