Air Compressors & Pneumatic Tools
Compressed air powers nailers, jackhammers, sanders and more. A hose that comes apart can whip violently, and compressed air aimed at the body can cause serious injury.
- Construction
- General Industry
Photo: air hose couplings with whip check cables installed
Hoses and fittings
- Inspect hoses for cuts, bulges, abrasion and leaks before each use.
- Secure couplings with whip checks (safety cables) or locking pins, especially on large hoses.
- Hoses larger than 1/2-inch inside diameter must have a safety device at the supply source to reduce pressure if the hose fails.
- Make sure the tool is secured to the hose so it can’t accidentally disconnect.
- Turn off the air and bleed the line before disconnecting or changing tools.
- Keep hoses out of walkways and away from vehicle traffic.
Compressed air for cleaning
Danger: Never point compressed air at yourself or anyone else, or use it to clean dust off your clothes or skin. Air can enter the bloodstream through the skin or body openings and cause fatal injuries.
If compressed air is used to clean surfaces, the pressure must be reduced to less than 30 psi with chip guarding and PPE. For silica-containing dust, compressed air cleaning is generally not allowed. Use a HEPA vacuum or wet methods instead.
The compressor
- Pressure relief valve works; gauges readable
- Drain moisture from the tank regularly
- Belts and pulleys guarded
- Gas compressors run outdoors only, away from air intakes (carbon monoxide)
Video: installing whip checks and inspecting air hoses
Standards & references
- 29 CFR 1926.302(b): Pneumatic power tools
- 29 CFR 1910.242(b): Compressed air used for cleaning
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