Don’t Let Compressed Air Blow You Away

Consider these examples: A machine operator used 80 pounds per square inch (PSI) of compressed air to clean sawdust from his clothing. The air blasted into his hand and swelled his arm to the size of a grapefruit. He later said he thought the top of his head was coming off. He survived.

In another incident a worker died after a fellow employee blasted him between the legs with compressed air, perforating his bowel in three places.

Even if the results of getting too close to high-pressure air aren’t quite as brutal as that last example, they can include permanent disabilities such as loss of hearing or eyesight.

If your job involves handling compressed air, keep these safety
tips in mind:

• Never blast compressed air at anyone in fun or for any other reason.
• Always use safety equipment such as safety glasses and hearing protection.
• Use a brush or vacuum cleaner – not compressed air –  to remove dust from clothing, skin or hair.