How can you identify hazards and prevent accidents when using air compressors?

1 Compressed air hazards

Compressed air can cause serious injuries or even death if it comes into contact with the skin, eyes, ears, or internal organs. It can create flying debris, noise, vibration, and pressure hazards that can damage the equipment and the environment. To avoid these hazards, you should never direct compressed air at yourself or others, wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), check the pressure and condition of the hoses and fittings, and follow the manufacturer's instructions and safety guidelines.

2 Electrical hazards

Air compressors use electricity to operate, which means they can cause electric shocks, fires, or explosions if they are not properly grounded, insulated, or maintained. To prevent these hazards, you should always disconnect the power supply before servicing or cleaning the air compressor, use a residual current device (RCD) or a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) to protect against electric shocks, keep the air compressor away from water and flammable materials, and inspect the cords and plugs for any damage or wear.

3 Mechanical hazards

Air compressors have moving parts that can cause cuts, burns, or entanglement if they are not guarded or isolated. They can also generate heat and friction that can cause overheating or ignition. To prevent these hazards, you should always turn off and release the pressure from the air compressor before working on it, use lockout/tagout procedures to prevent accidental start-up, cover or shield the hot or rotating parts, and lubricate and cool the air compressor according to the manufacturer's specifications.

4 Chemical hazards

Air compressors can produce or contain hazardous chemicals that can harm your health or the environment. These include oil, lubricants, solvents, paints, dust, and vapors. To prevent these hazards, you should always wear appropriate PPE, such as gloves, goggles, masks, and respirators, store and dispose of the chemicals safely and responsibly, use adequate ventilation and filtration systems, and follow the material safety data sheets (MSDS) and the local regulations.

5 Ergonomic hazards

Air compressors can cause ergonomic hazards that can affect your posture, muscles, joints, and nerves. These include lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling heavy or awkward loads, working in confined or uncomfortable spaces, and repeating the same motions or tasks for long periods. To prevent these hazards, you should always use proper lifting techniques and tools, adjust the height and position of the workstations and the air compressor, take regular breaks and stretch your body, and report any signs of fatigue, pain, or discomfort.

6 Emergency preparedness

Even if you follow all the safety precautions and procedures, accidents can still happen when using air compressors. Therefore, you should always be prepared for any emergency situations that may arise. You should have a written emergency plan that outlines the roles and responsibilities, the communication and reporting methods, the evacuation and rescue routes, and the first aid and fire fighting equipment. You should also train yourself and your co-workers on how to respond to different scenarios, such as leaks, spills, injuries, or fires, and how to use the emergency equipment properly and safely.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?