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Air Gun Safety

Many workplace injuries have occurred because of the misuse of compressed air. Horseplay with the hose, however innocent it may start, can end with the most disastrous consequences. It may be amusing to direct a jet of air at a fellow worker but it can actually produce severe internal injury that may result in death. It is extremely important to understand the regulation when it comes to using compressed air safely in the workplace.

HAZARDS

Filings, chips, shavings, particles of metal, etc. are thrown up when compressed air is used for cleaning purposes. The pressure necessary to remove the particles from machines and surfaces is also strong enough to blow them into the eyes, ears or skin of people nearby. The greatest danger in dusting one’s self down lies in accidental internal injury to the body. Compressed air can enter the body where the skin is not present (i.e., ear, nose, rectum or any scratch or puncture in the skin, however small) and can cause the affected part to swell to alarming proportions and accompanied by severe pain. If the air gets into the bloodstream it can make its way into the small blood vessels of the brain, burst the vessels and cause death. A pressure strong enough to dust or clean is strong enough to reach the skin and penetrate the body. Even a pressure as low as 5-10 pounds per square inch (psi) can cause serious injury.

REGULATION

Due to the serious injuries caused by compressed air, OSHA requirements pertaining to the safe use of safety air guns for cleaning purposes focus on pressure and chip guarding. The federal OSHA requirement can be found in 29 CFR Part 1910.242(b). which states, “. . .Compressed air shall not be used for cleaning purposes except where reduced to less than 30 psi and then only with effective chip guarding and personal protective equipment.”

This regulation relates to cleaning objects or items only (i.e., blow drying parts that were pulled out of a plating bath). The phrase “reduce to less than 30 psi” means that the nozzle pressure or opening of a gun, pipe, cleaning lance etc., used for cleaning purposes will remain at a pressure level below 30 psi in the event the tool is dead ended— meaning, if the tip of an air gun is blocked. This can be achieved by relief ports that discharge sufficient air to reduce the air pressure at the nozzle to less than 30 psi. Employees should NOT use compressed air to clean themselves or clothing while they are worn.

The phrase “effective chip guarding” means any method or equipment that prevents a chip or particle (of any size) from being blown into the eyes or unbroken skin of the operator or other workers. Effective chip guarding may be separate from the air nozzle as in the case where screens or barriers are used. The use of protective cone air nozzles is generally acceptable for protection of the operator. However, barriers, baffles or screens may be required to protect other workers near the operator if they are exposed to flying chips or particles. Always check your local or state regulations as they may differ from the federal regulation discussed in this document.

Commonly Asked Questions

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