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Working Safely with Compressed Air

We work with air compressors all of the time, but that doesn’t mean that we can skip the proper safety precautions each time we start a project. Compressed air can be a valuable and necessary tool for many industries including the oil and gas industry, healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing, food and beverage, and more. With so many industries using compressors in different ways to achieve their goals, one thing remains constant: safety.

When not used or maintained correctly, air compressors can be dangerous. Follow some of our top tips to keep yourself and your team safe when operating this machinery.

  • ALWAYS wear protective eye wear. Compressed air can blow even the tiniest of particles around and you don’t want them to end up in your eye. Additionally, NEVER blow compressed air directly into your eyes.
  • Never blow compressed air directly onto your skin. It may seem like a good idea to blow any loose dirt or dust off of your body after a project. However, compressed air, even as low as 15 psi, can cause damage or tear your skin.
  • Check your surroundings. To keep the area safe, make sure you know where your team is, and inform them before you start the machine. Ensure that all guards are properly installed and tools have been removed from the unit if work has been performed.
  • Wear protective ear coverings. Compressed air can put out a lot noise. Do your hearing a favor and keep your ears protected while equipment is running and compressed air is being used.
  • Ensure that the unit is grounded properly. Always follow the owner’s manual for your machine. If your unit is not properly grounded, electrical shocks, unit failure or, in some cases, fire can occur.
  • Understand your unit. Make sure you are familiar with your unit before operating it. Read your owner’s manual carefully and be sure you know where the emergency stop button is located and that your hoses, piping, and fittings are properly rated for the pressure of your unit.
  • Maintain your unit correctly. Regularly maintaining your machines will help keep them in top shape and running correctly. To avoid damage to your compressor, follow the service intervals the manufacturer has recommended.

If you have questions about your unit, need maintenance, or are ready to ramp up your production with a new unit, CLS has you covered.


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