Air Compressor Safety Tips

Table of Contents

Introduction

Air compressors are used majorly in workplaces that need the use of pressurized air. They are used for numerous activities such as pumping tires, nailing nails and much more. Air compressors are usually grouped into low-pressure, medium-pressure and high pressure. The categories of pressure dispense different levels of PSI, ranging from 150 PSI to over 1000 PSI. They can be used for multiple functions while using an air compressor; you need to know the health and safety hazards involved and ensure you take the necessary precautions to prevent injury.

Wear Safety Goggles And Gloves

Before you can use an air compressor, you should get your personal protective equipment (PPE). Make sure you wear your goggles and gloves for protection. The protective gear prevents you from getting injured. There have been reports of people that didn’t wear protective gear getting hurt by flying debris. Wearing something as simple as impact-resistant glasses will prevent shards from flying into your eyes.

Use Gas Air Compressors Outside

Unless your air compressor is electric powered, you should ensure to use your gas-powered air compressors outside. It is dangerous to use gas-powered compressors inside because they produce dangerous toxins such as carbon monoxide when they are in use. Using it in a small room will cause the room to fill with the toxins, and that can be life-threatening.

If you keep inhaling the fumes, it will get into your body and stop the flow of oxygen, and this will cause your organs to shut down slowly, and death will occur within minutes. The process is known as carbon monoxide poisoning.

Check For Any Leaks

It is important to check your air compressor for any form of leakage, whether it is an oil leak or air leak. It is essential to do these checks, especially if you use your air compressor every day. If you use a compressor that requires oil, make sure you check for oil leaks, because leaking oil could lead to an explosion or fire.

It could also be very dangerous if there is a leak in your electric air compressor. The leak could prevent your compressor from working correctly, and this could put you in danger. Ensure that every leak is fixed before you use your compressor.

Ensure that the hose is fitted correctly to prevent any equipment and personal damage. Remove all the dirt and debris from the hose; it will increase the life span of your hose and air compressor.

Voltage

It is important to get an air compressor that is compatible with the output you intend on using. If you plug a compressor into a socket that offers a different type of volts will cause damage to the electrical panel, and this will lead to further damage of the compressor itself. In a more serious case, it could lead to a fire at the socket.

Drain Tank Daily

Water is a by-product of compressed air; it tends to form inside the tank. The condensation that is formed in the tank needs to be drained regularly to prevent a large build-up of water. If the water is not drained, it could lead to rust and corrosion, which in turn leads to the failure of the tank bottom. It might be best if you got a timed auto drain that automatically drains out the water daily.

Inspect The Pressure Relief Valves

The pressure relief valve prevents the air receiver from getting over-pressurized. The valve can get blocked by oil, dirt and other things that is why it is important to inspect and test the valves to make sure it is working correctly. You should be able to find a nameplate on each vessel; the nameplates tell you what the maximum allowed working pressure. It is crucial to make sure that the air compressor’s relief valve does not go above the maximum allowed for that compressor. Make sure that the safety valves capacity id higher than the capacity of the compressor. Keep in mind that the compressor’s tank may look good from the outside, but any unseen and neglected inner damage can cause serious injuries. If you’re are not sure about the integrity of your unit, then change it and properly dispose of the old unit.

Maintenance

Maintaining your air compressor will increase the lifespan of the compressor and prevents any accidents from occurring. You can learn how to maintain your particular air compressor by reading the guide in the manual that comes with the air compressor. If it doesn’t come with a manual, you can always check online for the maintenance guide. There are a lot of steps to take to maintain your air compressor properly. Ensure you always keep it clean, check for leaks and if it requires oil, ensure it is at the right level and get rid of any dirty oil. Do not add more fuel or change the oil while the compressor is on or has just been used; doing this avoids smoke or fire.

Conclusion

If you just purchased an air compressor or you have one, it is vital to know all the safety precautions to take when using the machine. Ensure you check the type of maintenance that your air compressor needs and this varies from compressor to compressor. It is important to take these precautions because if the compressor is used recklessly, it could lead to injury on yourself or someone else. It is better to observe these precautions to avoid harm or even death.

With the above information, you can successfully use an air compressor without any incidents or injury.