June 2021

T ake the pressure: One of the common challenges that many health and safety managers face is that users can become complacent and overlook the fact most compressed air is pressurised to at least six times atmospheric pressure – and it is this pressurised energy that can create a hazard if not managed properly. In addition, the noise created by unsilenced compressed air when exhausting to the atmosphere also needs careful consideration to ensure it remains with legal limits. Avoid contact: While health and safety practices continue to improve continually and employees understand their obligations to creating a safe working environment, intentional or accidental misuse of compressed air can occur. Compressed air injection into the body at any pressure can cause serious injury, or even death, so it is always worth reminding users not to use compressed air to clean off dust or debris from their clothing or skin and to avoid dislodging debris that could cause bodily harm. Joint responsibility: The Health and Safety at Work act states that an employee must take reasonable care and follow all procedures laid down by his/her employer to create a safe working environment for everyone. To ensure this is achieved, every employee, through the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations should receive training in order to use compressed air equipment in the correct manner. Additionally, it is important that the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is provided to all using compressed air tools, that it is worn correctly and fits properly. Depending on the application, this can include safety goggles/glasses, ear defenders, gloves and face masks. Equipment types and hazards: There is a wide range of handheld pneumatic equipment, and each type has its own associated hazards. These fall into two groups; where the compressed air drives a motor, e.g., grinders, sanders, nut runners or where the compressed air is used directly through a nozzle, e.g., blow guns, spray guns. These air powered tools give rise to several hazards requiring various items of personal protective equipment to be worn to help protect from noise and vibration, sparks and dust. Sometimes, the connection between the hose and tool or the hose clamp can become loose, through wear of tampering. Attention should also be paid to quick-release couplings, which may not be pushed home properly or have worked loose through wear, To help mitigate against this risk, users should check both the hose itself and its connection with the tool for signs of wear and tear before use. Blow gun safety: The end of a blow gun must never be blocked, nor pointed at anyone and Process, Controls & Plant Focus on: Compressed Air 26 | Plant & Works Engineering www.pwemag.co.uk June 2021 Working safely with compressed air Roy Brooks, technical development officer for the British Compressed Air Society (BCAS) outlines some of the latest advice in working safely with compressed air.