14 Air Compressor Safety Tips You Should Know

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Air compressors are essential to your business, but they can also pose a safety hazard when used incorrectly. For this reason, safety should be a priority in any work environment , especially where you work with air compressors or other high powered machinery.

When we talk about compressed air, we must bear in mind that it must be treated with the same care as any other source of energy, since its improper use can cause great risks to the health and well-being of your collaborators.

Reading your owner’s manual and following all proper safety precautions before use is vital to keeping your compressor in excellent operating condition. In addition, it is essential that all operators obtain adequate training so that they understand how to mitigate the safety risks and potential damage that may occur.

To help keep your air compressor in tip-top shape, we’ve listed 14 air compressor safety tips to help you with your regular maintenance schedule:

Security Tips

Locate your compressor in a location that has sufficient, clean, dry intake air. Wet conditions can cause damage to your machine as well as cause electrical problems. Also remember to remove your air compressor from the wooden deck before turning it on .
Do not use gas powered air compressors indoors.
Perform a routine safety check before using your air compressor. Check the hoses, make sure the power supply is adequate, check the oil level, etc.
Always wear eye and ear protection when your air compressor is operating.

The noise from an air compressor can cause serious hearing damage.
Do not add or attempt to change your compressor oil while the compressor unit is running or has recently been used. Your compressor could catch fire while you’re doing it!
Make sure your unit is plugged into a grounded outlet . Otherwise, you could damage the electrical panel of your compressor and also cause a fire.
Use an extension cable suitable for your unit if required. A cord longer than necessary may cause power loss or damage to the unit.
Check hose fittings to make sure they are tight. Loose fittings can hamper the performance of your compressor and/or cause damage.
Make sure your shutoff valve is visible and within reach while using compressed air.
Do not allow cables or hoses to be exposed on floors, walkways, or low areas. This could cause someone to trip.
Never direct compressed air at your skin or directly at another person. Even air pressure as low as 15 PSI can cause serious injury.
Do not use air directly from a compressor for breathing unless the system has been specifically designed to do so.
If you are using your own pressure tank , only use those that are built to national or international standards .
Never couple or uncouple pressurized hoses. Shut off unit, valves and relieve any pressure before making or changing any hose connections.
This list includes only some of the safety precautions in the use of air compressors that you must take into account when handling this type of machine.

For more information, go to the owner’s manual where you will find all the safety measures and proper operation of your compressor. If you have any technical or security questions, please contact our technical support team.

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If you have questions about which compressor is right for you, or if you’re ready to improve your operations and start saving on expenses, contact us today! Chicago Pneumatic has over 100 years of experience providing reliable and efficient air compressors, as well as technical and business support.