Portable Compressed Air tools and Equipment

Design/Installation

A regulator and pressure gauge should be fitted between the equipment and the permanent supply.

The length of the air hose should be kept to a minimum. The air hose should be able to withstand the safe working pressure.

Compressed air hose fittings should automatically cut off the air supply when disconnected.

Tools and equipment with an air piston should have a lubricator on the tool side of the regulator.

Compressed air lines with guns (jets) fitted should have a non-ferrous venturi-type nozzle.

Safety during Use

Compressed air powered tools should be operated at the manufacturer’s recommended pressure.

Care should be taken when using compressed air guns, as air accidentally forced into the bloodstream can be life threatening.

Care should be taken to avoid projecting debris into the eyes. It is essential that suitable eye protection is used.

Compressed air guns shall only be used by competent persons or when being supervised by a competent person.

Compressed air equipment should not be used for cleaning down purposes or for removal of dust from brakes or machines unless specifically designed for this purpose.

Inspections

Fittings should be regularly checked to ensure they are securely attached to the hose.

Connections on flexible compressed air lines should be checked regularly.

Compressed Air Systems

Under the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000, compressed air systems where the pressure multiplied by the internal volume of the pressure vessel exceeds 250 bar have to have a “scheme of examination” drawn up by a competent person and the system has to be thoroughly examined by a competent person in accordance with the scheme. The University Insurance company currently conduct these tests on the School of Engineering's behalf and records are held by Estates.

Air receivers should be fitted with a suitable pressure gauge and safety valve, and an appliance for draining any condensate from the receiver. Air receivers should have an opening sufficiently sized to allow cleaning and thorough examination. If the receiver is designed so that the internal surface cannot be thoroughly examined, a suitable hydraulic test can be carried out instead. Water in the receiver should be drained at least once per week. Air receivers should be installed outside the work area when reasonably practicable due to the impact of noise in the work environment.