26 May Pneumatic Tool Safety – Safe Use of Air-Powered Tools

Pneumatic Tool Safety – Safe Use of Air-Powered Tools

Pneumatic tool safety requires controlling compressed-air pressure, hoses, noise, flying particles, and other hazards associated with air-powered equipment. Although pneumatic tools eliminate some electrical hazards, compressed air creates its own serious risks.

Guide for Discussion

Air Pressure and Tool Capacity

Pneumatic tools must be operated within the manufacturer’s specified pressure and airflow requirements.

• Use the air pressure recommended by the tool manufacturer.
• Never exceed the tool’s maximum rated pressure.
• Make sure the compressor and receiver have adequate capacity for the tools being operated.
• Use hoses with the correct size and pressure rating.
• Keep hoses free from kinks, crushing, and other restrictions.
• Do not attempt to increase tool performance by raising air pressure beyond its rated limit.
• Use appropriate regulators to maintain the required operating pressure.

Excessive pressure can cause a tool to overspeed, produce excessive force, or fail unexpectedly.

Inspect Before Use

Inspect pneumatic tools and their components before each use.

Check:

• Tool body, handles, and controls.
• Air hoses for cuts, abrasion, deterioration, or other damage.
• Fittings, couplings, and connectors.
• Safety clips or retainers where required.
• Guards and safety devices.
• Bits, chisels, sockets, and other attachments.
• Trigger or operating controls.

Remove defective equipment from service immediately and tag it “Do Not Use.”

Hoses and Connections

A disconnected or ruptured compressed-air hose can whip violently and cause serious injury.

• Protect hoses from traffic, sharp edges, heat, and other damage.
• Make sure hose connections are properly secured.
• Use safety devices at hose connections when required to prevent accidental separation.
• Never carry or lift a pneumatic tool by its hose.
• Never pull on the hose to disconnect the tool.
• Route hoses to prevent trip hazards.
• Shut off the air supply and safely relieve stored pressure before disconnecting hoses or servicing equipment.

Never attempt to stop a whipping hose by grabbing it. Shut off the air supply when it is safe to do so.

Tool Attachments and Retainers

Attachments can become dangerous projectiles if they are not properly secured.

• Install attachments according to manufacturer instructions.
• Use required retainers or locking devices.
• Make sure attachments are compatible with the tool.
• Inspect bits, chisels, sockets, and other accessories for damage.
• Never use damaged or improperly fitting accessories.
• Disconnect the air supply before changing attachments unless the manufacturer specifically provides another safe method.

Flying Particles and Eye Protection

Pneumatic tools such as chipping hammers, impact tools, drills, and sanders can produce high-velocity chips, fragments, and other debris.

• Wear appropriate safety glasses or goggles.
• Use a face shield in addition to primary eye protection when the hazard assessment requires it.
• Keep nearby employees clear of flying-particle hazards.
• Use screens or barriers when necessary to protect others.
• Never point a pneumatic tool toward yourself or another person.

Noise and Hearing Protection

Many pneumatic tools generate significant noise from both the tool and discharged air.

• Use mufflers or other noise-control devices when provided.
• Never remove or disable installed mufflers.
• Wear hearing protection when required.
• Keep unnecessary employees away from high-noise operations.
• Follow the company’s Hearing Conservation Program when applicable.

Exhaust Air and Air Quality

Exhaust air may contain oil mist or other contaminants and can create additional exposure concerns, particularly in confined or poorly ventilated areas.

• Direct exhaust away from yourself and others whenever possible.
• Maintain adequate ventilation.
• Lubricate tools only as recommended by the manufacturer.
• Clean oily handles and gripping surfaces promptly.
• Never use compressed air intended for operating tools as breathing air.

If pneumatic tools are used in a confined space, evaluate atmospheric and ventilation hazards before beginning work.

Cold Exhaust Air

Expanding compressed air can become very cold and may cause discomfort or cold-related injury when continuously discharged against the skin.

• Keep exhaust air directed away from hands and other body parts.
• Use appropriate protection when necessary.
• Stop work if numbness, loss of sensation, or other symptoms develop.
• Do not wear gloves around rotating equipment when they could become caught in moving parts.

Electrical Hazards

Pneumatic tools are not necessarily protection against electrical shock. Metal tools and attachments can conduct electricity if they contact energized equipment.

• Identify electrical hazards before beginning work.
• Maintain required clearance from energized conductors.
• De-energize and control hazardous electrical energy when required.
• Never assume an air-powered tool makes it safe to work around energized electrical equipment.

Compressed Air Is Not for Cleaning People

Never use compressed air to clean clothing or any part of the body. Compressed air can cause serious eye, skin, and internal injuries.

When compressed air is permitted for workplace cleaning, follow applicable OSHA requirements and use appropriate guarding and PPE.

Safe Operating Practices

• Use the correct pneumatic tool for the task.
• Follow manufacturer instructions.
• Maintain secure footing and balance.
• Secure the workpiece when necessary.
• Keep hands away from operating parts.
• Never bypass guards, triggers, or safety devices.
• Shut off and relieve air pressure before clearing jams or performing maintenance.
• Keep the work area clean and hoses organized.
• Store tools safely when work is complete.

Remember

Compressed air contains significant stored energy. Inspect tools and hoses, control air pressure, secure connections and attachments, wear required PPE, and release stored pressure before servicing or disconnecting equipment.