Roper Whitney STR 750, Operation, Parts & Maintenance Manual

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14
GENERAL SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS WHEN USING COMPRESSED AIR
1. If allowed by the company, compressed air may be used to clean hard-to-reach
areas as long as safety procedures are followed.
2. When using compressed air for cleaning, you must use an air nozzle that allows no
more than 30 pounds per square inch of pressure. Since most air lines range in
pressure from 90 psi to 120 psi, a pressure-reducing nozzle must be used.
3. In addition, a “dead man” switch or constant pressure trigger must be used to stop
air flow once the nozzle is released.
4. One danger of cleaning with compressed air is particles and debris flying back into
the face of the operator.
5. To reduce this hazard, some air guns are equipped with chip guards or provide an
“air curtain” around the nozzle to help reduce fly back.
6. These types of devices do not offer complete protection. Proper protective
equipment should always be worn when cleaning with compressed air.
7. Safety goggles offer better protection than regular safety glasses. In addition, a
face shield should also be worn for complete facial protection.
8. Once you have protected yourself by using an approved nozzle and wearing the
proper PPE, you must make sure to protect the other workers in your area.
CLEANING OFF THE BODY WITH COMPRESSED AIR:
1. Blowing dust and dirt off of clothes, hair and the face is a very hazardous misuse of
compressed air. This practice is very dangerous and is not permitted under any
circumstances.
2. Contact with compressed air can lead to serious medical conditions and even
death. Our mouths, ears and eyes are very sensitive and can be easily damaged by
compressed air.
3. Don’t be fooled into thinking that safety nozzles which regulate pressure to 30 psi
can be safely used to clean the human body. Even 30 psi is too much pressure for
these sensitive areas.
4. As little as 12 pounds of pressure can blow an eye out of its socket. Compressed
air entering the mouth can rupture the oesophagus with as little as 5 pounds of
pressure.
USING COMPRESSED AIR TO CLEAN: