Cleaning Safely with Blow Guns. Air on the Side of Caution Cleaning parts, work surfaces, and equipment using compressed air is fast, efficient, and very common. However, compressed air is a powerful utility and can be extremely dangerous if misused or if horsing around in the workplace occurs. Not only can workers be severely injured, but noncompliance with OSHA standards pertaining to compressed air can mean steep fines for violators. Use of safety-rated air guns assures compliance with the following requirements within OSHA. What Are The Hazards? Output Pressure – OSHA Standard: 29 CFR Part 1910.242 (b) Factory air lines normally operate at pressures between 80 and 120 psi (pounds per square inch). Most pneumatic tools, including wair guns, require these high pressures to operate effectively. However, OSHA requires that should the nozzle tip of an air gun become dead-ended, the static pressure at the point of blockage be no more than 30 psi. Risk: Air embolisms. Air embolisms can occur when air pressure is blown directly against the body. If the air pressure is great enough it can enter the body under the skin and force air bubbles into a vein or artery and block it. This can result in serious injury with symptoms similar to a heart attack or stroke. How to Comply With the Standard? Use safety air guns with nozzles designed to meet the 30 psi requirement. Always use personal protective equipment, such as goggles, when cleaning with compressed air. Chip Fly-Back – OSHA Standard: 29 CFR Part 1910.242 (b) Blowing off debris with an air gun in close quarters often subjects workers to chip “fly-back.” This term refers to the tendency of loose particles or chips to fly back into the operator’s face, eyes, or skin. For operations which require close-in work, OSHA requires that “effective chip guarding” be incorporated into the workplace. Risk: Eye injuries. Eye injuries can occur when smaller particles and dust fly back toward the operator during blowing. The eyes are very sensitive and even tiny particles in the eyes can be extremely painful and can create permanent damage. How to Comply With the Standard? Use safety air guns incorporating chip-guarding features (i.e., chip shields or air shield nozzles) to protect from chip fly-back. Noise – OSHA Standard: 29 CFR Part 1910.95 (a) Excessive noise generated in the workplace can be harmful. To address this problem, OSHA has developed permissible daily noise exposure specifications. The use of low noise, safety air guns can sometimes be an important component in moving towards noise compliance. Risk: Hearing damage. Both short and repeated blowing operations can cause tinnitus and other hearing damage to operators and surrounding workers. How to Comply With the Standard? Use safety air guns with noise suppression nozzles and/or hearing protection equipment. SAFETY FOR TECHNICAL SUPPORT CONTACT: SAFETYQUESTIONS@FASTENAL.COM OR 1-833-FNL-SAFE WF_687750 | JF 6/23 6.2023 | AD
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