Cleaning Safely with Blow Guns. Air on the Side of Caution Safety Guidelines for Blowing with Compressed Air 1.Understand OSHA standards pertaining to the use of compressed air for cleaning • Output Pressure – 1910.242(b) • Chip-Guarding – 1910.242(b) • Noise – 1910.95(a) 2.Identify and remove homemade air guns Homemade or modified air guns are dangerous, inefficient, and lack safety features designed to meet OSHA standards. Use a pressure gauge to verify noncompliant guns, then disconnect and properly dispose of them. 3.Choose OSHA-compliant safety air guns Safety air guns incorporate features that limit the static air pressure below 30 psi at the point of blockage, provide chip- guarding, and/or noise protection. 4.Choose the optimal safety air gun for the application One size does not fit all! Selecting the right safety air gun for the job will maximize the performance of the tool as well as operator comfort. Here are key factors to consider: • Is it a close-in or far-away application? •Is high thrust needed to remove debris or is low thrust sufficient? • What size air compressor is available? •Are additional safety features needed? (e.g., chip fly-back protection, noise-limiting nozzle design, etc.) 5. Consider ergonomics Today’s top-performing safety air guns boast ergonomic features such as contoured grips and palm-switch triggers, which help minimize hand fatigue and discomfort. 6.Never use air guns for self-cleaning Using air guns to clean off clothes or skin should never be allowed, as the compressed air can enter the bloodstream and cause serious internal injuries. Although there’s no specific OSHA standard forbidding this practice, OSHA addressed this issue in a 1994 letter of interpretation, asserting that workers should not be allowed “to use compressed air for cleaning themselves or their clothing,” citing the risk of injury. 7.Think safety before work starts •Ensure that workers wear personal protective equipment (PPE). •Check the components of the compressed-air system. •Verify the system is in working order. •Make sure that connectors are compatible, properly fitting, and tight. •Inspect the gun and verify that no debris is lodged in the barrel. •De-pressurize the compressed air line before connecting the tool. •Re-pressurize after connecting. •Determine where the debris will go during cleaning. •Always blow debris towards a safe direction. Testing Air Guns for OSHA Compliance Perform OSHA Air Gun Compliance Audit with the Guardair OSHA Compliance Kit. Kit includes the following: • Pressure gauge – Test compliance with the 30 psi OSHA standard. • Safety Air Guns in the Workplace video – Ideal for your next plant safety meeting. • Educational literature – Learn more about OSHA standards when cleaning with compressed air. To learn more about the OSHA compliance kit and OSHA compliant safety air guns visit Guardair.com 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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