Safety Instructions for the use of Compressed Air Tools and Units

The purpose of this safety procedure is to provide instruction and direction as to what the correct usage of compressed air tools and equipment should be to minimize the risk of injury to personnel and assets.

Below procedure is applicable for all kind and size of projects, but additional control measures may be required depending on project and local country requirements.

Overall project manager is responsible for implementation of this work instruction in coordination with the HSE team on the site.

Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment

Pneumatic tools may substitute electrically driven tools if the circumstances require due to the environmental hazards.

Any person using these types of tool (driven by compressed air) should be made well aware of the dangers; if air enters the internal organs of a person it can rupture internal organs causing death.

Horseplay should be expressly forbidden at all times.

Risk Checklist

The following types of risk may be present and control measures should be used to remove or reduce the degree of risk to that which is as low as reasonably practicable:

i. Untrained operators.

ii. Vibration White Finger.

iii. Unsatisfactory condition of tool.

iv. Faulty connections.

v. Unguarded machinery.

vi. Misuse or horseplay.

vii. Failure to use personal protective equipment

viii. Valid Documentation (e.g. Pressure Test Certificate)

Control Measures for Using Power Tools

When providing pneumatic tools for use at work, the following control measures as appropriate should be used:

i. Operators should be trained and competent in the correct use of the tool.

ii. Anti whip lash devices should be used.

iii. All joints to airlines should be made with double couplers or other approved matched couplings (Boston Clips). Under no circumstances should improvisation be permitted.

iv. All hose to coupler connections should be made with approved clamps or fittings. Jubilee type clip should NOT be used.

v. A control tap should always be fitted to any tool or jet.

vi. Before any tool is used, the airlines should be thoroughly checked to ensure they are free from splits or holes. Air supply lines should be protected from damage by vehicles and materials.

vii. The operator should ensure that all tools and accessories are maintained in a satisfactory condition, any defects should be reported to management.

viii. All spindles, drive shafts, fan blades, fan belts etc. on all compressors should be completely guarded, likewise any dangerous part of any tool driven by air pressure.

ix. Air jets should never be directed at any person and should never be used for cleaning clothing. If necessary, the use of demarcation tape or physical barriers should be used. Necessary warning signs to be displayed.

x. A system of visual inspection prior to daily use. Warning signs to be displayed.

xi. When an airline is being used for blowing out, then all persons in the immediate vicinity should be warned and instructed to wear appropriate eye protection, this will also include the operator.

xii. Airlines need to be supported off the ground as much as possible.

Personal Protective Equipment

Personal protective equipment should be provided with these tools and used by the operator, this includes:

Eye protection.

Foot protection.

Head protection.

Ear protection.

Respiratory protection

In certain circumstances full face protection is required.