Particular Dangers Associated With Compressed Air - Gardner Denver L Series Service Manual

4.2 Particular dangers associated with compressed air

Danger
Compressed air is very powerful. It can
be used, for example, to break open
concrete but can also put lives at risk.
Small parts propelled at high speed by
compressed air can penetrate the skin
or destroy an eye.
Compressed-air connections may split
and put people at risk.
Compressed-air lines may be breached
by accident.
Compressed-air lines get hot and
expand.
Loose hose ends may flog and result in
injury.
Safety measure required
Never play with compressed air.
When using compressed air to clean equipment, work with extreme caution and
always wear suitable eye protection.
Never direct compressed air onto the skin or toward another person. Never
use compressed air for cleaning clothing.
Only connect the compressor to the existing compressed-air system when the
service temperatures and service pressures are correct and the connecting
flange and connecting thread are in full working order.
All connected components must be of the correct size and be suitable for the
specified operating pressure and temperature (i.e. distributing pipes and pipe
connections).
A hose connected to an air valve must be fitted with a safety wire for operating
pressures above 100 PSI; it is in fact recommended that this safety device
should be used for pressures above 60 PSI. The steel wire has a diameter of
0.315" and is firmly clamped to the hose at least every 20". Both ends should
be fitted with cable lugs.
Do not use chafed, damaged or poor-quality hoses.
Only use the correct type and size of hose coupling and connection.
The compressed air line connected at the air exit of the unit must not be under
strain.
No force should be applied to the outlet thread or the outlet flange by, for
example, pulling on the lines or by mounting additional equipment
(e.g., a water separator or a pneumatic oiler, etc.)
Compressed-air lines have to be marked distinctly according to local regulations.
Make sure that the compressed-air line from the compressor to the air network
can expand as a result of heat and cannot come into contact with flammable
materials.
Pipes and other parts with a surface temperature of more than 158 °F must be
suitably secured against contact and suitably marked.
Fix the hose in such a way that it does not lash if the connection is broken.
Before blowing through a hose or air line, it is essential to hold the open end firmly.
Before disconnecting a hose, always make sure that it is not under pressure.
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