Have you ever gotten an air compressor delivery and noticed the compressor sitting on the ground, without any safety precautions? Your air compressor tank likely has. While it is relatively easy to avoid air compressor tank safety hazards, there are still ways to ensure safety while using compressed air. We will discuss compressed air safety tips to keep in mind before using air tools and equipment.
We will cover compressed air safety precautions like powering down fully before repairs, draining the compressor tank often, keeping hands away from compressed air tools, checking the electrical outlet, and so on. This blog will help you understand the risks of compressed air equipment and how to protect yourself from them.
What Is An Air Compressor Tank?
An air compressor receiver tank is part of an air compressor system and is designed to hold compressed air until it is needed. It is usually made of mild steel and may be primed to prevent corrosion and increase longevity. The interior of the tank can be made of various materials such as galvanized or epoxy-coated steel, but specialty applications may require a tank made of stainless steel.
Air receiver tanks must be installed properly and maintained to prevent corrosion and fatigue which can lead to dangerous tank rupture. When using an air compressor, an OSHA-approved nozzle should be used to control the flow of air and reduce the risk of injury.
Air Compressor Tank Safety Precautions: 10 Tips
Air compressor tank safety precautions include checking the manual that came with your unit for the maximum recommended speed and ensuring that you never run your compressor at speeds exceeding this level. Also, ensure that the safety valves on your air tank are positioned in a way that prevents water from collecting inside the unit.
This will help prevent a potential explosion and the risk of injury to the operator. Another safety precaution to consider is placing a filter or screen at the intake valve to keep the air intake clean. This will help to prevent dirt, debris, or other impurities from entering the air system and causing damage to the equipment or surrounding environment.
1.Power Down Fully Before Repairs
Before performing any maintenance on an air compressor, it should be shut down and disconnected from the power source. It is also important to allow time for the compressor to cool down before handling, as hot parts, coolants, and lubricants can cause burns.
It is a good practice to drain air compressors regularly to prevent them from rusting and exploding. Remember to lock out power sources before refilling fuel, oil, water, or DEF. This will help prevent accidental injuries or leaks. Finally, keep hands, fingers, hair, and clothing away from the air compressor due to its rotating parts.
2.Allow Time For The Compressor To Cool Down
When working with an air compressor, always allow the equipment to cool down before handling. This will help to prevent burns and other injuries.
Air compressor tanks are dangerous if hot parts, coolants, and lubricants are touched during or shortly after usage. This can lead to severe burns if gloves are not worn or precautions are not taken. Additionally, it is essential to drain the tank regularly to prevent rust and explosions. To avoid injuries, it is important to protect your hands, fingers, hair, and clothing from the rotating parts of the air compressor.
3.Drain The Compressor Tank Often
To prevent explosive decompression and corrosion in compressor tanks, it is essential to regularly drain the tank. For safety reasons, it is recommended to use a pneumatic drain system that automatically detects when the compressor tank is full and shuts down the compressor to avoid overfilling. Additionally, it is essential to drain the tank when replacing parts or cleaning the equipment.
This will help prevent excess condensation from forming and lead to a safer overall operation of the compressor. It is also important to note that air compressors should be shut down and disconnected from the power source before draining a tank. This will prevent accidental damage to the compressor during the process.
4.Keep Hands, Fingers, Hair, And Clothing Away
Air compressor safety precautions must be followed to ensure the safety of the air compressor and its users. One of the most important safety precautions is to keep hands, fingers, hair, and clothing away from the air compressor tank to avoid any type of injury. Operators must remain in control of the compressor unit at all times and stand on a level surface away from the unit.
Additionally, operators must wear protective equipment and clothing while operating an air compressor. This includes safety goggles, a high-quality dust mask, and other safety apparel appropriate for the task at hand. It’s also important to ensure all hoses are fitted tightly and free of dirt and debris to prevent injury.
5.Check The Electrical Outlet
Before plugging in the air compressor, make sure the electrical outlet is properly grounded. This will ensure that the air compressor does not overheat or put out too much pressure. Additionally, ensure that the outlet is not defective or malfunctioning. To ensure that you are using the correct rating for the outlet, use a voltage tester to test it for the correct voltage. Also, avoid using outlets with missing or broken ground prongs. These safety precautions will help protect both yourself and the air compressor from damage.
6.Choose The Right Compressor Location
A safety valve is a vital safety feature on air compressors. It allows compressed air to flow back into the tank when the pressure reaches a preset level. It ensures that compressed air doesn’t enter the system at unsafe pressures and potentially cause damage to the air compressor or the air tank. In addition, air compressors typically have safety valves to automatically reset high pressure if the system experiences pressure loss.
This helps prevent excess compressed air from entering the system, which could result in damage. Additionally, filters and screens can be used to improve air quality and keep the compressed air clean. These safety measures help ensure that air compressors are working safely and efficiently, while also protecting people and property from harm.
7.Do Not Use Pvc Pipe
Using PVC pipes in compressed air applications can be a safety risk. They can easily crack and burst, potentially causing pieces of shrapnel to fly. This can lead to serious injuries. It is also important to use secure, standard fittings for airlines and to label each airline with a tag indicating the maximum working pressure. Using an OSHA-approved nozzle helps to better control the flow of air and reduce the risk of injury. All of these safety precautions help ensure that compressed air systems are safe and effective.
8.Secure Tools And Hoses Before Starting The Compressor
Air compressor safety is vital for the safety of both the air compressor and the people using it. Before starting the air compressor, ensure that all hose fittings are tight and clean. Important things to look for include leaks or loose fittings, damaged parts, or parts out of adjustment. Also, be sure to lock the machine’s power source and release all pressure from the compressor before conducting any maintenance.
It is also important to keep the area around the air compressor safe by ensuring that all hoses, cables, and wires are tucked away so they are not a source of possible injury. After starting the air compressor, perform a visual inspection of the machine to look for leaks, loose or missing parts, damaged parts, or parts out of adjustment.
9.Wear Protective Gear
Air compressors are powerful tools that must be handled with care and respect. They can pose serious risks if not properly operated and maintained. Protect yourself and others from injury by always wearing appropriate protective equipment and clothing when working with air compressors. Ensure that all moving parts like flywheels, belts, and pulleys are effectively guarded to reduce the risk of accidents.
Also, clean any hoses of dirt and debris to ensure they stay in good condition and last longer. Finally, before installing, removing, fine-tuning, or performing any kind of maintenance on your pneumatic impact tools or accessory parts, shut off the air source and bleed the air pressure to disengage the air hose. This helps to prevent any accidents from occurring.
10.Take Compressed Air Seriously
Air compressors can be dangerous if they are not taken seriously. High-pressure air can pose serious risks to the safety of users and surrounding areas. As a safety precaution, it is important to know the risks of high-pressure air, such as damaging internal organs or causing fires.
It is also vital to have safety switches on air compressors that will shut off pumps when pressure is built up. To reduce the risk of injury, it’s important to avoid injecting air into the bloodstream, which can lead to a fatal embolism. In addition, air tanks must be pressure-tested before being used to ensure safety.
Common Hazards Of Air Compressor Tanks
As air receiver tanks, air compressor tanks are an extremely vital part of air compressor safety features. However, faulty design, improper use, and faulty repair of the air receiver tank can result in tank failure. Therefore, it is vital to follow safety precautions while using air receiver tanks.
Safety measures include the following: – Use an OSHA-approved nozzle to reduce the risk of bodily injury due to high-pressure air release. This helps prevent the nozzle from being damaged or rupturing the tank.- Maintain proper air pressure in the system so that no leaks occur in the tank. If leaks occur, immediately shut off the air supply and call safety officials.
– Do not over-pressurize or under-pressurize your system as this can cause damage to the equipment and environment. – Never weld on air receiver tanks as this increases the risk of rupture or explosion. – Never repair cracks or leaks on air receiver tanks as this also increases the risk of tank failure. Thus, you must follow all safety precautions while handling air receiver tanks to ensure their safety and longevity.
Conclusion
Safety is of utmost importance when working with air compressor tanks. These safety tips will help keep you and your family as well as your air compressor tank safe. If you keep these safety tips in mind, you will be able to work safely around air compressor tanks and their compressed air. Remember that compressed air is a high-pressure gas with the ability to cause serious injury or death if mishandled. Keep this in mind when working with compressed air and ensure that you have a compressed air system safety manual to refer to.
Frequently Asked Questions
1.What Are The Safety Precautions In An Air Compressor?
Ans: There are a few safety precautions to always keep in mind when using an air compressor. First of all, make sure the air inlet is clean and free of moisture. This means that you should avoid using the air compressor if it’s raining or if it’s foggy outside.
2.What Is The Main Safety Feature Used To Prevent A Compressor Tank From Bursting?
Ans: The main safety feature used to prevent air compressor tanks from bursting is the use of safety valves. Safety valves are located and installed in a way that they cannot be easily made inoperative. Safety valves must be tested regularly to ensure they are functioning correctly, and an air fuse should be installed in the hose upstream to prevent hose malfunctions.
3.Is It OK To Leave The Compressor Tank Pressurized?
Ans: It is not recommended to leave the compressor tank pressurized for extended periods as this can cause moisture build-up and lead to rust and explosions. To avoid moisture build-up, it is recommended that a no-air loss pneumatically controlled drain is installed.
4.What Are Some Of The Most Common Hazards Related To Air Compressors?
Ans: Some of the most common hazards related to air compressors include:
- Compressor tanks may rupture due to corrosion, leading to explosions which can cause massive damage.
- Air compressors can produce hazardous noise levels which can lead to hearing loss.
- Gas-powered compressors may lead to carbon monoxide poisoning which can cause disorientation, coma, or death.
5.Is It Possible To Get Injured By An Air Compressor?
Ans: Yes, it is possible to get injured by an air compressor in rare situations. If a compression unit bursts, it can endanger workers’ lives. Users must wear protective gear due to the high pressure and pneumatic equipment.
