FACTS

1. Flying debris—even very small particles of dust – can cause debilitating eye injuries. It’s essential for operators to employ effective chip guard barriers that block flying debris to prevent injuries.
2. Location — Portable compressors that are run by internal combustion engines can generate deadly carbon monoxide from the exhaust gases produced in tight spaces.
3. Hose Connections — Pressurized hoses can unintentionally become detached from equipment or from the couplings site and can begin to lash. Whipping hoses are known to break bones and cause cuts, contusions, and lacerations to those standing close by.
4. Tripping Hazard — Hoses left strewn across walkways and equipment paths or near high-traffic areas increase the chances of a serious accident.
5. Respirators — Using compressed air can increase dust particles in the surrounding air, making the air hazardous to breathe. Wear respirators when blasts of air suspend dust into the atmosphere.
6. Proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) — Never use compressed air to clean workstations or clothing. Horseplay with compressed air is particularly dangerous.

STATS

• These accidents are so common that the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 20 deaths and 6,000 injuries occur due to compressed gas accidents each year.
• An evaluation of Bureau of Labor and Statistics data over six years shows that there is an average of 124 deaths each year from caught by or compressed by equipment. Compressed air is listed among the subcategories of those death causes and the category does not include deaths caused by moving equipment or machinery. Safety best practices and proper use of compressed air should be followed at all times.