Compressed Air and Compressed Air Equipment

Hazard Overview

What is compressed air?

Air that has been placed under a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure. Compressed air is used primarily as a medium for the transfer of energy in industrial processes. In addition, compressed air having Grade D purity is used to provide breathable air to supplied air respirators.

What are the hazards associated with compressed air and compressed air equipment?

The physical hazards associated with compressed air and compressed air equipment are related to the sudden release of energy due to a rupture of a compressed air receiver or detachment of pneumatic tools.

The health hazards associated with compressed air result primarily from the formation of an air embolism in the bloodstream when compressed air penetrates the skin into the blood stream; for example when used at too high pressure to remove contaminants from workers' clothing. The secondary indirect health effects that result from the use of compressed air are associated with the agitation of settled dust into the air and into the breathing zone of employees. Depending upon the type of dust, health effects can range from slight irritation to inhalation of dusts that cause serious occupational diseases (e.g., byssinosis, silicosis). In addition, employees using air compressors with supplied-air respirators may be exposed to toxic air contaminants if compressors are not properly maintained and located to provide at least Grade D breathing air.

Solutions

What can I do to protect myself?

Never operate an air compressor that exhibits signs of metal fatigue or weakness in the receiver. Never use compressed air for cleaning clothing unless it has been reduced below 30 psi. Be sure to drain the receiver frequently to prevent the buildup of water and oil.

When using a compressor to provide breathing air to a supplied-air respirator, be sure to locate the compressor away from any sources of air contaminants. Be sure all breathing air compressor alarms are properly functioning.

What resources are available to assist employers?

The example workplace self-inspection checklist addresses the safety precautions regarding the use of compressors and compressed air in the workplace. Additonally, this example respiratory protection program and respiratory protection PowerPoint presentation can be modified to meet the employer's needs.

The A-Z safety and health topics page for respiratory protection provides additional resource information. Further, the NCDOL Library offers free safety and health videos and related research assistance on consensus standards (i.e., ANSI, NFPA, NEC). The education, training and technical assistance bureau provides free online safety and health training and outreach services (i.e., speaker's bureau requests, safety booths) upon request.

Regulations

What standards apply?

OSH has adopted the following standards for compressed air and compressed air equipment in North Carolina:

29 CFR 1910.169 - air receivers (general industry)
29 CFR 1915.172 - portable air receivers and other unfired pressure vessels (maritime)
29 CFR 1926.306 - air receivers (construction)

Additional OSH standards applicable to compressed air and compressed air equipment include:

29 CFR 1910.134 - respiratory protection
29 CFR 1910.242 - hand and portable powered tools and equipment (general industry)
29 CFR 1910.243 - guarding of portable powered tools (general industry)
29 CFR 1915.131 - tools and related equipment, general precautions (maritime)
29 CFR 1926.304 - power-operated hand tools (construction)

Learn More

Where can I learn more?

Standards directive STD 01-10-002 (STD 1-10.2), Drains on Air Receivers 29 CFR 1910.169(a)(2)(i) and (b)(2) Citation Guidance, provides an explanation of the standard to ensure uniform enforcement guidance.
Standards directive STD 01-13-001 (STD 1-13.1), Air Nozzle Pressure for Cleaning 29 CFR 1910.242(b) and 41 CFR 50-204B; Clarification of Effective Chip Guarding, provides an explanation of the standard to ensure uniform enforcement.
Standards Notice 56, Heavy and Light Duty Pneumatic Staplers, provides an explanation of the applicable standards for these two types of pneumatic tools and provides citation guidance to ensure uniform enforcement.
Industry Guide 48 - OSHA Construction Industry Standards Requiring Programs, Inspections, Procedures, Records and/or Training provides requirements for standards related to compressed air along with other construction standards.
Industry Guide 49 - OSHA General Industry Standards Requiring Programs, Inspections, Procedures, Records and/or Training, includes requirements for standards related to compressed air in general industry.

If you would like to receive interpretive guidance on this or any other OSH standard or topic, you can submit your questions using the Ask OSH web form, by e-mail to ask.osh@labor.nc.gov or by calling 919-707-7876.