One of the common challenges that many health and safety managers face is that users can become complacent and overlook the fact that most compressed air is pressurised to at least six times atmospheric pressure – and it is this pressurised energy that can create a hazard if not managed properly.

In addition, the noise created by unsilenced compressed air when exhausting to the atmosphere also needs careful consideration to ensure it remains with legal limits.

Creating a safe working environment 

The Health and Safety at Work act states that an employee must take reasonable care and follow all procedures laid down by his/her employer to create a safe working environment for everyone.

To ensure this is achieved, every employee, through the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations should receive training in order to use compressed air equipment in the correct manner. 

Additionally, it is important that the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is provided to all using compressed air tools, that it is worn correctly and fits properly. Depending on the application, this can include safety goggles/glasses, ear defenders, gloves and face masks.

The British Compressed Air Society's (BCAS) Certificate in Working Safely with Compressed Air workshops provides a simple and efficient way to train staff that regularly use compressed air in their daily routines.

The one-hour, online workshop helps to fulfil employers’ health and safety obligations and provides evidence that each participant has understood safe working practices and their responsibilities.

Straightforward and easy to follow, the course covers the hazards of compressed air as an energy source, the use of personal protective equipment, employer and employee responsibilities with respect to health and safety when using compressed air and a list of safe working practices to be followed.

In addition, the following areas are discussed:

• Equipment types and hazards 

There is a wide range of handheld pneumatic equipment, and each type has its own associated hazards. These fall into two groups; where the compressed air drives a motor, e.g., grinders, sanders, nut runners or where the compressed air is used directly through a nozzle, e.g., blow guns, spray guns.

These air powered tools give rise to a few hazards requiring various items of personal protective equipment to be worn to help protect from noise and vibration, sparks and dust.

Sometimes, the connection between the hose and tool or the hose clamp can become loose, through wear of tampering. Attention should also be paid to quick-release couplings, which may not be pushed home properly or have worked loose through wear. To help mitigate against this risk, users should check both the hose itself and its connection with the tool for signs of wear and tear before use.

• Blow gun safety

The end of a blow gun must never be blocked, nor pointed at anyone and should not be used for general cleaning purposes, such as cleaning clothing, especially while being worn, or benches. Vacuum cleaning is a far safer option. 

One way to help minimise the risk of injury is to only use blow guns which have some form of safety feature, either a safety-pattern nozzle or a safety mechanism which cuts in if the nozzle becomes blocked. If the blow gun does not have a built-in safety feature, then the pressure should be reduced to 2 bar or 30 PSI gauge pressure – and safety goggles or glasses worn at all times.

A comprehensive training programme 

"BCAS is recognised within the industry as a provider of training and development for engineers, technical professionals and users of compressed air. Working with our members we develop training based on industry standards and best practice," said BCAS executive director Vanda Jones. 

"These include specialist courses that are tailored to the needs of industry professionals, end users and suppliers; that combine the safe working and understanding of compressed air with its multiple uses.

"Now, more than ever, this training must be delivered to suit the needs of a dynamic and changing workforce. It’s why we have invested in our new e-learning portal, allowing delegates to learn at a pace, and from a location, that suits – and the one-hour, Certificate in Working Safely with Compressed Air is a great place to start," she continued. 

"It's also worth remembering that customers of BCAS members are entitled to an exclusive 25% discount off our full range of CPD-approved training courses.  Simply speak to one of the BCAS team prior to booking your training. By taking advantage of the exclusive discount, you'll also receive free associate membership of BCAS, offering you a host of additional benefits, including discounted publications, as well as access to compressed air guidelines and the society’s technical support line."

To find out more about the Certificate in Working Safely with Compressed Air course from BCAS, please visit elearning.bcas.org.uk/our-courses/fully-online/working-safely-with-compressed-air/

www.bcas.org.uk

Tel: 020 7935 2464