Pneumatic Tools
Serious hazards that can cause injury or fatalities are associated with the use of pneumatic tools.
Air Gun Safety
The most frequent cause of injury while working with pneumatic tools is being struck by the tool or by the fastener ejected from the tool. High-pressure air injection under the skin is a serious injury that can also occur. These and other injuries typically occur due to the following reasons:
- Flying Debris: Fasteners, attachments, or other projectiles can be ejected at high speeds, potentially striking the operator or bystanders.
- High-Pressure Air Injection: High-pressure air can penetrate the skin and enter the bloodstream, leading to serious injuries or infections. This can occur if the tool is not handled properly or if there is an accidental release of air.
- Accidental Discharge: The tool may fire unexpectedly if the trigger is accidentally pressed or if the tool malfunctions.
- Loss of Control: Improper handling or a strong recoil can cause the operator to lose control of the tool, leading to impact injuries.
- Tool Malfunctions: Defective or poorly maintained tools can misfire or explode, causing injury.
Be sure to know and comply with the following best practices when working with pneumatic tools, review the best practices in the link below:
- Check to see that the tools are fastened securely to the air hose to prevent them from becoming disconnected. A short wire or positive locking device attaching the air hose to the tool must also be used and will serve as an added safeguard.
- To reduce pressure in case of hose failure, make sure a safety excess flow valve is installed if an air hose is more than 1/2-inch (12.7 millimeters) in diameter.
- Take the same precautions with an air hose that are recommended for electric cords, because the hose is subject to the same kind of damage or accidental striking, and because it also presents tripping hazards.
- Install a safety clip or retainer to prevent attachments such as chisels on a chipping hammer from being ejected during tool operation.
- Eye protection is required. Head, face, and hearing protection is also necessary for employees working with pneumatic tools.
- Screens must also be set up to protect nearby workers from being struck by flying fragments around chippers, riveting guns, staplers, or air drills.
- Compressed air guns should never be pointed toward anyone.
- Workers should never "dead-end," or block the tip of the air gun against themselves or anyone else. A chip guard must be used when compressed air is used for cleaning.
- Do not use compressed air to clean clothing. Cleaning clothing with compressed air can increase the oxygen level within clothing fabric to the point that the clothing becomes extremely flammable. The result may be a fatal injury due to burns.
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5-5. What is the most frequent cause of injury when working with pneumatic tools?
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