Pneumatic Tools Safety
Pneumatic tools operate under compressed air, usually from an air compressor. Some of the most common types of pneumatic tools are buffers, nail guns, staple guns, drills, jackhammers and riveting guns. Regardless of what tool is being used, there are certain safety measures that the operator should make sure are in place before operating such tools.
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Gear
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Certain safety gear should be worn at all times while operating pneumatic tools. Some materials may chip while being manipulated under pneumatic tools. For this reason, safety glasses or a face shield should be employed by the operator while using pneumatic tools, according to Ask the Builder. Steel-toed boots should be worn while operating certain tools, such as jackhammers, to avoid the risk of damaging feet or toes. Many pneumatic tools create a lot of noise while they are in operation; for this reason, it is recommended that hearing protection be worn while working with pneumatic tools, according to The Tool Hut.
Maintenance
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Properly maintaining pneumatic tools and their supplemental equipment is an essential step in ensuring the safe operation of the pneumatic tools, according to Canada's Center for Occupational Health and Safety. The compressed air supplied to pneumatic tools should be dry and clean; dust and moisture can severely damage pneumatic tools. Employing regulator filters and lubricators can extend the rated life of pneumatic tools. The tools themselves should be kept clean and lubricated.
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Hoses
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Using proper hoses is another critical safety measure. The Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety recommends using hoses that are resistant to abrasion, cutting and crushing. Air-supply hoses should have a working pressure rating of at least 1035 kPa (kilopascal). One kilopascal is equivalent to 1,000 Pascals, or approximately 0.145 psi (pounds per square inch). Before operating pneumatic equipment, the user should assure himself that there are no cuts or bulges in the air-supply hose, according to American Pneumatic Tools. Also, connections should be checked to ensure that the hose is securely attached to the pneumatic tool.
Bystanders
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Operating pneumatic tools poses safety risks not only to the operator, but also to the people in close proximity to active pneumatic tools. To avoid causing injury to bystanders, signs should be posted at a safe distance notifying bystanders that pneumatic tools are being used in the area. Screens or other types of shields can be erected to prevent exposing bystanders to flying fragments, dust and excessive noise.
Other Safety Measures
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Pneumatic tools can be heavy and cause fatigue; counter-balances can be employed to reduce the risks associated with operating a pneumatic tool while under fatigue, according to Canada's Center for Occupational Health and Safety. Before connecting a pneumatic tool to its air supply, air should be blown out of the air line to avoid accidental discharge. Pneumatic tools should never be operated at pressures above the manufacturer's recommendation.
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