Air Compressor - Tools - Safety
What are Pneumatic tools/air compressors?
An air compressor is a pneumatic device that converts power, using an electric motor, diesel, or gasoline, into potential energy, then reserved in pressurized air. All air compressors do the same job. They force air into the reservoir (Tank), which is where the air is then pressurized. Once the pressure has reached the max amount, it then starts to disband the compressed air into tools such as an impact driver, air ratchet, air dust gun, air riveter, and a grinder.
Safety around an air compressor:
- When removing the air hose, ensure that no one is around and take precautions of where you will release it.
- Check the air hose and electrical wire from damage and punctures.
- Keep clear from the motor if there is no safety casing over it to reduce the risk of getting burnt.
- Keep away from exposed pipes that could produce heat.
- Make sure if you're using a belt-driven air compressor, check that the guard is in place covering the belt when it is operating to ensure no one will get injured.
- Watch out for the air hose and keep it out of the way for other's safety.
- When an air compressor is in service, wearing safety equipment is compulsory. The safety gear includes ear protection, eye protection, suitable covered clothing, etc.
- Never point any nozzles or spraying tools towards a body part of a person or towards yourself.
- Inspect the air compressor for holes or damage on the tank or motor etc.
- Drain the tank after every use to release moisture.
Here is an example of a direct-driven air compressor.
Here is an example of a belt-driven compressor.
Here is another example of a different air compressor, it is called a commercial air compressor and is mostly found in larger buildings that operate air tools for longer.
PPE when using air tools - general
When using these tools, there's a range of PPE gear mandatory to wear for your safety and a range of safety actions that keep others in the workshop safe. PPE gear for tools such as the air ratchet, impact driver, air duster, and grinder requires the essential equipment listed as ear protection, respiratory protection, safety glasses, and/ or a face shield. Safety rules that are specific to the tools themselves include: examining their safety manual, checking there are no leaks or damage, ensuring that the connections are correctly lubricated and clean, and you are using the proper tools that are advised for the job and other implements that are involved. Another procedure that you should take into consideration would be to make sure there is no sticking in the trigger of each tool, and check they are all clear and no parts are blocked.
Air tools - Use - Safety
Impact Driver
An impact driver can either be cordless or mains powered. This device is mostly for situations when dealing with stubborn nuts and bolts. It can work on various materials such as concrete, wood, steel, drywall, plastic, and more. It has interchangeable sockets for it to be able to fit several sized nuts. Extra care is a high priority due to the simple risk of over-tightening. Models of these tools may have the option to change the torque settings to detect that it has tightened enough and will stop.
Pneumatic Ratchet
Air ratchets are a power wrench, rather than hand forced it operates by compressed air. The function of this tool works the same as a hand ratchet. Once it is attached to the compressor's airline hose, and the trigger is enclosed, it will begin to rotate. This tool is handy for loosening/tightening different bolts within the range of low to medium torque. When using the switch located at the top, it will change the direction of rotation. PPE gear such as earmuffs is ideal when operating this tool.
Air dust Gun
An air dust gun pretty much lives up to its name. It's a gun-shaped device that disperses pressurized air from the nozzle when activated. It hooks up to the air compressor's airline hose and discharges the circulating air from inside the tank. This can cause extreme damage to the skin if it is in close proximity to it.
Pneumatic air rivet
A pneumatic riveter is a tool that was made for fastening two pieces of material together. It works by putting a rivet through the nozzle hole and then the corresponding hole in the material. Once it is all in place, the pressure is applied to the tool's trigger causing compressed air to drive the rivet into the hole, causing the mandrel (Tail) to deform into place, fastening all the pieces together. This tool can be hazardous if used carelessly. To reduce this risk the following should be advised, keeping the device away from any body part, wear ear protection from high noises, and checking the tool itself isn't damaged.
Pneumatic angle grinder
The angle grinder is a heavy-duty, versatile tool that can grind metal, cut tile, pavers, and can polish, sand, or sharpen different materials. It has a grinding head-mounted outwards to allow the abrasive disc to spin freely. When using this device: ensure the disc's safety guards are in line to avoid sparks and other material from spitting out. It is also essential that there is balanced pressure using the side handle to reduce any sudden spinouts or sliding.