Obviously, the air that we breathe is fundamental to our survival. However, take that ordinary air from the surrounding atmosphere, squeeze it and channel it through a system of pipes and hoses and it becomes something quite different. It terms of collision repair, compressed air becomes a very useful power supply for a whole range of tools (drills, sanders, grinders, etc.) in both the panel and paint workshops. Not only that, in the spray booth, compressed air is the sole energy source for operating your spray gun and achieving efficient paint application.
Avoid the dark side
These days, there is no doubt a good compressed air supply is an indispensable part of collision repair but people tend to think of it as harmless and forget it also has a dark side. This high pressure, concentrated stream of high speed air has enough energy behind it to easily damage a human body. When you combine this with the fact that many people in the industry don’t take sufficient care when using it – perhaps, it is a case of familiarity breeds contempt – and it is easy to understand why injuries regularly occur.
Never clean clothing or hair with compressed air – Hands up everyone who has done this or seen it done? Unfortunately, cleaning clothes with compressed air seems to be quite a common practice but it can lead to major issues. What is perhaps not understood is that a stream of compressed air can actually penetrate the skin, even when there is a layer of overalls, etc. over the top. It is particularly dangerous where there is an open wound. Here, the small amounts of oil or dirt which can be found in compressed air can be forced in where they can then cause serious infections.
Worse still, compressed air entering the body can lead to an embolism – this is where a bubble of air is forced into a person’s actual bloodstream. If this air bubble travels to the heart it can result in symptoms which are similar to those of a heart attack. If it takes a different route and reaches the brain, it can cause a stroke. Crucially, both scenarios can be fatal!
Eyes and ears – The two parts of the body, perhaps, most vulnerable to compressed air are the eyes and ears. Firstly, a stream of compressed air has the force to pick up pieces of debris and turn them into high speed missiles that can not only puncture the skin, they can easily damage an eye. Secondly, even at relatively low velocity, a misdirected jet of compressed air can pop an eyeball out of its socket or do other significant damage.
The most obvious danger to the ears is from the potentially harmful level of noise produced when a volume of compressed air it vented nearby. This often results in intense sound which is well above safe decibel levels. However, it is also important to understand that a stream of compressed air directed towards the ear can easily rupture an ear drum resulting in hearing loss or, in extreme circumstances, it can even cause a brain haemorrhage.
Don’t horse around – Pranks and jokes using compressed air can quickly turn from a little fun into serious, life threatening situations. The human body has little defence against a stream of compressed air which is aimed at the wrong place. Although the mouth is for breathing in air, it takes only a small amount of compressed air being blown into the mouth to result in ruptured lungs or intestines. The navel or belly button is another weak point – even through clothing, compressed air can enter and rupture intestines. As well as the many issues already mentioned, there has been occasions where compressed air has been directed at a person’s private parts (why would you do that?). In the past, this type of extreme horseplay has resulted in serious problems, such as a rupture of the bowel or even death.
Dos and don’ts
- Always wear proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when using compressed air or equipment which utilises compressed air.
- In particular, wear safety glasses with side shields or a complete face shield, if required.
- Wear hearing protection when operating pneumatic equipment or when dumping or venting compressed air lines, filters, etc.
- Under no circumstances direct a stream of compressed air at yourself or another person.
- If you must use compressed air to blow off / clean down a surface, ensure the pressure is suitably reduced – generally, less than 30psi.