OHS OSHA
OHS OSHA
Safe Air Blowing
Risks of Using Compressed Air for Personnel Cleaning in terms of OHS
Compressed air used in factories is generally in the range of 6 – 13 bar. These pressure levels are designed for the operation of presses, actuators, and pneumatic systems. However, in many enterprises, the same high-pressure air is also used for clothes cleaning, blowing, and drying processes. This practice can pose serious occupational safety risks.
High-pressure air can;
Launch particles at bullet speed
Damage eyes, skin, and tissues
Even 2 bar pressure can damage the eardrum
Enter the body through small cuts and cause air embolism
When occupational accidents are analyzed, it is observed that a significant portion of injuries occur during clothes dust cleaning processes.
OSHA Standards and Compressed Air Safety
Due to the risks posed by the use of compressed air, OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), which sets occupational safety standards in the USA, has set a clear limit on this issue.
According to the OSHA 1910.242 standard:
Compressed air can only be used for cleaning purposes if it is reduced below 30 PSI (approximately 2 bar) and when appropriate protective equipment is used.
The main objective of this approach is:
✔ to ensure cleaning is done by using controlled and safe airflow
✔ instead of high pressure.
In Europe, cleaning clothes with compressed air above 3 PSI (≈0.2 bar) is prohibited in many factories.
According to OSHA Standard STD 1-13-001;
According to OSHA, protective measures must be taken to prevent chips, dust, or particles that may occur during cleaning processes using compressed air from reaching the eyes or exposed skin of the operator or surrounding employees.
Therefore, providing effective particle protection in compressed air applications is a mandatory safety approach.
“Effective chip guarding” refers to methods and equipment that prevent chips or particles blown by compressed air from reaching the eyes or exposed skin of the operator or other employees.
ALFA AIRSAFE supports operator safety with its protective nozzle design compliant with the OSHA STD 1-13-001 standard.
ALFA AIRSAFE – KAIZEN Approach in Safe Air Blowing
ALFA AIRSAFE is an innovative OHS solution developed against occupational accidents experienced in cleaning with compressed air.
The system operates with the principles of;
✔️0.2 bar low pressure
✔️ 2400 L/min high air flow
✔️ controlled air flow
In this way, safe and effective cleaning is ensured by using a low pressure – high flow approach instead of high-pressure air.
ALFA AIRSAFE also represents a continuous improvement approach developed with the KAIZEN philosophy. Thanks to this approach;
Employee safety is increased
Compressed air accidents are prevented
Occupational safety standards are raised
Safe cleaning practices are ensured in factories
OSHA STANDARDS
