OSHA Standard 1910.242(b) discusses the use of compressed air for cleaning and blowoff. It states that the use of compressed air for cleaning purposes is prohibited if the dead-ended pressure exceeds 30 psig. This phrase means the downstream pressure of the air nozzle or gun, used for cleaning purposes, will remain at a pressure level below 30 psig for all static conditions. In the event that dead ending occurs, the static pressure at the main orifice shall not exceed 30 psi. If it does exceed this pressure, there is a very high potential for it to create an air embolism. An air embolism, left untreated, can quickly impede the flow of blood throughout the body. This can lead to stroke, heart attack, and sometimes death. Take a look at the animation below to see how an air embolism can affect the body.
With this in mind, there are only two options for staying within compliance of this standard. Either install an engineered solution that will reduce the air pressure to less than 30 psig if dead-ended, or regulate the pressure below 30 psig. For the vast majority of operations, regulating the input pressure below 30 psig is useless. The force and flow from the nozzle at this pressure is greatly reduced and likely not enough to be effective in most applications. All of EXAIR’s Safety Air Guns are designed so that the flow cannot be dead-ended. The fins on the Super Air Nozzles are not only useful in amplifying the force by drawing in ambient air, but they also prevent an operator from completely obstructing the airflow.
In addition to being concerned about dead-end pressure, OSHA 1910.242(b) also states that compressed air used for cleaning should include effective chip guarding. By this, they mean that some method or equipment must be installed that will prevent chips and particles from coming back into the eyes or skin of the operator. In addition to offering OSHA compliant nozzles and guns, EXAIR also has Chip Shields that can be installed onto any of our Safety Air Guns. The polycarbonate shields protect the operator from any flying debris while performing a drying or blowoff operation. Simply add a “-CS” to the end of any Safety Air Gun Model number to have a Chip Shield installed on the gun.
The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 does not contain any provisions that allow for the approval or endorsement of equipment. Alteration or the misapplication of what was once a safe piece of equipment would create a dangerous scenario that is out of the control of the original manufacturer. Any nozzles or guns marketed as “OSHA approved” should immediately throw up a red flag. Identifying and implementing a safe, OSHA compliant solution rests in the hands of the manufacturer themselves. If you’ve got questions about compressed air safety or have an existing blowoff in place that does not adhere to this OSHA directive, give us a call. We’ll be sure to recommend a solution that will keep your operators and wallets safe!
Tyler Daniel
Application Engineer
E-mail: TylerDaniel@exair.com
Twitter: @EXAIR_TD
This rule is trash and only causes extreme frustration for skilled workers that need more then 30 psi for being efficient and effective. Simply educating people and allowing them to practice safe work practices seems more American to me. We are all adults.
Thank you for your comment Stephen. The frustration that you indicate is the very thing that we strive to offset through education of our customers and readers regarding the OSHA rule for dead end pressure. When pressed for further clarification, OSHA has clearly indicated that the reduction of output pressure being reduced below 30 psig does not have to be done by regulation of the “input” pressure to be below this value. Simply that when measured at the tip of a nozzle under consideration for compliance to the rule, that the pressure exerted by the nozzle not exceed this value. This can be done by providing an alternative path for the air volume to travel should the nozzle become blocked by a person’s skin. Some design nozzles with a cross-drilled hole to provide relief. EXAIR does the same thing but with the use of back-set orifices and fins which also help to reduce windshear and have a net impact of lower sound of operation while achieving the safe operating standard set forth by OSHA. Unfortunately, folks have become very sick and even died as a result of embolism caused by compressed air entering the blood stream. So, there is definitely valid concern for it. And more importantly, holding companies responsible for safe working conditions and implementing safety training for this specific regulation and many other that are industry specific do make for a safer work place for all of us.