When it comes to OSHA and their safety standards in regard to compressed air, it boils down to two main topics. OSHA standard 1910.242(b) and 29 CFR-1910.95 (a).
OSHA standard 1910.242(b) – Compressed air shall not be used for cleaning purposes except where reduced to less than 30 psi and then only with effective chip guarding and personal protective equipment.
For a logical reader, it might seem that this standard requires the air used for tasks like blowing off equipment or cleaning floors to be limited to a maximum of 30 psig. However, this interpretation isn’t entirely accurate. When the standard mentions reducing air pressure to below 30 psig, it specifically refers to the static pressure measured when the air nozzle is blocked against an object, such as a person’s body. The “dynamic” pressure, which is the speed of the air as it flows from the nozzle, can be much higher, provided that the static pressure “Dead end Pressure” remains under 30 psi when the nozzle is obstructed. This is why it’s crucial for employers to educate their workers about the dangers of compressed air and the significance of not modifying air nozzles.
Our Air Nozzles and Jets video shows a great depiction of how this can be achieved with our engineered design of nozzles. The recessed holes and the fact that there are multiple passages for the air to exit are easy to see on the nozzle. Products like the Super Air Knife may not be so easy to see, but the way the air knife cap overlaps prevents the Super Air Knife from being dead-ended in the event an operator comes into contact with the discharged air.
OSHA standard 29 CFR-1910.95 (a) – Occupational noise exposure.
The Occupational Noise Exposure regulation (OSHA’s 29 CFR 1910.95) mandates that employees who are exposed to an average noise level of 85dBA TWA (time-weighted average) must be included in a Hearing Conservation Program (HCP). Employers are obligated to ensure that these employees receive hearing conservation training throughout their employment. This training should commence with an initial orientation and be reinforced annually. Section 1910.95(a) of the standard lays the groundwork for a hearing conservation program aimed at safeguarding workers from the detrimental effects of noise exposure in the workplace. Let’s take a brief look at the key aspects of implementing a hearing conservation strategy, including the “what,” “who,” “how,” and “when.”
The first step in understanding and addressing any sound level issues is to measure the sound. The easy-to-use Digital Sound Meter, model 9104 shown below, allows for accurate testing of noise levels throughout the facility. Noisy areas can be quickly identified, leading to review, design and implementation of the engineering controls.
Some of the worst offenders for noise violations are compressed air applications. A prime example would be inefficient blow offs used for cooling, drying, or cleaning. Open pipe, copper tube or drilled pipe are a few of the common culprits. Not only do they consume excessive amounts of compressed air, they can produce noise levels above 100 dBA.
EXAIR manufactures a wide variety of engineered products that utilize compressed air and deliver it in a controlled manner. This allows for the most efficient use of compressed air and keeps the sound levels much lower than homemade methods. A Super Air Knife can replace a drilled pipe, reducing sound by as much as 20 dBA, while using 50-70% less compressed air. An engineered Super Air Nozzle can replace an open pipe or copper tube and reduce sound levels down to 74 dBA, and even down to 58 dBA for the smallest available nozzles.
If you have questions regarding OSHA standard 1910.242(b) and 29 CFR-1910.95 (a), or how to solve any issue with an EXAIR Intelligent Compressed Air® Product, feel free to contact EXAIR . One of our Application Engineers would be pleased to help you determine your best solution.
Jordan Shouse
Application Engineer
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