Air Compressor Use Risk and Preventive Measures

There are a number of risks associated with the use of air compressors, which may involve the equipment itself, the operator and the surrounding environment. In order to ensure safety, effective preventive measures must be taken. The following is a detailed analysis of the risk of air compressor use and preventive measures:

1. Air Compressor Use Risk

1. fire and Explosion Risk

   • risk reasons:
     • diesel fuel used in diesel-powered air compressors is a Class B hazardous chemical, and improper storage and transportation can easily cause fire and explosion accidents.
     • Compressor internal high-pressure gas and possible presence of oil and gas mixture, under certain conditions may cause an explosion. For example, the cylinder, air reservoir, air delivery pipeline due to overtemperature, overpressure can explode; atomized lubricating oil or its decomposition products mixed with compressed air may also cause an explosion.
     • During the repair and installation work, flammable liquid falls into the cylinder, air reservoir and air duct, which may cause explosion when the air compressor is started.
     • Electrical faults, such as line aging, short circuit, insulation damage, etc., may also cause a fire.
   • Risk Consequences: Equipment damage, casualties, production interruption, etc.

2. Electric shock risk

   • risk reasons: The air compressor driven by the motor has electrical problems such as damaged power cord, ungrounded equipment, damaged junction box, etc.
   • Risk Consequences: Operator's electric shock casualties.

3. Risk of mechanical injury

   • risk reasons:
     • high-speed moving pulleys, couplings and other rotating parts lack of protective cover.
     • The trachea is aging, broken or the quick connector is loose, and the high-pressure trachea swings violently when the pressure is released quickly.
   • Risk Consequences: Wrap the clothes and gloves of the operator, causing physical injury.

4. Object Strike Risk

   • risk reasons: The trachea is aging, broken or the quick connector is loose, and the high-pressure trachea swings violently when the pressure is quickly released.
   • Risk Consequences: Hit the operating personnel.

5. Risk of Noise Injury

   • risk reasons: The air compressor produces high noise when working.
   • Risk Consequences long-term exposure to high noise environment will cause damage to human hearing.

6. Compressed air misuse risk

   • risk reasons: Use compressed air to clean objects, machines, workbenches, clothes, etc.
   • Risk Consequences: Strong airflow or fine particles in compressed air can cause personal injury, such as impact injury, explosion injury, etc.

Preventive measures for 2. air compressor

1. fire and explosion prevention measures

   • selection of low-noise equipment: Reduce the noise pollution of the equipment itself.
   • Regular inspection and maintenance:
     • clean up the oil and carbon deposits inside the compressor to ensure the normal operation of the oil and gas separator.
     • Check the effectiveness of the cooling system to prevent the formation of carbon deposits due to the thermal cracking of the lubricating oil due to over-temperature.
     • Regularly check safety valves, pressure gauges and other safety devices to ensure their sensitivity and reliability.
   • Strictly abide by the operating procedures:
     • the diesel-powered air compressor shall be provided with anti-leakage and fire prevention measures.
     • It is forbidden to store inflammable and explosive materials around the compressor, and operations such as painting and aluminum-magnesium grinding are not allowed.
     • Prevent flammable liquids from falling into cylinders, air reservoirs and air ducts during repair and installation.
     • Electrical equipment must ensure grounding, zero protection, and ensure good and effective. Electrical equipment with aging, short circuit and insulation damage shall be repaired in time.
   • Installation of safety devices:
     • over-temperature and over-pressure alarm interlocking device shall be installed on the compressor.
     • The design and operation of the gas storage tank shall comply with the provisions of the Regulations on Safety and Technical Supervision of Pressure Vessels, and necessary pressure display, overpressure adjustment and alarm systems shall be installed.
     • Before the suction pipe of large air compressor, dry filter should be installed.

2. Electric shock prevention measures

   • regularly check the electrical system: Ensure that the power cord, ground wire, junction box, etc. are intact.
   • Strengthening electrical safety management: Provide electrical safety training to operators to improve safety awareness.
   • Set warning signs: Set warning signs around electrical equipment and lines to remind personnel to pay attention to safety.

3. Mechanical injury prevention measures

   • installing protective cover: Install protective covers for high-speed moving pulleys, couplings and other rotating parts.
   • Regularly check the air pipes and joints: Ensure that the trachea is free from aging and fracture, and the joint is firmly connected.
   • Set up warning signs and safety zones: Set warning signs and safety areas in dangerous areas to restrict personnel entry.

4. Object Strike Preventive Measures

   • regularly check the air pipes and joints it is the same as the mechanical injury prevention measures to ensure that the trachea is free of aging and fracture, and the joint is firmly connected.
   • Strengthen the training of operators: Improve the safety awareness and operation skills of operators to avoid illegal operations.

5. Noise injury prevention measures

   • selection of low-noise equipment: Reduce the noise pollution of the equipment itself.
   • Sound insulation: Set up sound insulation around the compressor to reduce noise transmission.
   • Provide workers with protective equipment: Such as noise-isolated earplugs or earmuffs to reduce noise damage to the human body.

6. Compressed air misuse prevention measures

   • strengthen safety training: Train operators on the safe use of compressed air, and clearly prohibit the use of compressed air to clean clothes, hair and body.
   • Set warning signs: Set warning signs in the compressed air use area to remind personnel to pay attention to safety.
   • Regular inspection and maintenance of air pipes and joints: Make sure that the trachea is free from aging and fracture, and the joint is firmly connected to prevent personal injury caused by trachea burst.

3. Summary

there are many risks in the use of air compressors, but these risks can be effectively reduced by taking effective preventive measures. Enterprises should establish a sound safety management system, strengthen equipment maintenance, personnel training and safety supervision, and ensure the safe use of air compressors. At the same time, operators should also improve safety awareness, strictly abide by the operating procedures, to avoid illegal operation.