Pneumatic Tools - Safety Talk

Pneumatic Tools
Page 1 of 11
© PA Services Group - SMARTsafe 2013 Document Number: ST039
Revision 2013 1.0
Pneumatic Tools
SAFETY AWARENESS KEPT SIMPLE
SMARTsafe Safety Talks - ST039
This pack contains:
• 8 - Page Talk Text
• 8 - OHP Presentation Slide Pack
Using the talks (Extract “How to Present Safety Talks”):
Plan which topic you want to discuss with your team.
Read through the script before you hold the meeting to
familiarise yourself with the material.
Start the talk with a comment that makes the topic relevant to
the team. For example, if you have seen a number of people
using ladders incorrectly, use this as your opening comment.
Follow the script but don’t read straight from the page. The
script is only a prompt and it will sound better if you use your
own words.
Ask the questions as they appear in the script. It is important
you do this because they are a lead in to the next section of
your talk.
Give the team enough time to answer the questions. Safety
talks can be boring for the team if you are the only one talking.
Hand out the information sheets as they appear in the script.
Don’t hand out all the information sheets at the start of the talk
otherwise there is a temptation for the team to read ahead and
not listen to the points you are making.
Collect the information sheets at the end of the talk so they
can be used again.
Safety Talk Mini - Delivery Pack
To obtain your full Safety Talk Delivery Pack go to: www.smartsafe.com.au
The full Safety Talk pack contains MS Office
Editable documents :
• 8 - Page Talk Text
• 8 - OHP Presentation Slide Pack
• 16 - A5 talk Handout Sheets
• Assessment and Assessment Answers Sheet
• Employee Attendance Register
• A “How to Present Safety Talks Guide”

Pneumatic Tools
Page 4 of 11
Revision 2013 1.0
THE HAZARDS OF COMPRESSED AIR
Compressed air is usually supplied in the workplace at a pressure of 700 kPa (100Psi). When used with
compressed air tools, the pressure is usually around 650 kPa (87Psi) which is about three and a half
times the air pressure in a fully inflated car tyre.
Many people do not understand how dangerous compressed air can be.
“What types of injury do you think can be caused by misusing
compressed air?”
Hand out sheet 1 – Injuries from compressed air
Air that is compressed and at pressure is dangerous and improper use can cause injury and death. The
types of injuries you can receive from compressed air include:
the loss of an eye from being struck by a blast of compressed air of 200 kPa (29Psi) or more;
ruptured ear drums from compressed air blasting into the ear canal;
puncture wounds from foreign substances blown into the eyes, ears and face;
fractures and bruises from unrestrained air hoses whipping about;
noise induced hearing loss from high pressure air blasting at high speed onto hard surfaces; and
ruptured internal organs.
A more serious problem occurs if compressed air enters the bloodstream via cuts or wounds in the skin.
If this occurs, air bubbles form in the bloodstream resulting in a slow and agonising death over several
hours.
All of these injuries, and potential fatalities, can be easily prevented if you follow some basic safety
practices when working with compressed air. You must never used compressed air to dust yourself or
another person down. A lot of injuries occur from “joking around” with compressed air.
COMPRESSED AIR HOSES AND COUPLINGS
Flexible and ply wrapped hoses are used to connect air driven tools to the compressed air main supply
pipes.
The flexible nature of the hoses allows air driven tools to be used in much the same way as an extension
cord allows portable electrical equipment to be used.
Most compressed air injuries result from using compressed air hoses incorrectly or using defective air
hoses.
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http://flevy.com/browse/document/pneumatic-tools-safety-talk-521

Pneumatic Tools
Page 7 of 11
Revision 2013 1.0
Never attempt to disconnect an air tool by kinking the hose instead of closing the supply valve.
This damages the hose and if you lose your grip of the hose while disconnecting the tool, it could result
in serious injuries to you and other people nearby.
When using a tool you are not familiar with, make sure you read the manufacturer’s instructions before
commencing work.
SPECIFIC AIR TOOLS
Air Powered Grinders
Air powered grinders require the same type of guarding as electrical grinders. Maintenance of the speed
regulators is critical to avoid over speeding of the wheel.
There a number of reasons people are injured using this type of equipment.
“What do you think are the reasons why people get injured when
using grinders?”
Hand out sheet 5 – Air powered grinders
Injuries occur while using air powered grinders because operators:
use the wrong type of wheel for the material being cut or ground;
use an unbalanced wheel;
exceed the rated speed of the wheel;
use a cracked, chipped or broken wheel;
use a cutting wheel for grinding;
take too deep a cut;
incorrectly secure the work;
fail to wear the correct Personal Protection Equipment;
don’t secure the wheel tightly enough; and
over tighten the wheel.
By following some simple rules, angle grinder accidents and injuries can be prevented.
Pneumatic-Impact Tools
In the case of jackhammers, the replaceable tool is fitted to the gun and is impacted by a rapidly moving
piston.
“What do you think are the reasons why people get injured when
using impact tools such as jackhammers?”

Pneumatic Tools
Page 10 of 11
Revision 2013 1.0
SUMMARY
Pneumatic tools can be as lethal as a gun. Air under pressure creates hazards that can be hidden.
Compressed air is a useful energy source but if it is used incorrectly or used for the wrong purpose, it
can easily lead to serious injuries and fatalities.
Air that is compressed and at pressure is dangerous and improper use can cause injury and death.
Always check compressed air hoses for faults before you use them.
Always make sure that all compressed air hose couplings are secured in position with safety clips.
Never use faulty or defective pneumatic tools.
When operating a compressed air tool you should always:
open the compressed air supply valve slowly so as not to damage the valve inside the air tool;
and
check that the valve in the air tool automatically closes when you release your grip on the trigger.
When using a tool you are not familiar with, make sure you read the manufacturer’s instructions before
commencing work.
If in doubt, ask your supervisor.

Pneumatic Tools – ST039 © PA Services Group - SMARTsafe 2013
• Ruptured internal organs.
• Loss of an eye.
• Ruptured ear drums.
• Noise induced hearing
loss.
• Puncture wounds.
• Fractures and bruises.
Sheet 1- Injuries from Compressed Air

• Close off the compressed air valve.
• Press the trigger to bleed off the air.
• Remove the safety clips.
• Disconnect the hose couplings.
Sheet 4 – Disconnecting Air Tools

Injuries caused by impact wrenches can
be:
• Strains and sprains, particularly to the
hand and wrist.
• Noise induced hearing loss.
• Back injury.
• Impact from flying objects.
Sheet 7 – Impact Wrenches

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Pneumatic Tools - Safety Talk