Compressor Powered Portable Air Compressor Safe Work Procedure
EXAMPLE
INTENDED USE
Portable air compressors compress, store and supply pressurized air to power pneumatic tools and equipment. Compressed air is used to power pneumatic (air) tools through the use of regulators hoses, and fittings.
Air compressors also come in stationary types. Stationary types are typically connected to compressed air solid piping distribution systems.
CONTRO L
Document Number:
WSHMS-02C-SWP-001
Origin Date: 3/24/2006 Last Revised Date: 8/15/2016
Prepared by:
Kildonan East Collegiate Staff Safety and Health Officer
Approved by:
Applicable workspace supervisors, teachers or instructors
Safety and Health Office
Application:
All divisional worksites and workspaces where specified equipment or process is performed.
Last Reviewed Date: 201606 15
Next Review: On or before 36 months from Last Reviewed Date
VIDEO
Not available.
STANDARD INSTRUCTIONS
• Only operate this equipment or perform this work process if a supervisor / teacher / instructor has instructed you in the safe and proper operation of the equipment or safe and proper performance of the work process.
• Only perform work tasks that your supervisor / teacher / instructor and has given you permission / authorization to perform.
• Always follow and comply with workspace area specific safety rules and requirements when performing work processes or operating equipment.
• Always use tools and equipment for their intended use only. Always ensure the correct tool is used for the job.
• Always read and follow manufacturer's safety and operational instruction where available and applicable to support this safe work procedure and to obtain a detailed understanding of the specific technical specifications of the make and model of equipment being used whenever possible.
• Always use applicable personal protective equipment (PPE) as required. Always consider, for added safety, using any recommended forms of PPE for the job.
• Always keep fully focused on the task at hand and avoid distractions.
• Always take out of service and report damaged equipment to your supervisor / teacher / instructor without delay.
HAZARDS AND RISKS
• Electricity is present to power the equipment. Electrical shock to electrocution injury risks exist any time electricity is supplied to power equipment.
• Gas under pressure. In this case, uncontrolled release of compressed air may cause minor to severe injury risks. Injuries could be caused by, "whipping" of hoses and fittings. Compressed air can also blow loose materials at a worker causing injury.
• Pressure vessel / tank failure. Failure of compressor pressure vessel / tank may cause an explosion and associated injury risks to workers or bystanders.
• Extreme heat. Heat created at mechanical points on compressor may cause burn injury risks to a worker if touched. Effectively placed guards and warning labels should help protect workers from potential burn injuries.
• Some compressors have drive belt and pulley systems to transfer energy from motor to compressor unit. Drawing in, pinch or crush points injury risks associated with exposed external moving parts of compressor, if so designed.
• Direct compressed air through clothing or onto skin may cause air absorption into the bloodstream causing death. Compressed air should never be used to clean clothing that is still being worn by a worker.
SUPPORTING REQUIREMENTS
• Applicable general worksite, workspace and department safety orientations.
• Read and understand RETSD general safety rules and regulations.
• Applicable other RETSD safe work procedures.
• Safety and technical related contents of equipment specific Equipment Operator Instruction Manual.
• Teacher instructional curriculum, as applicable.
• Other instruction and supervision
STEP 1: INSPEC T
• Ensure all walking and working surfaces in workspace are clean, dry and uncluttered.
• Ensure sufficient space is available in the workspace to for the workpiece material, the worker and the equipment to perform the work safely.
• Ensure sufficient lighting in the workspace to perform the work safely.
• Ensure that pedestrians and coworkers are protected from the hazards along the path from the work to be performed.
• Ensure no obvious damage to equipment or facility prior to performing work.
• Ensure power supply equipment components (applicable to powered equipment, cords, hoses, fittings, other) are in good condition and connected properly.
• Ensure no missing, damaged or unsecured equipment coverings.
• Ensure no missing, damaged or unsecured equipment guards
STEP 2: PUT ON PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
• Impact resistant safety glasses with side shields required. Ensure glasses are free of any obvious damage, are clean and allow good vision through lenses. Place over eyes.
• Safety googles worn over safety glasses safety glasses with side shields recommended. Ensure goggles are free of any obvious damage, are clean and allow good vision through lenses. Place over eyes.
• Face shield, clear or mesh style recommended when working with pneumatic tools. Ensure face shields are free of any obvious damage, are clean and allow good vision through the shield. Place shield over face.
• Closed footwear required at a minimum when using pneumatic tools and equipment. On feet, secured properly.
• Hearing protection recommended when operating pneumatic tools and equipment for extended time periods. Place hearing protectors over or in ears as per protector type.
• Hearing protectors may be required as a workspace PPE requirement, check workspace safety rules for details. Place hearing protectors over or in ears as per protector type.
• Dust mask recommended if there is a potential for respiratory irritation (sensitivity specific to a worker) from the materials used in the work process. Place mask over nose and mouth creating seal with face.
• Dust mask required if there is a respiratory risk from the materials used in the work process. Place mask over nose and mouth creating seal with face.
STEP 3: SET UP
1. Locate portable compressor in a suitable location for safe operation. Surface should be level, solid and free of excess moisture.
2. Lock the wheels on the base of the portable compressor to prevent movement if equipped.
3. Faulty equipment must not be used. Immediately report suspect machinery to your supervisor.
4. Locate and ensure you are familiar with the operation of the ON/OFF starter for the air compressor you are about to operate. Make sure the switch is in the "Off" position.
5. Plug in the electrical cord into an electrical outlet appropriate for the equipment. Appropriately rated extension cords may be used on a temporary basis.
6. Close valve that leads from tank to hose
7. Ensure that air hose and fittings are in your hand prior to starting unit.
1. Put on required and appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). See Step 2 above.
2. Make all pressure adjustments with the POWER OFF and pressure relieved.
3. Start the compressor noting pressure increase and cutout/cutin pressure.
4. Slowly open tank valve to pressurize hose.
5. Listen for any air leaks from any flexible airlines and immediately report any leaks.
6. Adjust pressure regulator to suit work requirements.
7. Check the compressor at regular intervals while performing work with pneumatic tools to ensure correct operation.
8. When work complete, Turn OFF machine power switch.
9. If reasonable and practical to do so, drain compressed air from unit using pressure relief valve.
STEP 5: COMPLETE WORK
1. Clean up any debris from process with a broom and dust pan. Coil air hoses to ensure trip hazards managed.
2. Return portable compressor to correct storage location. Return any pneumatic tools back to correct storage location.
3. Report any hazardous situations to your supervisor / instructor immediately.
LOCKOUT INSTRUCTIONS (A UTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONL
1. Unplug compressor and apply lockout device to plug end.
2. Drain compressed air from tank to zero pressure state using drain / bleed / pressure relief valve.
3. Apply locks and tags to lockout device as per established lockout protocols.
4. Ensure that the compressor can't tip over or fall during maintenance activities.
• Workplace Safety and Health Act W210, Sections 4, 5, 7
• Manitoba Regulations 217/2006, Part 02, Section 2.1 Safe Work Procedures
• Operators Manual
• CSA Standards
SCHEDULES
Task By Whom Frequency Records Retention
(Whom Where)
Pre operational inspection
By Operator Prior to each operation
No formal record kept
Owner inspection and maintenance
By area supervisor or trained and authorized personnel only
Monthly Log entry, at worksite, by area supervisor
Vendor machine safety assessment and service
By qualified outside vendor
Every 24 months or less
Vendor to supply area supervisor. Area supervisor to keep on file at worksite.
Trade certification / Prior to first use, periodically as required after. / Knowledge assessment and demonstrated skills evaluation, by supervisor, at worksite.
JOB HAZARD ANALYSIS
Severity Probability Frequency
Fatality or permanent disability
1 Likely to occur
immediately 1
More than 75% of the day
1
Lost time injury 2 Probable in time
Between 50% to 75% of
2 the day 2
Reportable injury, no lost time
3 Possible in time
Between 25% to 50% of
3 the day 3
Minor medical treatment 4 Remotely possible 4 Less than 25% of the day 4
Sum Total 34 56 78 910 1116
Priority 1 2 3 4 5
RECOR D
Worker / Student Name (Print)
Teacher / Supervisor Name (Print)
Worker / Student Name (Signature)
Teacher / Supervisor Name (Signature)
The worker / student safely demonstrated sufficient skill in this safe work procedure on:
Date (mm/dd/yyyy)