RISK TO BREATHING (Asphyxiation)
What can happen
•The compressed air directly from your compressor is not safe for breathing. The air stream may contain carbon monoxide, toxic vapors, or solid particles from the air tank. Breathing these contaminant's can cause serious injury or death.
•Exposure to chemicals in dust created by power sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling, and other construction activities may be harmful.
•Sprayed materials such as paint, paint solvents, paint remover, insecticides, weed killers, may contain harmful vapors and poisons.
How to prevent it
•Never use air obtained directly from the compressor to supply air for human consumption. The compressor is not equipped with suitable filters and
•Work in an area with good cross ventilation.
Read and follow the safety instructions provided on the label or safety data sheets for the materials you are spraying. Always use certified safety equipment: OSHA/MSHA/
NIOSH respiratory protection designed for use with your specific application.
RISK of Bursting
On February 26, 2002, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission published Release #
02-108 concerning air compressor tank safety:
Air compressor receiver tanks do not have an infinite life. Tank life is dependent upon several factors, some of which include operating conditions, ambient conditions, proper installations, field modifications, and the level of maintenance. The exact effect of these factors on air receiver life is difficult to predict.
If proper maintenance procedures are not followed, internal corrosion to the inner wall of the air receiver tank can cause the air tank to unexpectedly rupture allowing pressurized air to suddenly and forcefully escape, posing risk of injury to consumers.
Your compressor air tank must be removed from service by the end of the year shown on your tank warning label.
The following conditions could lead to a weakening of the air tank, and result in a violent air tank explosion:
What can happen | How to prevent it |
•Failure to properly drain condensed water from air tank, causing rust and thinning of the steel air tank.
•Modifications or attempted repairs to the air tank.
•Unauthorized modifications to the safety valve or any other components which control air tank pressure.
Attachments & accessories:
•Exceeding the pressure rating of air tools, spray guns, air operated accessories, tires and other inflatables can cause them to explode or fly apart, and could result in serious injury.
•Drain air tank daily or after each use. If air tank develops a leak, replace it immediately with a new air tank or replace the entire compressor.
•Never drill into, weld, or make any modifications to the air tank or its attachments. Never attempt to repair a damaged or leaking air tank. Replace with a new air tank.
•The air tank is designed to withstand specific operating pressures. Never make adjustments or parts substitutions to alter the factory set operating pressures.
•Follow the equipment manufacturers recommendation and never exceed the maximum allowable pressure rating of attachments. Never use compressor to inflate small low pressure objects such as children’s toys, footballs, basketballs, etc.
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