Compressors and Compressed Air

• Are compressors equipped with pressure relief valves, and pressure gauges?
• Are compressor air intakes installed and equipped so as to ensure that only clean uncontaminated air enters the compressor?
• Are air filters installed on the compressor intake?
• Are compressors operated and lubricated in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations?
• Are safety devices on compressed air systems checked frequently?
• Before any repair work is done on the pressure system of a compressor, is the pressure bled off and the system locked-out?
• Are signs posted to warn of the automatic starting feature of the compressors?
• Is the belt drive system totally enclosed to provide protection for the front, back, top, and sides?
• Is it strictly prohibited to direct compressed air towards a person?
• Are employees prohibited from using highly compressed air for cleaning purposes?
• If compressed air is used for cleaning off clothing, is the pressure reduced to less than 10 psi?
• When using compressed air for cleaning, do employees wear protective chip guarding and personal protective equipment?
• Are safety chains or other suitable locking devices used at couplings of high pressure hose lines where a connection failure would create a hazard?
• Before compressed air is used to empty containers of liquid, is the safe working pressure of the container checked?
• When compressed air is used with abrasive blast cleaning equipment, is the operating valve a type that must be held open manually?
• When compressed air is used to inflate auto ties, is a clip-on chuck and an inline regulator preset to 40 psi required?
• Is it prohibited to use compressed air to clean up or move combustible dust if such action could cause the dust to be suspended in the air and cause a fire or explosion hazard?

Last reviewed October 2023