Compressed air can kill

Serious, sometimes fatal injuries can be caused by compressed air being injected into the body through the skin or into a body opening, such as your mouth or ear. Internal human blood vessels and organs will rupture at much lower pressures than those found in compressed airlines.

Treat compressed air with respect

Compressed air is quite capable of penetrating ordinary work clothes as well as your skin, so always handle air equipment carefully and with respect. Be extra careful when working with air equipment in a confined or awkward space, such as in or under a vehicle, and when clearing or cleaning the equipment. Do not ever play with air equipment.

Check breathing apparatus

Compressed air equipment is sometimes used to supply breathing air to respirators. Before using one of these devices, check that you know how to operate it correctly, and that the correct filters are in place.

Seek medical advice if a penetration injury occurs

If air, or paint, or any other substance, is injected into someone’s body, it is not always easy to tell how much damage has been done, so always seek medical advice if any kind of penetration injury occurs