Safety working with Compressed Air.

1. Legislation and Inspection.

Compressed air systems are subject to the legislation covering pressure systems. A bibliography is provided in separated posting.

All compressed air systems should be surveyed and system drawings prepared showing the major items of equipment such as compressors, air receivers, driers, pressure reducing stations and isolation valves. These drawings must be amended as modifications are made and accompanied by data sheets containing design and construction details of the individual items of equipment.

All major items of equipment should be marked with their identification number. A data plate permanently fixed to the item of equipment should show the design duty and other manufacturers data.

A scheme should be established which determines the extent and frequency of inspections.

Records of inspection, repair and modification must be kept.

Correct operating procedures should be established and made available to all personnel involved with the operation of the equipment.

2. Noise.

Noise from compressors is one of the most common sources of noise problems in an industrial environment. Although most manufacturers of compressor unit incorporate acoustic enclosures, some larger and possibly older equipment may lack this refinement. Industrial safety legislation may require the brewery to carry out a noise risk assessment on the equipment, the result of which may be a statutory requirement for all personnel to wear noise protection. Local regulations must be consulted since noise exposure standards vary between national authorities.

3. Pressure Relief.

A pressure relief valve must be incorporated into every pressure reducing station to prevent an excess pressure in the downstream system in the event of a malfunction. When designing the station, it is essential that the relief valve is sized with capacity greater than that of reducing valve and the by-pass valve (where fitted) when fully open. If a by-pass valve is fitted then the relief valve must be located such that it still protects the system.

The discharges from relief valves should be arranged such as that they do not represent a hazard to personnel.

4. Portable Equipment and Tools.

Compressed air and in particular "Blow-guns" have historically been the source of many injuries due to misuse and failure to appreciate the hazards. A jet of compressed air is capable of penetrating the skin and can propel, for the example metal fragments, at high speed sufficient to cause injury especially to vulnerable parts of the body such as the eyes. All operators of such equipment must be properly trained into the safe methods of working, including the wearing of protective clothing, and any misuse must be prohibited.

Hoses and hose connections should be regularly inspected and repaired where necessary.

5. Maintenance Items. (see separated Posting).

Source: European Brewery Convention-Manual of Good Practice: Brewery Utilities.