KHS Woods

Compressed air can be dangerous, even to the point of death.

       A blast of air at 40 pounds per square inch can rupture an eardrum at a distance of four inches.  Worse yet, it can cause hemorrhaging of the brain and be fatal.  At 40 pounds, such a blast can drive metal chips and other debris at speeds of 70 mph.

      Such an air blast directed into the mouth can rupture lungs and intestines.  Aimed at the eyes, it can cause blindness.  An official warning from the Provincial Authorities in Alberta, Canada, adds that it has been estimated that as little as four pounds of pressure can rupture the bowel.  Directed against the skin, compressed air can damage tissue so as to resemble a burn: quite apart from any dirt, fragments, or chips that can be driven into the flesh.

      Safety goggles should always be worn when using compressed air, but the danger is to more than just the eyes.  Apart from the hazards of not using an air hose with due caution, there are two other dangerous practices.

      One is using compressed air for the wrong thing.  There is a temptation it seems to use an air hose to blow dust and dirt out of the hair and clothing.  Safety authorities warn that this should never be done.  The danger of ruining eyes and ears is obvious, but there is a further danger.  If there is even the slightest scratch or puncture in the skin, air can be driven into the flesh causing swelling and agonizing pain or worse yet, air bubbles in the blood vessels. 

      But perhaps the most dangerous practice and most inexcusable, is from horseplay.  It is sheer stupidity for someone to turn an air hose onto a fellow classmate, but many people have told me that this happens.  It not only has maimed students, but it has also killed them.

      Incidentally, I have been discussing compressed air at 40 pounds per square inch.  Some schools use pressures at 175 pounds per square inch.  And from memoranda from other shops the use of 70 to 80 pounds is not uncommon.  This is necessary to drive air nailers and other tools.  Yes it may be just air, but it is driven at high velocity.  A typhoon is also “just air,” but it is deadly.

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