Your browser is not supported

You are using a browser we do not support any longer. To continue visiting our website, please choose one of the following supported browsers.

Our global presence

Please select a business area and your country and language.

Close

What are Some Air Compressor Safety Tips to Watch For?

Air compressors are essential to your business, but they can also become a safety hazard when used improperly. Reading your owner’s manual and following all proper safety precautions before use is vital in keeping your compressor in great, working condition.

To help keep your air compressor in top shape, we put together a list of common safety precautions to aide in your regular maintenance schedule:

- Place your compressor in an ideal location that has clean, dry inlet air. Wet conditions can cause damage to your machine, as well as electrical issues.

- Do not use gas air compressors indoors.

- Perform a routine safety check before each use of your air compressor. Check hoses, ensure proper power supply, check oil level, etc.

- Always wear eye protection and hearing protection when operating your air compressor.

- Do not add or change the oil or fuel in your compressor while the unit is running or has recently been used. Your compressor could potentially catch fire while doing so.

- Make sure your unit is plugged into a properly grounded electrical outlet. If not, you could potentially damage the electrical panel of your compressor and also cause a fire.

- Use the proper extension cord for your unit if needed. A cord that is longer than necessary can cause loss of power or damage to the unit.

- Check your hose fittings to ensure they are tight. Loose fittings can hinder the performance of your compressor and/or cause damage.

-Make sure your shutoff valve is visible and within reach while using compressed air.

- Don’t allow cords or hoses to be exposed in floors, aisles or low-hanging areas. This could cause a trip hazard or injury if a hose whips.

- Never apply compressed air to your skin or directly at another person. Even air pressure as low as 15 PSI can cause serious injury.

- Do not use air directly from a compressor for breathing purposes unless the system has been designed specifically for breathing air.

- If you are using your own pressure vessel, only use those that are built to national or international standards.

- Never crimp, couple or uncouple pressurized hoses. Shut off the unit, valves and relieve any pressure before making or changing any hose connections.

This is not a complete list of safety procedures, as you should read your owner’s manual completely for all safety measures and proper operation of your machine. If you have any questions on safety issues or technical questions with your machine, please contact Technical Support.

Do you have an idea for a #cptechthursday article? Let us know!

CP service technician in fron t of CP compressor
Whether you have questions about which compressor is right for you, or if you’re ready to improve your operations and start saving on expenses. Chicago Pneumatic has been around for over 100 years because we offer reliable and hardworking air compressors, as well as expert advice and support.

You ask, we listen. Please join us every Thursday with #CPTechThursday posting common questions you would like answered. Our passion are our machines and helping our customers. Reach out anytime.

Steve Shrum , Technical Support Manager for Chicago Pneumatic

Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter to stay up to date on our #CPTechThursday posts.

Please contact [email protected] for additional information. For tech support for any Chicago Pneumatic product, please call us at (877)861-2722, opt 1. Or email us at [email protected] . We look forward to helping.

Experts' articles

Why a Chicago Pneumatic VSD Expert Corner

Why Is My Compressor Vibrating?

Regardless of the type of compressor you have, vibration issues can be troubling for any business. The root of the vibration can stem from multiple sources, some internally and others externally. Understanding the cause of the vibration and how to resolve them will be critical in keeping your compressor in proper working order.

Can my compressor be outside

How Do I Winterize My Air Compressor?

Regardless of whether or not it actually freezes where you live, most winterization service recommendations are also basic, solid maintenance procedures that will help extend the life and operational efficiencies of air compressors regardless of whether you live in northern Maine or South Florida.

Expert Corner Dryer

Where Should I Install my Air Dryer?

Your company purchased an air dryer for your compressor. One of the most common things we see in the industry are air dryers being stored on top of the compressors. Seems like a wasted space not being used on top of the compressor, right? Wrong.