The ACI JetBlack has been developed to be offered as a solution to companies who have recognised the dangers posed by compressed air guns being used for the process of personnel clean-down and de-dusting.
Although many employers are aware that using compressed air guns/nozzles to clean debris or clothes can be extremely hazardous, it is still predominantly used for this activity in many manufacturing and industrial environments.
The dangers of cleaning with compressed air
One common misconception is that it is always safe to clean dirt or debris from yourself or your work area by blowing it off with compressed air. Cleaning any kind of work area with an air hose is potentially dangerous and can cause serious injuries.
i.
Air pressured at just 12 pounds per square inch (psi) can force an eye from its socket. Compressed air accidentally blown into the mouth can rupture the lungs, stomach or intestines.
ii.
Air can enter the navel, even through a layer of clothing, and inflate and rupture the intestines. Compressed air has hit a small wound on a worker's hand, forcing air under the skin and causing shooting pains from fingers to the shoulder.
iii.
Air can also enter the bloodstream, and death is possible if it makes its way to blood vessels in the brain.
iv.
Many manufacturing plants have permanently installed compressed-air lines used with blowguns for a variety of tasks. Compressed air is commonly used in manufacturing plants, workshops and service stations to clean materials, work pieces and equipment, and for cooling purposes.
v.
Safer compressed air nozzles, allowing no more than 30 pounds per square inch of pressure, can of course be fitted. In addition a ‘dead man’ switch or constant pressure trigger can be used to stop air flow once the nozzle is released. However, the best solution of all to this problem is not to use compressed air at all.
Cleaning off the body with compressed air
i.
Blowing dust and dirt off clothes, hair and the face is a very hazardous misuse of compressed air. This practice is very dangerous and should not be permitted under any circumstances.
ii.
Contact with compressed air can lead to serious medical conditions and even death. Our mouth, eyes, and ears are very sensitive and can be easily damaged by compressed air.
iii.
Don’t be fooled into thinking that safety nozzles which regulate pressure to 30 psi can be safely used to clean the human body. Even 30 psi is too much pressure for these sensitive areas.
iv.
As little as 12 pounds of pressure can blow an eye out of its socket. Compressed air entering the mouth can rupture the esophagus with as little as 5 pounds of pressure.
v.
When compressed air enters the ear canal, serious damage can occur that may lead to permanent hearing loss.
vi.
Perhaps the most serious type of air-related injury occurs when compressed air is blown under the skin. Known as an air embolism, this type of injury can be fatal.
vii.
When air pocket reaches the heart, it causes symptoms similar to a heart attack. Upon reaching the brain, pockets of air may lead to a stroke.
viii.
Because compressed air contains small amounts of oil and other contaminants, anytime compressed air is blown under the skin these contaminants enter the body and may cause dangerous infection.
Use of hearing protection
i.
Most work areas using compressed air tools have noise levels that average between 110 and 140 decibels. This noise level is well above the level requiring hearing protection.
ii.
Exposure to noise levels above 85 dB(A) can lead to hearing loss. Ear plugs should be worn when you are exposed to such noise levels.
iii.
Hearing loss occurs gradually and is not something you will notice overnight.
1.Why has it been developed?
