SAFE WORK PROCEDURE

ForCOMPRESSED AIR

Content: SWP and Training Plan for Compressed AirPrepared by : XXXXXXXDate of initial implementation, Version 1: DD/MM/YYYYCurrent Revision No.: 1Date current version implemented: DD/MM/YYYYDate for next review: DD/MM/YYYY

XXXXXXX Pty Ltd | Safe Work Procedure – Compressed Air | Revision: XX | DD/MM/YYYY

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT TO BE UTILISED No loose clothing or dangling jewellery, shirt tucked in and long hair tied back. Safety Eyewear. Hearing Protection. Safety Boots. Safety Vest.

PERMIT/TRAINING REQUIRED Operators must have completed a training program recognised by xxxxx and be

authorised by xxxxx to perform this procedure.

START UP PROCEDURE Ensure all PPE is being worn. Ensure that all personnel are in a safe position and will not be affected by the air

directly or the consequences of coming into unintentional contact with the equipment. Ensure the hose connections fit properly. DO NOT OPERATE UNSAFE MACHINERY if the Compressed Air equipment is not in

a safe operational condition, advise your supervisor immediately.

OPERATIONAL PROCEDURE NEVER direct a stream of compressed air towards your body or the body of another

person. Check hoses regularly for cuts, bulges and abrasions. Turn off the pressure when changing tools. Do not carry a pneumatic tool by the hose. Avoid creating trip hazards caused by hoses laid across walkways or curled underfoot. Do not use compressed air to clean dirt from clothes. Do not use compressed air for any other purpose than for which it was provided. Do not use compressed air to cool yourself or to blow dust from the clothes or hair. Never indulge in horseplay or practical jokes with compressed air. The first aid kits are located at: XXXXXXXXXXX. If maintenance is required or performed on this equipment, the maintenance register

must be updated.

CLOSEDOWN PROCEDURE Replace the hose(s) & equipment where it will not become a safety hazard.

Page 2

XXXXXXX Pty Ltd | Safe Work Procedure – Compressed Air | Revision: XX | DD/MM/YYYY

SPECIAL NOTES – COMPRESSED AIR

FOREIGN OBJECTS The use of compressed air can force foreign objects / particles into the eye. Compressed air is extremely forceful and can dislodge particles from the work area.

PNEUMATIC AIR The use of pneumatic air to blow foreign objects or dust off yourself can inject air into

your bloodstream and can cause death. Compressed air itself is also a serious hazard. On rare occasions, some of the air may

enter the blood stream through a break in the skin or through a body opening. An air bubble in the blood stream is known medically as an embolism, a dangerous

medical condition in which a blood vessel is blocked, in this case, by an air bubble. An embolism of an artery can cause coma, paralysis or death depending on its size, duration and location.

While air embolisms are usually associated with incorrect diving procedures; they are possible with compressed air due to high pressure.

While this seems improbable, the consequences of even a small quantity of air in the blood can quickly be fatal.

NOISE There have been reports of hearing damage caused by the pressure of compressed air

and by its sound. Wear the appropriate hearing protection.

PRACTICAL JOKES Unfortunately, horseplay has been a cause of some serious workplace accidents

caused by individuals not aware of the hazards of compressed air, or proper work procedures.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURE Foreign objects: To remove a foreign object from the eye, wash the eye with a gentle

stream of clean water. If this is unsuccessful, cover both eyes and seek medical advice immediately.

Air in your bloodstream: Seek medical advice urgently

IF YOU HAVE NOT BEEN TRAINED IN THE TASK OR YOU ARE NOT SURE HOW TO PERFORM THE TASK OR OPERATE THE MACHINERY, DO NOT OPERATE THE

MACHINERY AND ADVISE YOUR SUPERVISOR IMMEDIATELY.

OPERATOR’S STATEMENTI have been trained in and I understand this procedure.

I will perform my tasks to the best of my ability and in accordance with this safe working procedure.

Page 3

XXXXXXX Pty Ltd | Safe Work Procedure – Compressed Air | Revision: XX | DD/MM/YYYY

Date: ..............................................................................................................................................

Operator’s Name: ..........................................................................................................................

Operator’s Signature: ....................................................................................................................

Witness Name: ...............................................................................................................................

Witness Signature: .........................................................................................................................

Page 4

COMPRESSED AIR THEORY ASSESSMENT

Q1. Name at least three pieces of protective equipment to be utilised during operation of Compressed Air?

........................................................................................................................................................

Q2. Is anyone allowed to use compressed air on this site? If not, why not?

........................................................................................................................................................

Q3 May the equipment be used if it is isolated by tags or lockouts?

........................................................................................................................................................

Q4. Under what conditions, if any, is it possible to operate a slightly damaged compressed air hose?

........................................................................................................................................................

Q5. Identify three start-up checks you would carry out before using Compressed Air.

........................................................................................................................................................

Q6. What part(s) of the body is it safe to direct compressed air to?

........................................................................................................................................................

Q7. Is it safe to remove dirt from clothes or your body with compressed air?

........................................................................................................................................................

Q8. If repairs or maintenance is required, what procedures must be followed?

........................................................................................................................................................

Q9. Where are the First Aid Kits kept on this site?

........................................................................................................................................................

Q10. What are the possible consequences of air entering the blood stream?

........................................................................................................................................................

Employee signature: ......................................................................................................................

Questioned by: ...............................................................................................................................

Position/ Qualifications: ..................................................................................................................

Date:.....................

The staff member………………………………………… has successfully answered theoretical questions on the safe operation of Compressed Air

OBSERVATION OF ASSESSMENT

I have observed the employee ……………………………………. in a work situation and he/she has demonstrated competence in the practical aspects of the operation of Compressed Air by following the Safe Work Procedure.

Signed: ..........................................................................................................................................

Name: .............................................................................................................................................

Position: ..........................................................................................................................................

Date: .........................................

Signed: ..........................................................................................................................................

Name: .............................................................................................................................................

Position: ..........................................................................................................................................

Date: .........................................

Signed: ..........................................................................................................................................

Name: .............................................................................................................................................

Position: ..........................................................................................................................................

Date: .........................................

SELF-ASSESSMENT – COMPRESSED AIR TRAINING

Employee:.......................................................................................................................................

Trainer: ...........................................................................................................................................

Date: .........................................

I have received training in the following and understand (please initial):

YES NO

I must wear my eye and ear and foot protection, have my hair tied back and my shirt tucked in at all times. I must wear protective clothing including Eye and Ear Protection, safety vest & safety boots.

Change this protective equipment when it wears out or is damaged.

I must carry out a pre operational check including but not limited to: Clear work area and remove trip hazards. Ensure the PPE is being worn. That hoses and fittings are checked.

The immediate area must be clear and kept clear during the operations; including:

No persons in danger. If the environment, PPE and the equipment are not safe, to advise

the Foreman/Supervisor immediately.

I must: Never direct Compressed air to any part of the body or

clothes. Never cool myself with Compressed Air. Never carry a tool by the hose. Avoid creating trip Hazards with the hose and tool. Never direct a stream of air at myself or anyone else. Never use Compressed Air for any other purpose other than

what it is intended. Never indulge in practical jokes Always turn off the air when changing tools.

I am aware that Compressed Air has the ability to kill. If Compressed Air enters any bloodstream if may be fatal.

I have been trained in the emergency procedures and know the locations of the first aid stations and the names of the First Aid Officers. I understand that I must seek medical attention urgently if Compressed Air enters my body.

I have had the operation of Compressed Air use demonstrated to me. I have had the opportunity to ask questions. I am aware that I can request further training at any time.

I understand that by signing below; I agree to operate Compressed Air Equipment by following this Safe Work Procedure.

Signed: ..........................................................................................................................................

Name: .............................................................................................................................................

Date: .........................................

ATTENDANCE REGISTER – COMPRESSED AIR TRAINING

Trainer:............................................................................................................................................

Date: .........................................

NAME

COMPRESSED AIR THEORY ASSESSMENT - ANSWERS

Q1. Name at least three pieces of protective equipment to be utilised during operation of Compressed Air?

A: Eyewear, hearing, safety boots.

Q2. Is anyone allowed to use compressed air on this site? If not, why not?

A: No. Trained staff only.

Q3 May the equipment be used if it is isolated by tags or lockouts?

A: No.

Q4. Under what conditions, if any, is it possible to operate a slightly damaged compressed air hose?

A: None. Never.

Q5. Identify three start-up checks you would carry out before using Compressed Air.

A: 1. Ensure all PPE is being worn. 2. Ensure that all personnel are in a safe position and will not be affected by the air directly or the consequences of coming into unintentional contact with the equipment. 3. Ensure the hose connections fit properly.

Q6. What part(s) of the body is it safe to direct compressed air to?

A: None.

Q7. Is it safe to remove dirt from clothes or your body with compressed air?

A: No.

Q8. If repairs or maintenance is required, what procedures must be followed?

A: Isolate, Notify Supervisor, update maintenance register.

Q9. Where are the First Aid Kits kept on this site?

A: XXXXXXXXXXXX

Q10. What are the possible consequences of air entering the blood stream?

A: Serious - Coma, paralysis or death depending on size, duration and location of air.

SAFE WORK PROCEDURE – COMPRESSED AIR

STARTUP PROCEDURE You must be trained and authorised to

operate with Compressed Air. You MUST wear the PPE. Ensure all others are in a safe location. Check hoses and fittings.

CLOSEDOWN PROCEDURE Replace the hose(s) & equipment where it

will not become a safety hazard.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURE Foreign objects: To remove a foreign

object from the eye, wash the eye with a gentle stream of clean water. If this is unsuccessful, cover both eyes and seek medical advice immediately.

Air in your bloodstream: Seek medical advice urgently.

SPECIAL NOTESForeign Objects: The use of compressed air can force

foreign objects / particles into the eye. Compressed air is extremely forceful and

can dislodge particles.

Pneumatic Air: The use of pneumatic air to blow foreign

objects or dust off yourself can inject air into your bloodstream and can cause death.

Compressed air itself is also a serious hazard. On rare occasions, some of the air may enter the blood stream through a break in the skin or through a body opening.

An air bubble in the blood stream is known medically as an embolism, a dangerous

OPERATIONAL PROCEDURE NEVER direct a stream of compressed air

towards your body or the body of another person.

Check hoses regularly for cuts, bulges and abrasions.

Turn off the pressure when changing tools. Do not carry a pneumatic tool by the hose. Avoid creating trip hazards caused by

hoses laid across walkways or curled underfoot.

Do not use compressed air to clean dirt from clothes.

Do not use compressed air for any other purpose than for which it was provided.

Do not use compressed air to cool yourself or to blow dust from the clothes or hair.

Never indulge in horseplay or practical jokes with compressed air.

The first aid kits are located at: XXXXXXXXXXX

If maintenance is required or performed on this equipment, the maintenance register must be updated.

Failure to comply with the safety instructions may result in personal injury.

DO NOT USE UNSAFE COMPRESSED AIR EQUIPMENT

medical condition in which a blood vessel is blocked, in this case, by an air bubble. An embolism of an artery can cause coma, paralysis or death depending on its size, duration and location. While air embolisms are usually associated with incorrect diving procedures; they are possible with compressed air due to high pressure.

While this seems improbable, the consequences of even a small quantity of

air in the blood can quickly be fatal.