Go West Tours

SAFE WORK PROCEDURE

Workplace:________________
TASK / OPERATION:

Page: 1 of 5

Air Compressor Small Electric

Overall Risk
Rating After
Controls

Personal Protective Equipment

4 Acute

3 High

2 Moderate

1 Low

Fill = Green 204

Foot
Protection

Eye
Protection

Face
Protection

Safety footwear - Eye protection Goggles or face mask.

Safety Notes
High pressure air can cause serious injury. Never use compressed air for blowing dust off skin or clothing.
Correct operation of compressor, tools and attachments must be ensured.

Fill = Green 204

Sequence

Potential Hazards or
Risks of Each Step.

RB

Control Measures - Actions to be Taken

Responsible
Officer

RA

NOTE: RB = Risk Rating before controls implemented - RA = Risk Rating after controls are implemented.

Operators
requirements

Incorrect operation.

2M

Training:
Should include:
Safe work procedures
Fitting of personal protective equipment
Manual handling
Use of compressor and attachments

1L

Review manufacturers operation manual.

Transporting

Personal Injury:
Sprains and strains

2M

Ensure:
That all air has been released from the tank.
Lifting on and off trucks is within the capabilities of the
personnel involved. (Example: Team lifting or a hoist
may be required.)
The compressor is secured in the back of the truck.

1L

Planning

Mis-operation of tools
Incorrect tool.

3M

Ensure:
The correct tools/attachments are available and will be
used.

2M

Site Awareness

Personal injury:
Slips/trips and falls.

3H

Identify safest location for compressor to avoid damage or

for it to become a tripping hazard.
Electric leads are to be kept as short as possible to
avoid voltage drops and motor mis-operation.

2M

Poor location of
compressor:
Equipment damage
Preparation

Authorised by

Personal injury:
Slips/trips and falls.
Struck by damaged
hose.

3H

Ensure:
Work area is clean and uncluttered.
Ensure:
Hoses are located where they will not be damaged.
Example: In workshops avoid walkways where
trolleys, platform trucks, creepers etc. operate.
SafetyCulture 2004 - 2007

1L

Page 2 Version 5.0

Sequence

Potential Hazards or
Risks of Each Step.

RB

Control Measures - Actions to be Taken

Responsible
Officer

RA

NOTE: RB = Risk Rating before controls implemented - RA = Risk Rating after controls are implemented.

Pre Start Daily

Checks

Personal injury:
Caught by moving belts
and or fittings.
Compressed air when
equipment fails.
Struck by.

3H

Check:
All guards are fitted and undamaged.
Example: Guards around any belts.
Oil in the crank case is filled to the correct level.
Air hoses, couplings and connections for positive fitting
and to determine if leakage or other damage exists.
Replace damaged hoses.
Do NOT tape pin holes in hose.
Operation of the safety valve. (Usually a ring pull. Air
discharge should stop when ring is released.)

1L

Ensure:
Air tank has been drained of moisture.
DO NOT use any faulty equipment. Remove from service
and promptly report all needed repairs.

Authorised by

SafetyCulture 2004 - 2007

Page 3 Version 5.0

Sequence

Potential Hazards or
Risks of Each Step.

RB

Control Measures - Actions to be Taken

Responsible
Officer

RA

NOTE: RB = Risk Rating before controls implemented - RA = Risk Rating after controls are implemented.

Operation

Personal injury:
Struck by compressed
air.
Burns

3H

Turn on the compressor

2M

Ensure:
Operating pressure is compatible to the tool being used.
If unsure:
Start with a low pressure setting and gradually increase.
Example: When using a nail gun.
Open the air outlet valve to start operation.
ONLY point the nozzle/attachment at the work never
at yourself or another person.
Avoid burns The compressor and motor can become hot
while under operation.
DO NOT carry tools by holding the hose with tools hanging
or being dragged nor while holding the operating
trigger.

On completion or
replacing tool

Personal Injury:
Struck by.

3H

DO NOT attempt to remove the air hose or tools while they

are under pressure.

1L

Close the air outlet valve.

Release the air pressure in the hose by operating the
tool/attachment.
Turn off the compressor.

Authorised by

SafetyCulture 2004 - 2007

Page 4 Version 5.0

Sequence

Potential Hazards or
Risks of Each Step.

RB

Control Measures - Actions to be Taken

Responsible
Officer

RA

NOTE: RB = Risk Rating before controls implemented - RA = Risk Rating after controls are implemented.

Close Down

Personal injury:
Unexpected start-up.

2M

Switch off the power and remove the electrical plug.

Open air receiver condensate drain valve and allow the
system to bleed down.
Valve should remain open until the compressor is
restarted and air begins to blow off.
Check main tank pressure-relief valve. Pressure must be
relieved before transporting the compressor.

1L

General
Maintenance

Equipment failure.

2M

Drain condensation in the main tank by releasing the drain

valve on the tank and draining moisture slowly.
Clean the air inlet filter.
Replace the crank case oil as per manufacturers
recommendations. (Damage can occur if the oil level
is not maintained or incorrect oil is used.)

1L

Authorised by

SafetyCulture 2004 - 2007

Page 5 Version 5.0