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#1 Posted : 21 February 2007 13:14:00(UTC)
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Posted By Andrew Meiklejohn
Hi guys and girls looking for some guidance

We have a having a high pressure air-line installed at work to be used for cleaning and i know very little about them...

is there a maximum pressure limit (or action levels)- other than that prescribed by the devices own limitations?

Apart from the pressure Systems Safety Regs 2000 and the pressure equipment regs 1999 is there any other pertinent material i can look at?

and finally does anyone know what pressure it would take break the skin at?

many thanks in advance


Andrew
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#2 Posted : 21 February 2007 13:36:00(UTC)
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Posted By Geoff Dale
Hi Andrew
Found this link on the web. Hope it will help.

Your post does not mention specific use but you seem to be aware of hazards of air entering skin etc.

http://www.bcas.org.uk/p...essed%20air%20safety.pdf

Geoff
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#3 Posted : 21 February 2007 13:44:00(UTC)
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Posted By Andrew Meiklejohn
Thanks Geoff

I think I am aware of the most of the hazards involved. Had a question from one of the engineers didn't know if there was some more specific guidance i hadn't seen.
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#4 Posted : 21 February 2007 13:49:00(UTC)
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Posted By GT
Andrew, we insist that a pressure gauge must be fitted to the compressor to register a minimum of 30 psi for such applications.

Hope this helps

GT
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#5 Posted : 21 February 2007 20:39:00(UTC)
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Posted By Merv Newman
Agreeing with other replies (more or less)

Usual supplied air pressure comes out at least 6 bar (atmospheres, or about 6x15 psi). This can penetrate the skin and WILL penetrate skin weaknesses such as scratches or blisters. (I have no scientific proof or evidence, just received wisdom)

And anyway, a 6 bar blast (6x15=90 psi. approx) will throw crap all over the place.

You can get standard pistols which will limit the pressure to 2 bars. They also provide a "curtain" of air which ensures that said crap goes straight forward and reduces rebounds.

Merv
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#6 Posted : 22 February 2007 08:10:00(UTC)
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Posted By Glyn Atkinson
My first question on this would be -

Is the air line essential for the cleaning operation?

Then -

Could a suction method be used in its' place?

After that -

What materials are being cleaned away during this operation - could they form a mist or vapour, or if something like wood dust, an explosive atmosphere?

If these are answered, then replies would be much more specific for your perceived problem.
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#7 Posted : 22 February 2007 09:21:00(UTC)
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Posted By Phil Grace
Andrew,
Don't forget that air pistols will also produce very high noise levels. It is possible to purchase designs that produce lower levels.

However, I would agree with others who have questioned the wisdom of cleaning by blowing, essentially just moving dirt to another place.

Phil
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#8 Posted : 22 February 2007 17:36:00(UTC)
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Posted By William
try the website below would be best

http://www.waterjetting.org.uk/

it has health and safety advice, but you should not so much be bothered about whether the water "breaks" the skin as it can unusal infections with micro-aerophilic oranisms with leaving a mark on the skin, it would most likely hit the foot area so if you use metatarsil boots, it should minmise the risk, another hazard is weil's disease.

but use the water jetting associations website as they are the leaders in the field and will have everything you need.
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