Being scared of an air hose might seem ridiculous, but it’s best not to take it lightly. Air hoses hold high amounts of pressurized air. If it discharges due to mishandling, it can cause fatal accidents in the workplace.
When you’re dealing with an air hose, don’t play around with it. Pack it away in an air compressor hose reel and refrain from playing with it. Compressed air is more dangerous than it seems, and there’s no easier way to get into an accident than not to take things seriously.
Common Air Hose Problems
Unstable pressure is a common problem. This can build up naturally inside the hose when it’s being used, causing it to go out of control. If mishandled, the gas can leak out instead as high-pressure air. Pressurized air can puncture the skin and cause bruising. The release of pressure might also result in the hose going wild and striking someone.
High-temperature gas is also something to look out for. Depending on the material of the hose and the compressor, high-temperature gasses can heat up inside the tube. These can cause stray burns when the hose is held. Explosions can also result from the high temperatures, especially if the gas in question is flammable.
One must also be careful to watch out for damage along the line. Misuse and gradual wear and tear can degrade the hose’s quality and weaken its material. This can damage the fabric and deform its structure, making the tube far more dangerous to handle when it can twist during use and accidents.
Consequences of Misuse
If one does not treat their air hose properly, problems might arise. Explosions can result from the volatility of the gas and its high pressure. Injuries can happen if the tube is not restrained or the pressurized gas leaks out. Worse still, contamination of the work area might occur if the problem is not kept in check.
Air Hose Safety Tips
Always take steps to maintain your hose’s quality. A loose air hose might slip out of its restraints, and damage along the line can result in accidents. Examine the tube, make sure to replace worn down parts, and seal any hole you find. Have the proper replacements and tools necessary as well. If accidents do occur, it’s best to be prepared and ready.
Make sure to do preliminary stress tests before actually using the hose. It’s an excellent way to check on the air hose’s current quality and how it holds up during use. Doing a stress-test before the actual transfer not only helps expose problems in your equipment, it also enables you to brush up on the basics of what you need to do.
Hose reels exist to help store your hose and prevent people from tripping on it. Pack away the air hose after use. This will keep it in good condition. Your air hose is not a complicated device, but if you mishandle it, it can be the cause of accidents. Follow proper safety procedures and treat your air hose properly.