Compressor and Pneumatic Tools

Pneumatic tools are powered by compressed air from portable or fixed compressors on construction sites.
Common pneumatic tools include breakers, drills, nail guns, impact wrenches, and grinding equipment.
Compressed air at pressures above 2 bar can penetrate the skin and cause fatal air embolisms.
Hose failure under pressure can cause whip injuries — whip checks must be fitted at all coupling points.
Compressors generate significant noise levels, often exceeding 85 dB(A), requiring hearing protection.
PUWER 1998 requires pneumatic tools and compressors to be maintained and inspected regularly.
Diesel-powered compressors produce exhaust fumes that are hazardous in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas.
Vibration exposure from pneumatic tools such as breakers is a major cause of HAVS in construction.
Air hoses running across walkways and vehicle routes create significant trip and snag hazards.
Compressor receivers are pressure vessels requiring periodic thorough examination under PSSR 2000.

Prevent serious injury	Compressed air can penetrate skin fatally, and hose failures cause severe whip injuries at high pressure.
Health protection	Noise and vibration from pneumatic tools cause permanent hearing loss and HAVS without proper controls.
Legal compliance	PUWER 1998 and PSSR 2000 require maintenance, inspection, and thorough examination of compressors and tools.

Do

Don't

Fit whip checks at all hose coupling points to prevent hose whip if a connection fails
Wear hearing protection when operating pneumatic tools or working near running compressors
Inspect hoses, couplings, and tools before each use for damage, wear, and air leaks
Route air hoses safely away from pedestrian walkways and vehicle traffic routes
Ensure diesel compressors are positioned where exhaust fumes disperse away from workers
Monitor vibration exposure time when using pneumatic breakers, drills, and impact tools
Check the compressor receiver has a current thorough examination certificate displayed
Depressurise hoses before disconnecting tools or changing attachments on pneumatic equipment
Use the correct air pressure setting for each tool as specified by the manufacturer
Shut down and isolate compressors when not in use and at the end of each shift

DON'T direct compressed air at yourself or others — it can penetrate skin fatally
DON'T use hoses without whip checks fitted at every coupling connection point
DON'T operate pneumatic tools without hearing protection in place when noise exceeds 85 dB(A)
DON'T leave air hoses pressurised and unattended across walkways or access routes
DON'T run diesel compressors in enclosed spaces where fumes cannot disperse safely
DON'T exceed the manufacturer's rated pressure for any pneumatic tool or attachment
DON'T use damaged hoses with cuts, kinks, or worn couplings — replace them immediately
DON'T ignore vibration exposure limits — rotate tasks to stay within daily limits
DON'T disconnect hoses while the system is still pressurised — depressurise first
DON'T use a compressor without a valid pressure vessel thorough examination certificate

See also: Breaker and Drill Safety | Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS)

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