Compressed air and gases

Overview

Compressed air is a gas under more pressure than the air in the general environment. Compressed air is dangerous because – without proper personal protective equipment – it can damage any part of the human body.

If compressed air gets into the bloodstream, the result can be fatal. A pressure strong enough to dust or clean is strong enough to break the skin and penetrate the body. Even pressures as low as five to 10 pounds per square inch can cause an injury.

Almost any part of a compressed-air system can be hazardous including the compressor, the storage tank, valves, regulators, and the line that moves the air to the point of use.

Even at a relatively low pressure, flammable gases, such as acetylene, butane, ethylene, hydrogen, methylamine, and vinyl chloride, can burn or explode when they are accidentally released from a broken or leaking valve or from a safety device.

All available content

Publications

Checklists
- Compressed gas and cylinders
  Checklist for compressed gas and cylinders.
  English
- Compressors and compressed air
  Checklist for compressors and compressed air.
  English
Fact sheets
- Compressed air for cleaning
  Explains how to clean safely with compressed air.
  English 02/28/2023
- Compressed air piping systems
  Covers Oregon OSHA's requirements for compressed air piping including restrictions on using PVC pipe, labeling, and cleaning with compressed air.
  English 10/03/2011
- Compressed gas safety
  Key safety and health requirements for working with compressed gases, including safe handling and use, cylinder storage, and cylinder inspection.
  English 05/11/2015
References
- Rules with requirements
  We get many calls and emails from employers asking the same question. It begins: “Which of your rules have requirements for…” You can finish the sentence with words like “recordkeeping,” “employee training,” and “written documents.” To answer those questions, we’ve organized these rules requirements into a filterable, sortable, searchable table.
  English 05/10/2019

Education and training

Rules and rule-related

Advisory Committee

Oxygen-Fuel and Compressed Gas

Final Rules
Interpretations
- Air wand automatic cut-offs
  05/25/2007
- Compressed air pipe labelling
  09/25/2006
- Compressed air safey
  10/11/1996
- Transport and storage of compressed gas cylinders
  04/22/2009
- Use of compressed air for cleaning purposes
  01/30/1995
Program Directives
- Compressed Gas: Securing Compressed Gas Cylinders
  Purpose: This directive clarifies the application of 1926.350(a)(9).
  A-186 02/02/2017
- Drains on Air Receivers
  Purpose: To provide guidelines for issuance of citations for violation of drain requirements for air receivers.
  A-026 03/09/2001
Summary of comments and decisions
- Summary of comments and agency decisions regarding proposed changes to oxygen-fuel gas welding, compressed gases, and acetylene in Division 2 General industry, and Division 3 Construction Administrative Rules
  6-2014

Video Resources

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Compressed Gases
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English
- Compressed Gas Training with Tom Meier
  Tom Meier, a safety professional, explains safe handling practices for compressed gas.
  Language: English Length: 01:17:05
- Propane Safety Discussion
  Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), which includes propane, butane, and mixtures of these gases, is used as heating, cooking, and auto fuel.
  Language: English Length: 11:09
Spanish
- Capacitación sobre gases comprimidos
  Compressed Gas Training with Tom Meier
  Tom Meier, profesional de la seguridad, explica las prácticas de manipulación segura del gas comprimido.
  Language: Spanish Length: 01:17:05
- Seguridad con el propano
  Propane Safety Discussion
  El gas licuado de petróleo (GLP), que incluye propano, butano y mezclas de estos gases, se utiliza como combustible para calefacción, cocina y automóviles.
  Language: Spanish Length: 11:09