When we think of pressure, we think of power. And when we think of power, we think of hazards. Such is the case when we work with one of the most useful elements in our everyday operations--- compressed air. Compressed air is at work around the clock, doing countless jobs from filling tiers, lubricating trucks, and operating lifts, to the breaking, jacking, auguring, and tamping of earth and rock on construction projects. Compressed air helps us do our jobs better and faster. This discussion is geared to its use and the dangers of its misuse. Using a compressed-air hose as a toy is particularly dangerous, especially if the air stream is brought into close or direct contact with any portion of a worker's body or clothing. If this is done and there is a break in the skin, air may be forced into the bloodstream with fatal results. Compressed air in the bloodstream is only one way a worker can be injured by air pressure on the job. There are many other instances; however, the majority of injury cases studied indicate either carelessness or lack of training as principal causes of compressed-air accidents.

Unfastened safety chains on air hose lines have accounted for more injuries than any other type of compressed-air accidents. Hose couplings usually are handled pretty roughly on construction jobs, being dragged over the ground, streets, etc., and there is always the possibility of their being disconnected. That's why the safety chain must be connected from one hose to the other at each connection. Once the unchained hose comes apart, escaping pressure whips the hose around with terrific force, causing the hose to strike anything in its unpredictable path.

REMEMBER, THERE IS POWER IN PRESSURE-AND POWER MEANS EXTRA PRECAUTION.

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