It's All Compressed: 4 Tips To Safely Use Your New Compressor
You just bought a new air compressor. If this is your first time owning one, there are a few things you should do before you start operating it. First of all, you'll need to read the owner's manual from cover to cover. In addition to the safety precautions included in the manual, here are a few other tips you should follow to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you.
Keep the Hoses Tight
Take a look at your air compressor. You should see several hoses attached to the tank. Those hoses are attached to the tank with brass fittings. Because the tank vibrates, those fittings can come loose. Before you turn your compressor on, test each of the fittings. Be sure that each one is tightened securely. This will prevent the hoses from coming loose during operation. The best way to protect yourself from injuries is to tighten the fittings before you turn your compressor on and right after you turn it off.
Watch the Timing
Air compressors require fluids to operate properly. For proper operation, you'll need to check the gear oil and fuel levels each time you use your compressor. It's important to remember that fuel and oil should never be added to a hot tank. If your tank is hot when you add fuel or oil, it could result in excessive smoke or fires.
Checking the levels before you begin operating your compressor will ensure that the tank is cool. If you're involved in a particularly time-consuming project and require a fill-up before you're done working, turn the tank off and wait for it to cool down before adding fuel.
Don't Aim at People
Air compressor hoses can be dangerous, especially if they're aimed directly at people. To avoid accidents and injuries, you should never aim the air compressor hose at anyone. If there are people nearby and you need to change directions, release the pressure valve before moving the hose. This will prevent the accidental discharge of compressed air.
Avoid the Build Up
When you turn off your air compressor, the air inside the tank will still be compressed. Don't leave it that way. The pressure can build up inside the tank and cause an explosion. Instead, before you put your compressor away for the night, release the pressure valve to allow all the compressed air to escape.
Air compressors can make your work much easier. However, if you've never used one before, it's important that you take the time to familiarize yourself with all the safety precautions. For more information about air compressors, visit this website.
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