Because of their low energy consumption and durability, rotary screw air compressors are easily one of the more popular types of air compressors, whether it is in an industrial setting or your personal garage. Even though rotary screw air compressors are designed with safety features in place and made with the utmost of convenience of usage in mind, these machines can be dangerous when safety rules are disregarded by the user. Here are a few of the biggest safety rules you should keep in mind with your rotary screw compressors to ensure you are never injured during operation.
1. Never remove any safety guard or apparatus from the machine.
The modern rotary screw compressor offers many safety features in its design to prevent injury. For example, there are guards over the compression station on the motor at the top of the machine. You should never remove any of these pieces while the machine is in operation, even during maintenance. If something must be removed for maintenance, make sure the power to the compressor is disconnected.
2. Never assume the machine will not kick on because it is turned off.
Many of the rotary screw air compressors are designed with auto-start features for convenience in industrial settings. Therefore, the machine could easily kick on unexpectedly when you think it is powered off, which could be incredibly dangerous if you are trying to maintain the machine or have your hands stuck inside the motor. Make sure the power is completely disconnected at the breaker before you try to do anything at all.
3. Never inhale the compressed air.
It is not uncommon for people who are horse playing around to breathe in the air that is forced out of an air compressor. For example, if your buddy walks into your garage you may turn the air hose on him and spray him in the face just for kicks. However, the air that is expelled from a rotary screw air compressor is not safe for inhalation because it can contain trace amounts of oil and other chemical compounds.
4. Never allow flammable gases around or near your compressor.
The air inlet valve on the air compressor is constantly pulling air into the machine, and the last thing you want is flammable or combustible gases making their way inside of a pressurized tank, as this can create the risk for an explosion or fire.
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