Safety Blow Gun: The 30 PSI Standard

Compressed air systems in factories typically operate at between 80 and 120 PSI. Most pneumatic tools require a working pressure of approximately 90 PSI to operate.

 

Compressed air systems in factories typically operate at between 80 and 120 PSI. Most pneumatic tools require a working pressure of approximately 90 PSI to operate. This also applies to compressed air blowguns.

 

This pressure level can have serious or even fatal consequences for the user and the equipment. This is why it is absolutely necessary to.

 

ensure that compressed air powered equipment is used in a safe and reliable manner

complying with safety standards for compressed air use

 

In this article, we will discuss the 30 PSI standard, a compliance standard designed to prevent accidents associated with the use of compressed air blowguns.

Industrial Household Air Blower Gun AGQ-08-1

Safety Blowguns: 30 PSI Standard

A blowgun is considered safe when the static pressure at the point of blockage does not exceed 30 PSI. In other words, if you use a blowgun, you must ensure that it is equipped with a nozzle that reduces the pressure to 30 PSI or an internal mechanism that completely stops the airflow if the tip of the nozzle becomes clogged.

 

For more information on this standard, you can consult your provincial or national legislation (for example, the CNSST in Quebec). Visit the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) website to access various fact sheets related to the safe use of compressed air in Canada.

 

Things to know

In the United States, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets standards for the use of compressed air to prevent accidents. Its safety standards are well known to Canadians and are often used as a benchmark, even though they are not legislated in Canada.

Air Duster Blow Gun AGQ-08-2 Adjustable

Why is it dangerous to exceed 30 PSI in a blockage situation?

Static pressure above 30 PSI can cause serious injury. For example, if the nozzle of a blowgun accidentally comes into contact with your hand or any other part of your body while you are using it.

 

Situation A - Using an unsafe air gun

If you use an unsafe blowgun, i.e. one with a pressure of more than 30 PSI when the nozzle is blocked, air is likely to penetrate directly into the pores of the skin. This can lead to serious consequences (skin peeling, air bubbles in the blood ...... or even a possible embolism or cardiovascular event).

 

Situation B - Using a safety air gun

If you use a safe blowgun, i.e. with a clogged nozzle at a pressure of less than 30 PSI, the possibility of injury from exposure to the air stream is virtually non-existent.

Stainless Steel Elbow Air Blow Gun AGQ-06-2 Chip Guard

Solutions to meet the 30 PSI standard

To be safe and to meet the 30 PSI standard in the event of a clogged nozzle, we recommend one of the following options.

 

1. Safety Blowgun

Depending on the model, safety blowguns have one or more side openings in the nozzle. They allow air to escape from the sides if the nozzle tip becomes blocked.

 

2. Maximum safety blowgun

If the nozzle is blocked, the safety valve in the blowgun mechanism will immediately cut off the airflow. This way you are not exposed to a dangerous airflow on your skin. When the nozzle is clear, the safety valve pops back into place to allow air to flow.