Failure of Compressed Air Gun

3. (1988):

A compressed air gun is a trigger-operated nozzle attached to an air line. A jet of compressed air issues from the nozzle when the trigger is activated. Although not to be encouraged for obvious health (dust generation) and safety (mechanical impact of air jet or dust on eye reasons, the use of compressed sir guns is considered necessary by some tradesmen for cleaning machinery and other tools and articles of trade.

Recently, a compressed air gun exploded during use at the Research School of Earth Sciences. The broken pieces (plastic cap, metal spring, broken plastic ferrule) flew off the gun at considerable velocity, narrowly missing the operator. A photograph of the compressed air gun and the broken components is available from the OHS Unit.

Mr T Davies (Chair, RSES area OHS committee) has surveyed the air gun market and recommends the following model,

Jamec Pem 'Air Boy'

High impact plastic, fail-safe design, full-hand activation lever available from Bearing Services, Newcastle Street, Fyshwick, $15.

REMEMBER:
Always wear eye protection when using c-a guns Never use c-a guns on skin, body or clothes Never use c-a guns on toxic dust wastes

For further information contact:
OHS Officer, e-mail: OHS.Officer@anu.edu.au