Essential PPE to Wear When Using an Air Compressor

Air compressors are used for a wide range of commercial and consumer purposes. As the name suggests, they work by compressing or "pressurizing" air. Some of them are powered by electricity, whereas others are powered by gasoline or diesel fuel. Regardless, all air compressors offer pressurized air through a nozzle-fitted hose. 

If you're planning to use an air compressor, however, you'll need to wear the right personal protective equipment (PPE). Air compressors are relatively safe, but they are still responsible for thousands of injuries each year. You can still use an air compressor, but wearing the right PPE will lower your risk of injury.

Safety Goggles

Always wear safety goggles when using an air compressor. Statistics show that three-quarters of all air compressor-related injuries involve the eyes. Air compressors can not only propel air; they can propel debris, fasteners, tool bits and other objects. Wearing safety goggles will protect your eyes from these objects.

Here are some tips on how to choose the right safety goggles:

• Make sure they feature impact-resistant lenses.
• Choose safety goggles with an adjustable strap.
• Stick with a trusted brand.
• Consider the material, such as acrylic.
• Pay attention to the coating of the lenses.

Gloves

It's a good idea to wear gloves when using an air compressor. While most air compressor-related injuries involve the eyes, some of them involve the hands. Failure to wear gloves means your hands may be exposed to the pressurized air. Depending on the application for which you use the air compressor, this may lead to a hand injury. You can protect your hands from injury, however, by wearing gloves.

Dust Mask

You should consider wearing a dust mask when using an air compressor as well. Air compressors often knock up dirt, dust and debris. Assuming you use it indoors, this debris may linger in the air where you'll inevitably inhale it while breathing. Wearing a dust mask will ensure that you don't accidentally inhale this debris.

Steel-Toe Boots

Finally, wearing steel-toe boots can lower your risk of injury when using an air compressor. Air compressors can be heavy. If you accidentally knock over it over, the air compressor could land on your foot. Wearing steel-toe boots will protect your feet from injury. Steel-toe boots live up to their namesake by featuring a plate of steel -- or another type of metal -- in the toe. Therefore, they are able to withstand fallen objects while protecting your feet from injury.