Using an air blow gun

Part 1. Preparation and safety

Objective

• Demonstrate the correct operation of an air blowgun.

Personal safety

Whenever you perform a task in the workshop you must use personal protective clothing and equipment that is appropriate for the task and which conforms to your local safety regulations and policies. Among other items, this may include:

• Work clothing - such as coveralls and steel-capped footwear
• Eye protection - such as safety glasses and face masks
• Ear protection - such as earmuffs and earplugs
• Hand protection - such as rubber gloves and barrier cream
• Respiratory equipment - such as face masks and valved respirators

If you are not certain what is appropriate or required, ask your supervisor.

Safety check

• Do not use the air blowgun to clean brake dust from brake components. It will disperse the dust through the workshop.
• Do not use a high pressure air blowgun to disperse liquid solvents or fuels. A low pressure blowing action can help these volatile materials to evaporate more quickly, but a high pressure air jet could atomize the liquid, allowing it to form a flammable mixture.
• Make sure you direct the air exhaust of air tools away from yourself and others working in the area.
• Do not point the air blowgun at other people.
• Never use the air blowgun to blow air over yourself or other people.
• Always wear eye protection when using air tools.
• Make sure that you understand and observe all legislative and personal safety procedures when carrying out the following tasks. If you are unsure of what these are, ask your supervisor.

Points to note

• Pull the trigger gently and modulate the flow of air through the nozzle. If too much air is allowed through, you may blow dirt particles into the workshop.
• Air tools are attached to the air supply by fittings that allow the supply to be connected and disconnected easily. Over time, these connections wear and produce an air leak. If the air leak is excessive, the output of the air tool will be reduced.
• Check connections between the air hose and the tool connection every time you use it. If there is obvious wear, replace or repair any poor connections.

Part 2: Step-by-step instruction

1. Attach the air supply
   The simplest air tool is a blowgun or air duster. It’s used to spray compressed air with a valve, which is operated by a lever. Fit the blowgun to the end of the workshop air hose. Make sure the fittings are screwed in tightly.
2. Wear safety protection
   The air gun is used to blast dirt and debris out of confined spaces. To avoid injury, be sure to wear eye and ear protection whenever you use the air gun.
3. Correct operation
   Do NOT use the air gun to dust yourself off because you risk injury. Be sure to direct the air jet away from yourself, and away from anybody else who may be working nearby.