Subchapter 7. General Industry Safety Orders
Group 2. Safe Practices and Personal Protection
Article 7. Miscellaneous Safe Practices

§3301. Use of Compressed Air or Gases.

(a) Compressed air or other compressed gases in excess of 10 pounds per square inch gauge shall not be used to blow dirt, chips, or dust from clothing while it is being worn.

(b) Compressed air or gases shall not be used to empty containers of liquids where the pressure can exceed the safe working pressure of the container.

(c) The use of compressed air shall be so controlled, and proper personal protective equipment or safeguards utilized, as to protect against the possibility of eye or body injury to the operator or other workers.

(d) Abrasive blast cleaning nozzles shall be equipped with an operating valve which must be held open manually. A support shall be provided on which the nozzle may be mounted when it is not in use.

(e) Compressed gases shall not be used to elevate or otherwise transfer any hazardous substance from one container to another unless the containers are designed to withstand, with a factor of safety of at least four, the maximum possible pressure that may be applied.

NOTE: For further guidance in the utilization of compressed gases in cylinders see Group 9; for portable tanks, rail tank cars, or motor vehicle cargo tanks, see Compressed Gas Association Pamphlet P-1-1965.

NOTE: Authority cited: Section 142.3, Labor Code.

HISTORY

1. Repealer of subsection (c) and new subsections (c) and (d) filed 3-28-75; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 75, No. 13).

2. New subsection (e) filed 7-17-75; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 75, No. 29).

3. Amendment of Note in subsection (e) filed 12-19-78; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 79, No. 1).

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