While incorrect diving procedures are the most common cause of air embolisms, there is also a risk of an embolism when compressed air is misused at high pressures. Although unlikely, high-pressure air can be forced into the bloodstream through cuts and abrasions. It is improbable, but why even take the risk?

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Anyone familiar with compressed air used for scuba diving also knows about the potential for air embolisms. Embolisms are a condition in which air bubbles enter the bloodstream and block blood vessels or arteries, with the potential to cause paralysis, induce a coma, or even cause death.

Other legislation may be applicable in some states, provinces, and countries, so you should always check your local jurisdiction for relevant information. When in doubt, use common sense, and do not use compressed air for cleaning!

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Compressed air is powerful and can be dangerous—even deadly—when misused. Air compressors aren’t designed for cleaning, but it’s still common practice to clean the dust and debris from filters, machinery, workshop surfaces, clothes, and so forth using compressed air. To help you understand why you shouldn’t clean with compressed air, we’ll break down the most common risks of cleaning with compressor air.

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In Canada, cleaning with compressed air is not allowed by law, according to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS). Alberta, Saskatchewan, Quebec, Newfoundland, and Prince Edward Island have specific laws that state compressed air must not be used to clean clothes, people, machinery, work benches, and so forth

Federal regulations in British Columbia, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and the Yukon ban cleaning with air due to the risk to workers, although there is some provision for using low noise emitting nozzles with pressures below 10 psi (70 kPa).

In the United States, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulates workplace safety. Compressed air use is governed by standard 1910.242.b, which states, “Compressed air shall not be used for cleaning purposes except where reduced to less than 30 psi (206 kPa) and then only with effective chip guarding and personal protective equipment.”

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When compressed air enters or contacts your body, you put yourself at risk of significant health complications. Here are a few examples of the dangers of compressed air:

Some laws in Canada and the United States govern the use of compressed air and, in many cases, it is illegal to clean with compressed air.

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Compressed air, especially from commercial air compressors, can exert extremely high forces that turn small particles, nuts, bolts, washers, and other bits into high-velocity projectiles. These objects become shrapnel and can cause severe damage if they hit someone. Even dust and dirt will cause skin abrasions when there is sufficient force behind them—it’s just like sandblasting.