Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) Safety Assessment Practice Test

Compressed air can be used for cleaning work surfaces as long as the dead-headed pressure does not exceed what psi?

1. 10 psi

2. 20 psi

3. 30 psi

4. 40 psi

The correct answer is: 30 psi

Using compressed air for cleaning work surfaces is a common practice in many manufacturing and maintenance environments. However, there are important safety guidelines that must be followed to prevent accidents or injuries. The guideline specifies that the dead-headed pressure of the compressed air should not exceed 30 psi. This is crucial because exceeding this pressure can create a hazard, such as the potential for particles to be driven into the skin, leading to serious injuries. At pressures higher than 30 psi, the force of the air can propel debris or even cause atmospheric disturbances that may lead to accidents. Therefore, keeping the pressure at or below 30 psi ensures a safer work environment while still being effective for cleaning purposes. This is why 30 psi is the limit for safe use when using compressed air for cleaning tasks.