Operational Precautions

!All responsibility for any damage or injury resulting from neglecting these precautions, or non-observance of the normal caution and care required for installation, operation, maintenance and repair, even if not expressly stated, will be disclaimed by U.S. Air Compressor.

*This compressor is a rotary-screw type positive displacement machine and must never run against a closed-valve (isolation valve) right at its outlet. Doing so will create a sudden and tremendously high pressure build up which would be destructive to the machine itself. Avoiding any adverse consequences of such a simple mistake, your U.S. Air Compressor is equipped with a safety air-relief valve, which abruptly relieves air/oil mixture to protect the machine. This may significantly reduce the oil level in the machine in addition to making significant oil spill (spray around) that needs to be cleaned up. Therefore, your compressor is usually shipped with extra break-in oil than normally required to compensate for possible startup errors like running the compressor against a closed valve and ending up losing oil. It must be noted that the initial break-in oil is totally transparent and may not be easily visible from the sight-glass as the oil level could be higher than the maximum level visible by the sight-glass.

Once properly installing and connecting the compressor preferably to an air dryer and/or a buffer air tank before connecting an air distribution pipe network —before starting the compressor— drain (and save for future use) some of the oil may be drained, so that the oil level would be visible and adjusted under the maximum level line. Never drain the oil level under mid-point between maximum and minimum levels. Save the extra oil drained for future use within the next 500 hours or 90 days, if needed. Never touch any piping or components of the compressor during operation.

1. Use only the correct type and size of hose end fittings and connections. When blowing through a hose or airline, ensure that the open end is held securely. A free end will whip and may cause injury. Make sure that a hose is fully depressurized before disconnecting it.
2. Persons switching on remotely controlled machines shall take adequate precautions to ensure that there is no one checking or working on the machine. To this end, a suitable notice shall be affixed to the remote start equipment.
3. Never operate the machine when there is a possibility of taking in flammable or toxic fumes, vapors or particles.
4. Never operate the machine below or in excess of its limit ratings.
5. Keep all bodywork doors shut during operation. The doors may be opened for short periods only, e.g. to carry out routine checks.
6. Periodically check that:

• ONLY Genuine U.S. Air Compressor parts are installed in your compressor.
• All guards are in place and securely fastened.
• All hoses and/or pipes inside the machine are in good condition, secure and not rubbing.
• No leaks occur.
• All fasteners are tight.
• All electrical leads are secure and in good order.
• Safety valves and other pressure relief devices are not obstructed by dirt or paint.
• Air outlet valve and air net, i.e. pipes, couplings, manifolds, valves, hoses, etc. are in good repair, free of wear or abuse.
• Air cooling filters of the electrical cabinet are not clogged.

7. If warm cooling air from compressors is used in air heating systems, e.g. to warm up a workroom, take precautions against air pollution and possible contamination of the breathing air.
8. On water-cooled compressors using open circuit cooling towers, protective measures must be taken to avoid the growth of harmful bacteria such as Legionella pneumophila bacteria.
9. Do not remove any of, or tamper with, the sound-damping material.
10. Never remove or tamper with the safety devices, guards or insulation fitted on the machine. Every pressure vessel or auxiliary installed outside the machine to contain air above atmospheric pressure shall be protected by a pressure relieving device or devices as required.