Restrictions on Using Compressed Air for Cleaning

The terms "blow down" and "blow off" refer to the cleaning of part of a room or machine with compressed air. This practice is prohibited whenever an alternative method is possible because it propels cotton dust into the air, raising employees' exposure level. Alternatives could include vacuuming, sweeping, or brushing the cotton out of machines.

If there is no alternative to blow down or blow off practices, air compressors may be used to clean equipment or rooms, provided that the employees performing these actions wear respirators. Any employees who do not need to be present during these activities are required to leave the area.

Though it may sometimes be necessary to clean part of a room or machine with compressed air, it is prohibited to clean floors with compressed air. Instead, floors must be cleaned with a vacuum or other method to minimize the amount of dust in the air. For instance, when workers are cleaning floors with a broom, they should push the broom slowly and carefully so as not to disperse dust into the air.

In areas where cotton dust levels exceed the PEL, cotton and cotton waste must be stacked, sorted, baled, dumped, or removed mechanically rather than by hand. If it is not feasible to handle cotton mechanically during certain operations, it must be handled manually as little as possible.

All engineering control and ventilation equipment should be inspected, cleaned, maintained, and repaired as often as necessary. This includes power sources, ducts, and filtration units.

To learn more about Cotton Dust Safety visit our Cal/OSHA Cotton Dust Safety Online Training web page.