Safety in the workplace is a significant consideration for business these days because we need to keep our workforces safe. When it comes to air compressor safety, a question that often arises is whether or not air compressor oils are flammable.
Lubricating Oils used in air compressors are flammable, and when they reach very high temperatures, they can burn.
It is always highly recommended that care the utmost care is taken to avoid them catching fire.
Here at Jaguar Compressors, we recommend only using the Air Compressor Oils that have been supplied or endorsed by the manufacturer. The reason for this is that these lubricating oils are extensively tested, and using them will eliminate most chances of them lighting up.
Air Compressor Oil has two main properties:
The fire point and the flashpoint.
- The fire point refers to the temperature necessary for the lubricant to combust. This temperature is typically around 10% higher than its flashpoint.
- The flashpoint is the lowest heating temperature before the vapor can ignite when it is combined with air and comes into contact with a flame.
If a Synthetic Oil comes into contact with a naked flame, it will probably catch on fire and begin to burn. The flames from this fire are also toxic and will contain carbon and carbon dioxide emissions in the fumes.
If the oil happens to gain access to your Air Compressor’s Tank, there is a high risk of a dangerous explosion. Since compressor oil is very flammable, it can cause a life-threatening explosion when it is exposed to air under extreme pressure.
Always inspect your Air Compressor equipment for any leaks, but especially for oil ones. The majority of air compressors run on Oil or have a chamber to contain it. If the oil leaks, this is a risky situation, primarily if your air compressor is situated in a factory or garage where open flames are used. If an oil leak remains undetected for a period of time, an uncontrollable fire or explosion could occur.
These dangerous occurrences can, of course, always be prevented if you exercise caution and periodically evaluate and maintain all your compressed air equipment.
Jaguar Air offers a full Service And Maintenance Solution for all your compressed air requirements.
Contact Us if you have any inquiries about our synthetic or mineral lubricants.
