Many accidents are caused in factories and workshops by hose whip when disconnecting compressed air lines still under pressure. Craig Forrester outlines how to eliminate the danger. Hose whip is the unrestrained movement of the compressed air line and attached connector caused by disconnection of the circuit while still under pressure. The rapid expulsion of compressed air causes the hose and connector to flail around rapidly, potentially causing serious injury particularly to the face and eyes. Hose whip speeds up to 90mph have been measured and the plug attached to the hose becomes a dangerous projectile. Statistics provided by the Health & Safety Executive indicate that there have been 53 reportable accidents involving compressed air in UK manufacturing in the two years to March 2013.
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