Risk Assessment

Compressed Air – Powerful, Versatile, and Potentially Hazardous

Compressed air is an incredibly powerful and useful medium in countless industries. But with great power comes significant risks of personal injury and serious accidents if the system is not handled correctly.

That is why the Swedish Work Environment Authority (Arbetsmiljöverket) requires all employers to conduct a thorough risk assessment of their compressed air systems (compressors, pressure vessels, piping, hoses, etc.).

What does the law say?

According to AFS 2023:11 (Work Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment – Safe Use) and AFS 2023:1 (Systematic Work Environment Management), as an employer you must:

• Identify risks associated with pressurized equipment
• Assess the severity of the risks (probability × consequence)
• Take measures to reduce or eliminate the risks
• Document the risk assessment in writing
• Review and update the assessment regularly (e.g. after changes, new installations, or incidents)

Relevant regulations for compressed air systems: AFS 2023:11 and purity requirements according to ISO 8573-1:2010

For compressed air systems classified as Class A or B (e.g. larger pressure vessels or systems with higher pressure/volume), additional requirements apply:

• Ongoing supervision (FLT – Fortlöpande Tillsyn)
• Established routines for inspection and maintenance
• Periodic inspection and certification where required

Common Risks with Compressed Air Systems

• Explosion or rupture of pressure vessels due to incorrect pressure or corrosion
• Serious accidents from whipping hoses and couplings (the dreaded “whiplash” effect)
• Personal injuries from high-velocity air jets (eyes, skin, inhalation of oil mist and particles)
• Hearing damage from noisy compressors
• Slip, trip or crush injuries when working near the system
• Fire or explosion risk when oil is combined with high temperatures

How Aircenter AB Helps You

At Aircenter AB, we offer professional and comprehensive support for risk assessment of your compressed air systems – fully compliant with current AFS regulations. Our experienced technicians will:

• Perform a detailed inspection of your entire installation
• Identify and evaluate all potential risks
• Provide clear, practical action proposals and complete documentation
• Assist you in establishing effective routines for ongoing supervision (FLT)
• Ensure you meet all legal requirements and minimize the risk of downtime or notices from the Work Environment Authority

A high-quality risk assessment doesn’t just create a safer workplace – it also reduces operational disruptions, extends the lifespan of your equipment, and demonstrates that you take workplace safety seriously.

Contact us today for a free initial consultation or a tailored quotation for your risk assessment.

Together, we will create a safer, more efficient, and fully compliant compressed air environment for your business!