Working Safely with Air Compressors

We've put together a list of tips for working safely with air compressors in your environment! We recommend that you always read owners manual before running your compressor. The number one cause for repairs and personal injury is improper use. You've got to remember to use eye protection and hearing protection when operating your air compressor and try to avoid using air compressors in a wet area.

If the compressor is exposed to water for long periods of time, it can cause rust to the tank, damage to the tools, and also cause problems with the electrical circuits.

We've broken down your areas of needed compressed air safety:

Compressor hoses

  1. You have to ensure that all hose fittings are nice and tight. You don't want loose fittings can not only damper you compressors performance, but also cause personal and equipment damage.
  2. Make sure that your hoses are always free from dirt and debris - that they are CLEAN! We bet that you'll see prolonged life of your compressor, as well as a longer life for your air hose.ย 

Basic compressor maintenance

Compressor Air Tools

  1. To avoid severe personal injury, never point tools towards your face or body.
  2. Always be sure that the trigger on the tool is not pulled when turning on the air compressor.

Compressor Voltage

Ensure that the machine is plugged into a properly grounded outlet. If your machine is plugged into an outlet without the properly grounded electrical circuits, there may be damage to the electrical panel of the compressor as well as the possibility of a fire.

Consult the owners manual for the recommended extension cord use. Using a longer extension cord than recommended can result in a loss of power, and can cause damage to the compressors electrical panel and/or motor.

Check out this awesome educational video by Quincy Compressors.ย We are New Zealand's exclusive suppliers of the Quincy Compressors.ย 

Ash Air has been around in New Zealand since 1979, and weโ€™ve grown into a nationwide company with international support and a reputation for quality and reliability.

We have more than fifty qualified service engineers working throughout the country, and with 13 locations nationwide, we're here for you and your business' longevity around the clock. We take pride in the quality of our service and in our dedication to help our customers solve their problems. This is why we are considered a business partner by our customers! See the services we offerย here

Make sure that youย get in touchย today, for expert compressed air service and products!

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Who we are and how Ash Air can help your business!

Ash Air has been around in New Zealand since 1979, and weโ€™ve grown into a nationwide company with international support and a reputation for quality and reliability.We look after all things compressed air for your business!

  • Reciprocating, Screw, air compressors
  • Vacuum pumps
  • Nitrogen
  • An extensive line of air treatment components

Ash Air's range of Chicago Pneumatic, Alup, Pneumatech, and Quincy compressors are used extensively around the world in industries ranging from oil and gas to food, automotive and farming, and we bring you these world class compressors here in the land of the long white cloud.Our technicians are compressed air equipment experts and are dedicated to addressing customer needs. Supported by a 13 locations nationwide, Ash Air offers one of the widest selections of compressed air equipment and parts available today in New Zealand.

Reliability and Efficiency

With Ash Air compressors, you can count on reliability and high performance for even the most demanding applications. We focus our efforts on the following:

  • Increasing uptime
  • Reducing unexpected repairs
  • Reducing energy consumption
  • Improving the cleanliness of compressed air


Talk to the team today:  CONTACT US CONTACT US

Read more from our #expertcorner



Just like any other equipment, a compressed air installation also requires the necessary maintenance work during its entire lifespan. Even though maintenance costs are only about 5 to 10% of a machine's annual operating costs, failure to budget for maintenance can have potentially disastrous consequences.


The air dyer is one of the most ignored cooler in the system. A dirty condenser will cause water in the lines, or worse it will cause complete dryer failure.