The basics about Compressed Air Blowguns and how to select the right one | Support & Advice (2025)

The Basics About Blowguns

PCL’s versatile range of air blowguns are designed to be used in a wide range of applications. Here we look at the different types available and how to select the right one for your application.

Where are they used?

Commonly usedin laboratories and manufacturing industries but also workshops and car body shops, for a range of jobs from tyre fitting to paint spraying. Blowguns are fitted to a compressed air line to produce a jet stream of air, they are used to quickly and efficiently clear equipment and surfaces of debris such as dust or chips, with the nozzle directing the air flow.

What is the law relating to using compressed air blowguns?

There is no current legislation relating to the use of blowguns, nor is there any specific legal restriction regarding the type of blowgun that should or should not be used.

However, there are laws which must be adhered to surrounding the conditions in which a blowgun may be used, and which could result in penalties should they be neglected.

Notably:

  • The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HSWA), Chapter 37, Section 2, which stipulates that employers must ensure the safety of employees

There are also codes of practice and guidance which should be followed to ensure the safe use of equipment.

These include:

  • The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (SI 1998/2306) – these include mandatory requirements for employers to pay due care and attention to working conditions and potential risks to health and safety where equipment is used, and also to any additional risks associated with its use
  • The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (SI 1999/3242), which state that employers must carry out a risk assessment and implement appropriate health & safety measures

How to select the right blowgun

Should I choose plastic or metal?

This is down to personal preference.

PCL’s latest range of blowguns, ERGO and ERGO EXTREME, are manufactured from Zytel nylon, which is highly durable offering heat and chemical resistance but lighter in weight than metal products and feels warmer in the hand. Nozzles are usually metal, with the internal components made from brass and stainless steel adding to the increased durability and longevity.

PCL’s entry level range of blowguns are also manufactured from plastic, represent excellent value for money but do not have the same high levels of durability as the ERGO and ERGO EXTREME

Metal blowguns are more likely to be chosen when longer life is a higher priority than increased comfort, in which case PCL has versions manufactured from die-cast alloy in two styles – pistol or palm – both of which are compact and robust.

Entry Level Plastic Blowguns



Ergo Mid Range Blowguns and Ergo Extreme Premium Blowguns

Metal Blowguns

Pressure required

This will depend on the maximum pressure relevant to your air supply and working practices in relation to Health & Safety. Whilst there is no specific UK legislation relating to this, the OSHA states that industrial safety air blowguns should be used for industrial applications. PCL’s safety blowguns feature a cleverly designed safety valve that reduces the output of air to 2 bar and slowly releases air if there is a blockage.

Safety Nozzle Blowguns without a tamper-proof 2 bar valve may be used on a normal factory air supply at 6 bar. However, the manufacturer must be able confirm that pressure from the main nozzle, when blocked, is low enough to mostly reduce the possibility of injury.


FAQ:
How can I tell if I have a 2 bar Safety Blowgun or a Standard Blowgun?

The below image demonstrates the two visual differences between 2 bar Safety and Standard Ergo and Ergo Extreme Blowguns.

Blowgun without 2 bar safety valve

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Blowgun with 2 bar safety valve

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Type of nozzle

Air nozzles allow the operator to control and optimise the flow of compressed air. To select the most suitable nozzle, you should consider your application.

There are two nozzle types to consider, conical or safety nozzles.


Traditional Conical Nozzles

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A simple angled nozzle which facilitates access to tight spaces, this traditional conical nozzle is also available as a 9” nozzle which can be further cut and bent to suit individual applications.

For industrial applications, conical nozzles should only be used with a blowgun that has a tamper-proof 2 bar valve. PCL offers conical nozzles with and without the tamper-proof 2 bar valve.

Safety Nozzles

Safety nozzles are designed to prevent blockages, ensuring that the pressure at the main nozzle, in most cases, remains low enough to reduce the possibility of injury.

There are two types of safety nozzles; Aircurtain and Reduced jet-velocity.

Which one you should choose will depend upon the size and shape of the object the air stream is aimed at, as this will dictate whether you need a flat or concentrated pattern of air.

Aircurtain Safety Nozzle (Flat)

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An Aircurtain Safety Nozzle will ensure that debris will not fly towards the user. This type of nozzle is central, and incorporates a design that will form a curtain of air shaped like an umbrella around the main air stream. Recommended for use in large areas, an Aircurtain Safety Nozzle is an effective method of drying as it works like a squeegee.

Reduced Jet-velocity Nozzles (Concentrated)

Reduced Jet-velocity Nozzles are equipped with an extension tube with holes surrounding the main nozzle at the bottom, through which atmospheric air is pulled in to increase the volume of air flow whilst also slowing it down. This reduces the risk of debris hitting the user.

PCL offer two types of reduced jet-velocity nozzles:

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Low Noise Nozzle

Designed to reduce the risk associated with noise exposure, meeting OSHA safety standards.

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TURBO Nozzle

The TURBO Nozzle is ideal when increased airflow is required

How to choose the right fitting

It is important to check your input connection type and size to match the air compressor hose. All blowguns in our range have a Rp 1/4 female BSP inlet therefore you will need a R 1/4 male BSP adaptor or hose fitting. Make sure that the adaptor is compatible to the coupling. For a leak-free seal, use a relevant thread sealant.

Unsure which coupling and adaptor series you have? Click to see our handy guide on how to identify a coupling and adaptor profile.


Blowgun Safety Tips

It is the duty of a business to ensure the health and safety of its employees, and this includes making sure the equipment they use is safe, that the user is trained to use it and is aware of associated risks and necessary precautions. Here are some tips to ensure the safe use of air blowguns:

  • Choose a safety blowgun with a safety valve to reduce the output of air to 2 bar and slowly release air if there is a blockage
  • If your blowgun does not have a built-in safety mechanism, reduce the pressure to 2 bar or 30 psi gauge pressure
  • Wear eye and ear protection at all times
  • Ensure the blowgun does not exceed 90dB to avoid the risk of partial or permanent hearing loss, preferably with a noise level that meets OSHA standards
  • Ensure the end of the blowgun is never blocked
  • Never point a blowgun towards yourself or anyone else. Compressed air can enter the bloodstream by getting underneath the skin which can cause an embolism
  • A blowgun should not be used as a general vacuum or for cleaning clothing, particularly when the clothing is being worn
The basics about Compressed Air Blowguns and how to select the right one | Support & Advice (2025)

FAQs

The basics about Compressed Air Blowguns and how to select the right one | Support & Advice? ›

It's generally recommended that you select blowguns

blowguns
sumpitan (plural sumpitans or sumpitan) A kind of blowgun for discharging arrows, used by indigenous peoples of Borneo and adjacent islands.
https://en.wiktionary.org › wiki › sumpitan
with safety valves that reduce the output of air to 2 bar. Other useful safety features to look for include the ability to slowly release air in the event of a blockage. Blowgun brands such as PCL tend to include such air pressure safety features in their blowguns.

What should air blowguns be regulated to? ›

What does the OSHA regulation mean? The downstream pressure of the air at the outlet of the air blow gun, nozzle, or pipe opening is not allowed to exceed 30 psi (210 kPa) for all static conditions. A higher static pressure could cause serious injury to the operator.

What is the OSHA requirement for compressed air pressure when using air nozzles? ›

The enclosed Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard 29 CFR 1910.242(b) requires that compressed air used for cleaning purposes must be reduced to less than 30 psig (pounds per square inch gauge, 204 kPa).

What should compressed air nozzles be used for in the shop? ›

Air nozzles are commonly used for blowing with compressed air in industry when e.g. cleaning, drying, cooling, sorting and transporting objects.

Are blowguns illegal in the US? ›

In the U.S. state of California, blowguns are illegal. They are also illegal in Massachusetts and Washington, D.C., but are legal elsewhere. There is currently no age requirement for using a blowgun.

Are longer blowguns better? ›

Our results proved that the longer the barrel length is, the more energy there is in the projectile.

What are three large rules to follow when using compressed air? ›

See the list below for 3 “Nevers” and 4 “Always” rules of the compressed air.
  • NEVER POINT IT AT YOURSELF OR ANOTHER PERSON! Absolutely no horseplay. ...
  • NEVER USE IT TO CLEAN CLOTHING OR HAIR! Don't use it to “dust” yourself off. ...
  • NEVER USE IT TO CLEAN WORKSPACES OR EQUIPMENT UNLESS NECESSARY!

What are the 7 pneumatic safety rules? ›

Pneumatic tools safety
  • Limit vibrations and noise. ...
  • Check that the pneumatic tools have appropriate safety features: ...
  • Perform regular maintenance. ...
  • Know how to use the pneumatic tools safely. ...
  • Operator safety: Wear appropriate PPE. ...
  • Make sure the environment is safe. ...
  • Ensure you have a good air line set up.

What two things compressed air should not be used for? ›

No. Under no circumstances should anyone use compressed air to clean off clothing or any part of the body. Although many people know using compressed air to clean debris or clothes can be hazardous, it is still used because of old habits and the easy availability of compressed air in many workplaces.

What PPE is required for a compressed air gun? ›

Goggles, face shields, or other eye protection must always be worn by compressed air users regardless of what other precautions have been taken. Safety glasses would be considered the minimum level of PPE required to be worn while using compressed air.

What is a safe psi for compressed air? ›

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard 29 CFR 1910.242 (b) requires that the nozzle pressure of an air gun used for cleaning purposes remain below 30 pounds per square inch (psi) for all static conditions.

How do you calculate compressed air requirements? ›

The requirement for compressed air is determined by the individual air consumers. This is calculated by adding up the air consumption of all tools, machines, and processes that will be connected, and then estimating their individual utilization factor by experience.

How do I choose the right size compressed air piping? ›

Compressed air piping size requirements are directly related to the maximum airflow going through the system. Your airflow is measured in cubic feet of air per minute, or CFM. The greater your CFM, the larger your pipes will need to be to avoid excessive pressure drop.

What PSI should shop air be at? ›

Shop air used for cleaning should be regulated to 15 psi unless equipped with diffuser nozzles to provide lessor pressure. Goggles, face shields or other eye protection must be worn by personnel using compressed air for cleaning equipment. Static electricity can be generated through the use of pneumatic tools.

What are the 7 uses of compressed air? ›

Some of the most common uses of compressed air in industrial applications include powering pneumatic tools and equipment, conveyor systems, paint/spray lines, sandblasting and other finishing processes, operating controls, injection molding, filter cleaning for dust collection equipment, cooling, cleaning and blowing.

What is the OSHA regulation for air guns? ›

OSHA 26 CFR1910.

Limit the air supplied to the gun by using a regulator that is set to 30 PSI or less, or have a restrictor built into the gun. 2. Provide an alternate path for the air to take out of the gun should it become “dead ended” (where the tip becomes completely blocked).

Are airguns regulated in the US? ›

Although the federal government does not normally regulate air guns, some state and local governments do; the Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence has compiled a list of states and selected municipalities that regulate air guns, finding that 23 states and the District of Columbia regulate air guns to some degree.

What is a regulated airgun? ›

Regulated air rifles are known for their consistent performance, making them a preferred choice for competitive shooters and hunters who demand precision. Non-regulated rifles, while more affordable, may exhibit inconsistencies in power output, which could affect accuracy, especially over long shooting sessions.

How much air pressure is allowable at the end of an air gun? ›

In short, the use of compressed air for cleaning purposes at pressures greater than 30 P.S.I. is permissible, if the outlet or source is fitted with a relief device that drops the pressure to less than 30 P.S.I. if the flow is dead ended.

References

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