Dewalt compressor and Safety

[mauiboy]

Just got my new D55155 compressor and read the following on the first page of the instruction manual:

"Some dust created by this product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive hram. Some exmaple of these chemicals are: compounds in fertilizer, compounts in insecticides, herbicides and pesticides, arsenic and chromium from chemically treated lumber. To reduce your exposure to these chemicals, wear approved safety equipment such as dust masks that are specially designed to filter out microscopic particles."

What the heck!!! I didn't know I needed to wear a HAZMAT suit just to shoot a few brads. I work in my enclosed basement. Should I worry about this? thanks..

[Mark & Shauna]

I wonder if its the lub oil from the compressor crankcase? I cant think of what would come out of the compressor itself that they would be legally obligated to warn you about.

I dont think they have a legal obligation to warn you that when you shoot a nail or blow something off the dust kicked up (all dust is bad) can cause you cancer. I cant imagine how many people over the years have blown off brake dust with their compressors which is nasty stuff. That said, the compressor manufacturer wouldnt be liable (sure some lawyer could find a way though).

My guess would be the oil in the compressor but its only a guess. Just like a car engine a compressor burns very small amounts of oil when it runs (and I mean very small in a compressor, especially a new one). In the case of a compressor the "exhaust" is the air you are using to power your tool. So this exhaust has all the byproducts of manufacturing the air.

Mark

mauiboy wrote:

[BillyBob]

The warning is a result of the "Fruits, Nuts & Flakes" in the Breakfast Cereal State of California (socialist state might be more realistic) - You are liable if you do not post such drivel - I am working on a project that we have to provide the same warning about a regular AC power cable - possible cancer causing since it is made from PVC (the only way to ingest the "potentially") damaging agent is by chewing - doubt the possibility of cancer will kill them - most likely biting down on a 120VAC live circuit might help them on their way.....

Just about every product except food (that may be coming) that is sold in California has such labeling. Your tax dollars at work.

BillyBob

[Mark & Shauna]

Oh, completely agreed, was not insinuating in any way that cancer would arise from the compressor use. I was just wondering what in the compresssor itself could be the case. I suppose the rubberized handle could be it or something... I would still guess its mainly the burnt lube oil.

Mark

BillyBob wrote:

[Robert Bonomi]

In _California_, they have to worry about _anything_ in the air path, that might grind down with wear. cylinder pistons, piston rings, gaskets, valves, etc. etc., ad nauseum. And, any of the 'plumbing' that might shed particulates. AND/OR any water 'scale' that might collect in the tank.

They require similar warnings on _hammers_. Claw hammers, not just air ones.

[mauiboy]

It's a bad habit I've developed......for some reason I ALWAYS read the manual.

I guess one could assume that these "safety issues" are true of all compressors. If the burnt lube oil is the problem....I wonder if the oiless compressors would be safer?

[Leon]

This is a problem in Cal i forn i a only...And you know what kinds of problems Californians have. ;~)

[tailslid1]

The amount of auto fumes you breathe by driving is 100 fold what you'd get from whatever small amount of emissions that may or may not be coming from your air compressor.

Don't go oil-less. In the long run, your DeWalt will last much much longer.

Rick

[clutch]

[snip]

I have the same message on some castors I bought to build a mobile base with. Go figure.

Wes

[Andy Dingley]

Klown hammers ? If ever there was a state that needed a few.

[David Binkowski]

Consumer protection crap is way out of hand in Kalifornia. The day I know its time to get off this planet is when I go to my garage and unsheath my shiny new chainsaw, only to see words emblazoned on the steel: "Warning! Do not eat."

If that day ever comes, I'm outta here...