What safety measure is essential when working with pneumatic systems?

Air leaks in pneumatic systems can lead to various safety hazards, including uncontrolled movements of machinery, unintended pressure build-up, or even equipment failure. Checking for air leaks before pressurizing the system is essential because it helps to ensure that all connections are secure and that there are no unintended escape routes for the compressed air. This precaution not only protects the operator but also maintains system efficiency and prolongs the life of the equipment.

While wearing safety goggles and grounding components are important safety practices, they don’t specifically address the immediate risks posed by air leaks. Using only plastic materials, while potentially beneficial in some contexts, is not a universal safety measure and does not directly relate to the safety issues posed by leaks in pneumatic systems. Therefore, checking for air leaks is a critical step in ensuring a safe working environment around pneumatic equipment.