OSHA standard 1910.242(b) relating to hand and portable powered tools and other hand-held equipment is clear on using compressed air for cleaning. “Compressed air shall not be used for cleaning purposes except where reduced to less than 30 psi and then only with effective chip guarding and personal protective equipment.” Nowhere does the standard state that any part of the body can be cleaned with compressed air, which is quite dangerous.
Using compressed air for other than its primary purpose creates a workplace hazard. Entering through the mouth or belly, it can rupture the stomach, intestines and lungs. Entering the bloodstream, it can cause death due to embolism, heart attack or stroke. It is rare to die from compressed air injection into the body; still, any body part inflated with air can be extremely painful.