Overview - ISO 5388:1981 (Stationary air compressors - Safety rules and code of practice)
ISO 5388:1981 provides safety rules and a practical code of practice for the design, construction, installation and operation of stationary and skid-mounted air compressors. The standard aims to minimize compressor accidents by identifying potential hazards and prescribing general safety practices for the field. It excludes prime movers and specific compressor types (shaft input < 2 kW, effective discharge pressure < 0.5 bar or > 50 bar, units supplying breathing/diving/surgical air, air-brake systems and ejectors).
Key topics and technical requirements
- Hazard identification - Lists risks specific to compressors (improper lubrication, overheating, mechanical failure, noise, fires/explosions, crankcase explosions, incorrect installation/maintenance).
- Design and construction - Requirements for materials, component strength, nameplate data, and construction practices to withstand specified pressures and temperatures.
- Guards and access - Mandatory guarding of rotating/reciprocating parts, flywheel access provisions, weatherproof guards for outdoor belt/chain drives.
- Pipework and pressure vessels - Support, wall thickness and routing recommendations (oil-lubricated delivery runs to promote oil drainage).
- Pressure relief devices - Guidance on design, application and installation of relief/safety valves to protect the pressure system.
- Vibration, electrical equipment and overheating - Measures to prevent damage, ignition sources and unsafe conditions.
- Noise and ergonomics - Assessment of compressor noise sources and exposure considerations (see annex A for noise guidance).
- Operation and maintenance - Safe operating procedures, maintenance schedules and inspection topics to prevent oil-coke formation and crankcase incidents.
- Annexes - Practical guidance on noise exposure, pressure-system design for oil-lubricated compressors, oil coke ignition mechanisms, lubricant selection and crankcase explosion precautions.
Practical applications and users
ISO 5388:1981 is useful for:
- Compressor manufacturers specifying safe design, guarding and labelling.
- Plant engineers and facilities managers installing stationary or skid-mounted compressors.
- Safety and maintenance teams developing compressor operating procedures and maintenance regimes.
- System designers responsible for compressor integration, pipework routing and pressure relief protection.
Benefits include reduced risk of fire/explosion, improved personnel safety, clearer maintenance requirements and better compliance with recognized good practice for compressor safety.
Related standards
Referenced documents in ISO 5388 include ISO 1000 (SI units), ISO 3864 (safety colours/signs), ISO 3989/3989 (noise measurement), ISO 3448 (lubricant viscosity classification), and several standards on acoustics, engines and turbines. Consult these for complementary technical details.
