When separating air hoses by hand to change a gasket that is leaking air, what action must you remember to perform before separating the hoses?

• A. Close both angle cocks at the location where you will separate the hoses.
• B. Open both angle cocks.
• C. Close only one angle cock.
• D. Do not touch angle cocks.

Answer: (A)

Isolating the air line before work is essential. Close the angle cocks at both ends of the hose connection you’re about to separate. This severs the path for compressed air and relieves any pressure in that section, preventing a blow-out or a hose whip when you disconnect the hoses. With the line closed on both sides, you can safely remove and replace the gasket without a sudden release of air. Opening one end or leaving the line open would keep air pressure in the hose, making the disconnection dangerous, and leaving the line untouched would also keep it live and hazardous.