PVC Pipe for Air Lines

I went into a shop that belongs to an acquaintance of mine. We were BS'ing, and as I was leaving I noticed that he had a water separator and air hose hooked onto a PVC Pipe. Further observance I realized that the PVC Pipe was running to different places in the shop with air line connectors on it. I asked him if that was for air, and he said "yes, this is the way it's done now." He told me that the plastic pipe is rated at 600 psi and that since these air lines very seldom will see as much as 150 psi that it's safe. I explained to him that this isn't a good idea that it could shatter sending "shrapnel" in all directions. He told me that it was perfectly safe, and that many shops are using them now days and have been for years.

My Question Is:

Is this safe? Have they come out with a PVC that can be used for air lines for an air compressor? I know that there is copper tubing that is OSHA approved for running air lines, but the idea and thought of using PVC for air pressure lines to me is scary. I also know that PVC or plastic tubing can be used for running gas lines, but they don't have as large a volume and pressure that a line used from an air compressor will have.

Thanks for your inputs,
Jim

Once again, Thank You for your inputs.
Jim

Last year, a section of PVC pipe being used for compressed air exploded 27 feet above a warehouse floor. A fragment of the pipe flew 60 feet and embedded itself in a roll of paper. Fortunately, nobody was in the area at the time.

A PVC pipe explosion in a new plant in Selah broke an employee's nose and cut his face.

PVC piping buried 3 feet underground at a Yakima manufacturing plant exploded, opening up a crater approximately 4 feet deep by 3 feet across.

The dangers involved in using rigid vinyl piping products for compressed air transport are well known in our industry.

NO, it's not safe. You're right. He's wrong. Just because he hasn't been hurt by using it doesn't mean it's safe. Others have been injured. The 600 psig means little by itself as the safe working pressure of PVC (even with water) is extremely dependent on temperature as well as pressure. In most commercial areas, it is basically illegal to use PVC for compressed air. If your acquaintance has employess working in his shop, he should be made aware of this from OSHA. See also this. Furthermore, try and find a manufacturer of PVC pipe or fittings that recommends their product be used with compressed air. You'll be hard pressed. See here. This is nothing new, as you can see from the dates on the documents. Your acquaintance doesn't know what he is talking about. You should tell him so.

Anyone using PVC piping for compressed air does so at their own risk. Hopefully they are not risking others who are unaware of the potential danger.

Be safe - don't use PVC for compressed air systems.

Rod