Safety Precautions & Symbols – South-Tek Systems

Applies to: STS Series (5–30HP) · STSH Series · STSD · STSP · STSP2

Read this article in full before installing, operating, or servicing any South-Tek screw air compressor. Failure to follow these precautions may result in personal injury, property damage, and loss of warranty coverage.

Safety Symbol Definitions

Symbol	Meaning
⚠ Warning!	Potential danger that may result in death or serious injury.
▲ Attention!	Potential danger that may result in slight or moderate injury.
ℹ Note!	Important information for correct operation.

General Safety Precautions

Only trained, authorized personnel with sufficient technical knowledge may operate or service the compressor.
Keep this manual accessible near the compressor at all times.
Compressed air from these units must never be used for respiration, scuba diving, or in the food or health sectors.
Keep an appropriate fire extinguisher near the compressor. In the event of fire, disconnect power first, then open the cabinet and address the fire per relevant instructions.

Installation Safety

Use appropriate lifting equipment and follow proper rigging procedures when moving the compressor.
Install in a clean, well-ventilated room. Hot exhaust air must be ducted away from the compressor intake.
Do not store flammable, explosive, or corrosive materials in or near the compressor room. Intake air must be free of flammable gases, vapors, and paint solvents.
All hoses, pipes, and fittings must be rated for the compressor's maximum operating pressure. Never use old, worn, or damaged hoses.
Do not apply external load to the compressor air outlet.
When connecting multiple compressors or combining with a reciprocating compressor, each must have a separate pipeline, check valve, and ball valve connecting to a common tank. Do not drill or weld pressure tanks.
The installation surface must be level and vibration-free.
Never remove safety devices, safeguards, or insulation.
Air storage tanks must be rated for the compressor's maximum operating pressure and protected by a safety valve.
All electrical connections must be made by a qualified electrician per current regulations.

⚠ Attention — STSD / STSP / STSP2 with Radial Fan Radial fans generate powerful suction. Personnel wearing loose clothing must exercise caution near the fan intake zone. Sudden suction may cause loss of balance. Install appropriate guards.

Operation Safety

Wear ear protection at all times while in the compressor room during operation.
Keep all cabinet doors closed during operation. All safeguards on rotating parts must be installed.
Check oil level before every start. Never operate below the minimum oil level indicator — this will cause serious damage to the screw assembly.
Never open the electrical cabinet while the compressor is energized. Only qualified electricians may handle electrical issues.
Only authorized personnel may operate the compressor. Unauthorized persons must not enter the compressor room.
Never operate above or below the rated pressure.
Do not disassemble or install components while the compressor is running.
If remotely controlled, confirm no personnel are working on the compressor before starting.
Never touch internal components or piping while the cabinet is open and the compressor is running.
If hot exhaust air is routed through a duct for space heating, take precautions to prevent contamination of breathable air.
Authorized inspections of compressors and air tanks must occur at least once per year.
Never direct compressed air at yourself or any person. Do not use compressed air to clean clothing or skin.
For water-cooled / heat recovery models: verify cooling water flow before startup. Never touch exchanger or piping surfaces with bare hands.
Under normal conditions, stop the compressor only by pressing the STOP button on the control panel.

Maintenance and Repair Safety

⚠ Warning — Before Any Maintenance

Press STOP on the control panel and wait for the compressor to stop fully.
Close the air outlet valve and discharge all compressed air from the system.
Press the Emergency Stop button.
Disconnect electrical power at the mains panel.
Loosen the oil filler plug one to two turns to fully vent the separator tank.

Pressing Emergency Stop alone does not place the compressor in a tension-free (de-energized) state.

Maintenance personnel must be trained and competent on compressor systems.
Take precautions to prevent others from accidentally re-energizing the compressor during maintenance.
Wear all appropriate PPE: safety goggles, gloves, safety boots, hearing protection, and masks.
Use only appropriate tools. Use only OEM spare parts — the manufacturer is not liable for damage caused by non-original parts.
Allow the compressor to cool sufficiently before performing maintenance.
Do not clean parts with flammable solvents or carbon tetrachloride.
Do not perform welding or heat treatment near the oil system. Steam-clean the separator tank and piping before any such work. Never weld or modify pressure vessels.
If overheating is suspected, stop immediately. Do not open cabinet covers until the unit has cooled.
Never use an open flame to inspect the interior.
After maintenance, verify all parameter values, control elements, safety devices, and rotating part safeguards are correctly installed before restarting.
Protect the electric motor, air filter, and electrical cabinet from moisture during steam cleaning.
If compressor oil contacts eyes, rinse immediately with clean water and seek medical attention. If swallowed, seek medical attention immediately.

Warning Symbols on the Compressor

Symbol Meaning	Symbol Meaning
Read manual before operating or servicing	Do not operate without authorization
Do not operate with cabinet doors open	Do not use air for food or breathing
Wear ear protection	Disconnect power before maintenance
High voltage danger	Grounding connection required
Hot surface / excessive temperature	Condensate discharge point
Automatic restart danger	System under pressure
Keep hands clear of rotating parts	Motor / airend rotation direction

▲ Attention If the automatic restart parameter is enabled, the compressor will restart automatically upon re-energization. This parameter is disabled by default. Confirm its status before performing any maintenance.

For technical support, contact South-Tek Systems: (910) 415-1880 or support@southteksystems911.zendesk.com