What is one safety precaution when working with pneumatic systems?

Ensuring that the system is depressurized before performing maintenance is crucial for safety when working with pneumatic systems. Pneumatic systems operate under high pressure, and if maintenance is conducted while the system is still pressurized, there is a significant risk of accidental release of compressed air. This can lead to sudden movement of pneumatic components, which poses a serious hazard to personnel. Additionally, pressurized air can cause injury through high-speed ejection, and it may lead to damage of the equipment or injury to anyone nearby.

In contrast, maintaining proper precautions such as wearing protective gear, keeping the area clear of flammable materials, and managing system pressure are all essential safety practices but do not specifically address the immediate risk associated with pressure in the system during maintenance tasks. Thus, the primary focus is on ensuring that the pneumatic system is depressurized to eliminate the risk of unintended operation or injury.