Safe sandblasting matters: Measures to protect workers from risks at the workplace

There is no denying that abrasive blasting is a useful process for certain industries. It cleans sand and irregularities from foundry castings, removes paint from ship hulls and other metal surfaces, and polishes tombstones and glass frostings.

Image Source: harrisonsandblasting.co.uk

However, inhaling large amounts of dust from silica and other abrasive materials used in the blasting process poses a great health risk to abrasive blasters. The most common diseases acquired by sandblasters are silicosis and tuberculosis, lung conditions that result in difficulty in breathing, scarring on and blocking of air passages, and death.

Responsible owners of sandblasting companies know there are measures to ensure health and safety in the workplace, such as the following:

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Provide PPEs. Require workers to wear protective gear such as the following at the site:

- Open- and close-circuit self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBA)
- Airline respirator
- Protective coveralls
- Face shield
- Gloves that fully cover the forearm

Also, post signs to warn workers about the hazards to encourage them to wear protective equipment.
Have engineering controls in place. The best thing employers can do to reduce the exposure risk is putting engineering controls, which address the hazards at the source. Some of the controls that can prevent silica exposure include the following:

- Wet abrasive blasting or wet cutting
- Dust control additives
- Installation of dust collection system and local ventilation hoods; and
- Usage of alternative equipment like vacuums or dry sweeping to remove dust and debris

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Maintain safe levels of exposure. Keep exposure as close to zero as possible. Better yet, use alternative abrasive media such as glass beads, pumice, sawdust, steel grit, and walnut shells, that do the job as effectively.

Retired entrepreneur Thomas Anthony Zampetti ensured workplace safety as a former owner of a professional abrasive blasting business. Visit this Facebook page for more information about Mr. Zampetti and the sandblasting industry.