- Use approved non-silica blasting media such as garnet, aluminium oxide, or steel shot.
- Wear an air-fed blasting helmet providing full respiratory and face protection.
- Use double hearing protection: ear plugs inside the helmet plus the helmet itself.
- Enclose the blasting area with sheeting or blast enclosures to contain dust.
- Establish exclusion zones around the blasting operation with warning signs and barriers.
- Monitor air quality in adjacent areas to confirm dust is not affecting others.
- Collect and dispose of spent blasting media as controlled waste if contaminated.
- Inspect blast hoses, nozzles, and couplings before each use for wear and damage.
- Use a deadman handle on the blast nozzle so it shuts off if dropped.
- Brief all nearby workers on the blasting schedule, exclusion zones, and hazards.
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- DON'T use silica sand as a blasting medium under any circumstances.
- DON'T blast without an air-fed helmet and full protective equipment in place.
- DON'T allow bystanders within the exclusion zone during blasting operations.
- DON'T operate without containment in areas where dust will affect others.
- DON'T reuse spent media without checking for lead or chromium contamination.
- DON'T disconnect the deadman handle from the blast nozzle control system.
- DON'T blast in high winds that carry dust beyond the containment boundary.
- DON'T use damaged or worn blast hoses; they can rupture under pressure.
- DON'T ignore noise exposure; wear double hearing protection at all times.
- DON'T point the blast nozzle at anyone, even when the system is shut down.
See also: Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) | RPE Selection and Face Fit Testing
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