DUS/Specific/TBT-DUS-009

Sandblasting and Abrasive Blasting

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Abrasive blasting uses compressed air to propel grit, shot, or other media against surfaces to clean or profile them.
Silica sand must never be used as a blasting medium because it generates lethal respirable crystalline silica dust.
Alternative media include aluminium oxide, garnet, steel shot, glass bead, and crusite slag.
Dust clouds from blasting spread over large distances and affect workers, the public, and neighbouring properties.
Noise levels during blasting regularly exceed 110 dB, requiring double hearing protection for operators.
The blast operator must wear an air-fed helmet with full respiratory, eye, and head protection.
Ricochet from blasting media can cause severe eye injuries and skin lacerations to bystanders.
Blasting spent media may contain lead, chromium, or other contaminants from the surface being cleaned.
COSHH 2002, the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005, and PUWER 1998 all apply to blasting operations.
Containment using blast enclosures, sheeting, or vacuum recovery reduces dust and media escape.

Silicosis and cancer	Inhaling dust from abrasive blasting causes silicosis, lung cancer, and COPD. Silica sand blasting is prohibited for this reason.
Noise damage	Sustained noise above 110 dB from blasting causes permanent hearing loss even with single hearing protection.
Bystander injury	Ricocheting blast media and dust clouds injure workers and the public far from the blasting point.

Don't

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.

See also: Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) | RPE Selection and Face Fit Testing

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