DUS/General/TBT-DUS-026
Sandblasting and Abrasive Blasting Controls
Dust & Silica › General › Sandblasting and Abrasive Blasting Controls
Toolbox Talk
Sandblasting and Abrasive Blasting Controls
Abrasive blasting uses compressed air to propel grit, steel shot, or other media at high velocity to clean or prepare surfaces. The process generates extreme levels of airborne dust including respirable crystalline silica if quartz-based media are used. Operators face silicosis, hearing damage, and impact injuries. This talk covers the health and safety controls required for abrasive blasting on UK construction sites.
Key Hazards
Silicosis from inhaling respirable crystalline silica during blasting operations
Impact injuries from high-velocity abrasive media striking exposed skin
Severe noise exposure from the blast nozzle and compressed air system
Reduced visibility inside the blast zone creating collision and trip risks
Control Measures
- Use silica-free abrasive media wherever possible to eliminate the silicosis risk at source.
- Provide the blasting operator with an air-fed helmet or blast suit with clean breathing air supply.
- Enclose the blasting area with dust-tight sheeting and extraction to contain airborne particles.
- Provide double hearing protection for all personnel within the noise exclusion zone.
- Establish an exclusion zone around the blasting area with warning signs and barriers.
- Inspect blast hoses, nozzles, couplings, and dead-man handles before every blasting session.
- Ensure the dead-man handle on the blast nozzle is functional so air shuts off when released.
- Monitor dust levels at the enclosure boundary to confirm containment is effective.
- Brief all nearby workers on the blasting schedule and the exclusion zone boundaries.
Remember
- Use silica-free abrasive media wherever possible to eliminate the silicosis risk
- The blast operator must wear an air-fed helmet with a clean breathing air supply
- Enclose the blasting area with dust-tight sheeting and extraction to contain particles
- Ensure the dead-man handle is functional so the blast shuts off when the trigger is released
- Maintain an exclusion zone with warning signs and barriers around the blast area
Applicable Legislation: COSHH 2002 · Noise at Work Regulations 2005 · PUWER 1998 · EH40 Workplace Exposure Limits
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