3 Essential Safety Measures to Take When Sandblasting

Sandblasting is a process used in many industries. It involves the application of sand to surfaces using high pressure from compressed air or water. Abrasive blasting is mainly used for cleaning surfaces. The procedure also helps to prepare various surfaces for painting, enamelling and galvanising. When making safety plans, it is easy to overlook sandblasting safety measures. That is because it is usually a small part of a large project. Thus, many workers end up exposed to hazards of sandblasting without the right protection. Use the guidelines below to ensure you are safe when undertaking sandblasting projects.

Lack of Ventilation

If the area of the project is not well ventilated, you will be exposed to the dangerous dust generated from the process. When operating the equipment, heavy dust clouds tend to form. The dust can block the working area. When that happens, shut down the machines and allow the dust to clear. Using well-maintained and -designed ventilation systems is crucial to ensure your safety when working. 

Having enough ventilation can prevent the accumulation of dust in small spaces. Proper ventilation will also increase visibility when operating the machines. Besides, it prevents the accumulation of air contaminants. Setting up the ventilation unit will enable the collection and clearing of dust.

Air Contaminants

Abrasive blasting leads to the creation of large dust quantities. The process involves removing materials from a surface. Therefore, you are exposed to various air contaminants of the air. These could be from the paint coats removed or other abraded materials on the blasted surfaces. The air contaminants mix with the dust and could lead to breathing issues.

Understanding what it is you are blasting is critical even when you can reduce the dust to safe levels. If, for instance, you are blasting lead-based paint, everyone in the working area should have breathing masks. That is because some lead could remain in the air and end up being inhaled. Lung issues and problems in the nervous system are some effects of breathing the contaminated air

Danger to the Operator and Others

Finally, the air and blasting material customarily come off at high speeds. A person can end up with severe injuries in case the operator accidentally aims the machine towards them. The rate of blasting material can lead to skin and eye injuries. Sometimes, you may hurt yourself when working with the equipment. It is possible to accidentally turn on the machine after placing the wand down. You may then blasting your leg and cause significant injury. 

When operating the sandblasting equipment, handle with the same caution you would with a firearm. Never point it towards someone or something that you do not want to sandblast.

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