Abrasive Blasting
Abrasive blasting is the most common surface preparation technique used to remove old paint and other surface materials such as rust, mill scale, dirt, and salts.
Dustless Blasting for Offshore and Oilfield Work
Abrasive blasting might be conducted during maintenance and repair operations that include blasting and painting.
Workers who engage in abrasive blasting are at an increased risk of exposure to toxic dusts, high noise levels, and a range of other safety and health hazards. Helpers (e.g., the "pot tender" and cleanup personnel) and others may also be at risk if they work in the vicinity of areas where abrasive blasting is conducted.
Be sure to follow the best practices below when abrasive blasting is conducted:
- Use vacuums equipped with High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters or wet methods when removing accumulated dust.
- Schedule blasting when the least number of people would be exposed.
- Blast in a specified location that is as far away as possible from other employees.
- Stop other work and clearing people away while blasting is taking place.
- Clean up paint chips, dust, and used abrasive daily or as soon as possible after blasting has finished.
- Avoid blasting in windy conditions.
- Post warning signs to mark the boundaries of work areas contaminated with blasting dust and alerting employees to the hazard and any required PPE.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
5-9. What is the most effective means of reducing exposure to dust while performing abrasive blasting?
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