TITLE: 4569 ABRASIVE BLASTING SAFETY
VIDEO PLAYING TIME: 9 MINUTES
PROGRAM SYNOPSIS:
Abrasive blasting equipment is used all over the world in a wide variety of applications. High-pressure compressed air allows
operators to apply large quantities of abrasive material at high speeds. While it is effective, it can also be dangerous if you don’t
follow safe work practices.
This video will provide you with information about how to use blasting equipment in a safe, professional manner. Topics include
blasting hazards, use of PPE, inspection of blasting equipment, safe operating procedures and cleanup procedures.
SHOOTING LOCATIONS: A variety of industrial and construction settings
INSTRUCTIONAL CONTENT:
BACKGROUND
• Working safely with abrasive-blasting equipment is really up to you. You operate the equipment and only you can ensure that it’s
done safely.
• The best equipment, safety procedures and knowledge in the world will do nothing if you don’t put it to work.
• The key to preventing workplace injuries is hazard awareness. In this line of work, there are potential hazards that can do serious
harm to those involved.
• By being aware of the hazard and then taking the steps necessary to ensure your safety and the safety of your co-workers, you
greatly minimize the risk.
ELECTRICAL HAZARDS
• Never operate blasting equipment near power lines.
• If working near any other electrically-powered equipment, make sure it is turned off before you begin. Remember, water and
electricity don’t mix.
• When blasting within enclosures where any combustible gases are present, explosion-proof light fixtures, switches and wiring are
required.
SCAFFOLDING
• If your work requires the use of a scaffold, make sure it is erected properly and meets safety requirements.
• If you are working above six feet, you must wear an approved fall protection harness at all times.
• Make sure the planks are clamped or tied securely to the scaffold and make sure that abrasive material doesn’t build up near the
operator.
• The blast hose and air hose should be tied to the scaffolding to make the hose easier to handle for the operator. This also helps
minimize the risk of those on the ground should the hose drop or fall.
USE OF PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
• Everyone on the job site is required to wear PPE; the type and level of protection is determined by the work performed and the
hazards present.
• At a minimum, everyone on the site is required to wear steel-toed work boots, safety glasses and a hard hat. Hearing protection
may also be required.
• Needless to say, blast operators need more protection. Specially-designed blast suits are available and provide a good base of
protection.
• Leather gloves are a must when spraying abrasives at this velocity.
• Blasting equipment makes a lot of noise, so approved hearing protection such as ear plugs or ear muffs is required at all times.
• Workers on site may be required to wear a dust mask or respirator, even if they are far way from the blasting operation. Check
with your supervisor for the correct respiratory protection.
THE BLAST HELMET
• The blast operator wears an air-supplied helmet. This helmet provides clean, fresh breathing air, protects the operator’s face from
airborne abrasives and provides head impact protection.
• The lens in the helmet is only designed to protect the operators’ face from high-speed abrasives, not larger, heavier objects. For
this reason, safety glasses should be worn under the helmet.
• Any modifications to the helmet are strictly prohibited.
• The chin-strap should be adjusted to ensure a comfortable, well-balanced fit.
• Never use a helmet without an inner collar. This collar is crucial in preventing harmful dust from entering the helmet during
blasting.
• The cape assembly protects the operator’s upper body from rebounding abrasives.
• Never carry your helmet by the breathing tube. This can cause leaks, compromising the effectiveness of the equipment.
INSPECTION & MAINTENANCE OF YOUR PPE
• To make sure your PPE is providing the level of protection required, it must be properly maintained.
• Inspect it at least once a day and look for any signs of damage or wear. Replace any unsafe components immediately.
• At the end of each shift, dust should be vacuumed from the helmet before it is removed. The helmet should be placed in a dust-free
area in a plastic bag until the next use.
• At least once a week the inside of the helmet, the inner collar and the cape should be washed with warm water and a mild detergent.
TRAINING & AUTHORIZATION
• Since blasting equipment is so powerful, only people who are properly trained and authorized are permitted to operate this
equipment at any time.
• Your company will provide you with the proper training, but remember it’s your responsibility to put this knowledge and training
to work.
EQUIPMENT INSPECTION
• Inspect all equipment before you use it. This includes the air compressor, couplings blast nozzles and nozzle holders.
• There must be a safety cable at every connection on the blast hose. Test them to ensure a tight secure fit.
• Make sure the safety locking pins are in place to prevent accidental engagement.
• Check the nozzle and holder. They must not be cross-threaded, worn or distorted.
• Check the entire air-supply system, PPE and helmet before each use.
PREPARATIONS FOR OPERATING THE EQUIPMENT
• Take a look around the area where you’ll be working to detect any potential hazards you may encounter.
• If there are other workers working near or around you alert them when you are ready to begin. The blasting site must be blocked
off to prevent unauthorized personnel from entering.
• All hose and pipe fittings must be cleaned prior to attachment.
• Before attaching the air hose to the blast machine, open the safety petcock on the remote control valves. This prevents accidental
activation of the remote controls.
• The petcock should also be opened any time the hose is moved by someone other than the blaster while the compressor is running.
• The blast machine bleed-off muffler must be pointed upward for proper operation.
SAFE OPERATING PROCEDURES
• Keep your attention focused on the task at hand and avoid distractions. Operating blast equipment is a big responsibility that needs
to be taken seriously.
• To start blasting, close the safety petcock on the remote control valve.
• Never point the nozzle anywhere other than at the material you are blasting and never, ever point the nozzle at another person.
• Holding the nozzle itself is not recommended and the operator must maintain full pressure on the handle lever for even operation.
Never tape or tie down the lever.
• Coupling and nozzle holder gaskets must be replaced at the first sign of wear or distortion. A leaking gasket can cause a separation
of couplings, or in some cases, the nozzle may blow out of the holder and cause injuries or damage to equipment.
• If your helmet lens becomes dirty or scratched, your vision could be impaired and your safety compromised. Replace broken,
scratched or pitted lenses immediately.
• When blasting is interrupted for any reason, blast operators and anyone else in the blast zone must remain in their air-fed helmets.
Harmful dust remains airborne long after blasting has ceased.
• To stop blasting, release the remote control lever handle. The lever and lever lock should spring open at the same time.
• If there is a delayed reaction, there may be dust or dirt build-up. This should be cleaned before blasting resumes.
• The operator should hold the blast hose until the air pressure from the nozzle drops to zero.
• Lay the hose down carefully. Dropping or throwing the hose down may damage the nozzle or handle assembly.
• Before removing your helmet, open the safety petcock on the remote controls to prevent accidental activation.
• At the end of each work day, the blast machine must be emptied. Uncouple the blast hose from the machine, open the valve all the
way, reduce the air pressure to 40 or 50 PSI and pressurize the machine for a few seconds.
• Emptying the machine at high pressure will damage the machine coupling.
CLEANUP PROCEDURES
• Clean up abrasives before removing your respiratory protection. A vacuum system is the best way to remove spent abrasive and
debris; don’t use compressed air to blow the dust away.
• When the air has been determined free of dust, the operator and all other personnel in the blasting zone should vacuum the outside
of their clothing.
• Turn off the air compressor and bleed the air tank. Disconnect the air hose and coil it up neatly. Keep hose ends clean.
