Sandblasting is incredibly useful, but can also be incredibly dangerous if not done properly. If you don’t take the proper safety precautions needed while sandblasting, it can result in injury or even death. Don’t cut corners – you can never be too safe when using sandblasters and using abrasive materials. Luckily, Trinco is here to give you safety tips to avoid any injuries!
Health Hazards
Most people know that machinery is dangerous, and can cause fatal injuries if not used properly. However, people don’t always think about the long-term health hazards of the materials that are being used. Over time, the materials can lead to health problems – some minor, some fatal.
Abrasive blasting usually creates large amounts of dust. This mixed with the surface being blasted can contain toxic materials that are hazardous to the worker’s health. For example, silica sand can cause silicosis, breathing problems and lung cancer. Slags such as copper and nickel can contain trace amounts of toxic metals such as beryllium or arsenic, leading to health problems as well.
The easiest and most important way to protect yourself from these health hazards is to use your proper protective gear. Using your PPE equipment can save you from a multitude of health problems down the road, so always wear it even if the job at hand will only take a few minutes.
Environment
It’s also important that you conduct your sandblasting in an isolated environment. It is recommended that you conduct the job in isolated cabinets and using to use enclosed sandblasting machines. This will ensure that the material doesn’t spray, and that the operators can stand at a safe distance from the abrasive materials that are being used. When sandblasting, make sure that the area is clear of items and personnel besides ones who are conducting the operations.
Ventilation
Lastly, it’s incredibly important that the areas in which sandblasting is taking place is properly ventilated. For example, if the sandblasting is taking place indoors, make sure that the area has general exhaust, local exhaust, replacement air, HVAC and circulatory air methods. This will ensure that you have the primary ventilation systems in place and can ensure that the abrasive and toxic materials won’t linger after the job is finished.
When sandblasting, safety should always be the top priority. No matter how tempting it is, never cut corners as it could result in injury or even death. Even if effects aren’t immediate, if not taking the proper precautions, sandblasting can be extremely hazardous to your health. Take the necessary steps to make sure you and others around you are always safe.
