Posted on March 8, 2023

Sandblasting is an effective surface preparation method that involves the use of high-pressure air and abrasive materials to remove coatings, corrosion, and residues from surfaces. This process is commonly used in the automotive, marine, construction, and manufacturing industries, among others. While many DIY enthusiasts may be tempted to take on sandblasting as a DIY project, there are several reasons why you should consider professional sandblasting services instead. In this post, we'll explore three reasons why you need professional sandblasting services, and why BWC Foundation Inc.'s Dustless Blasting is the right choice for your surface preparation needs .

1. Environmental Benefits

One of the primary reasons why you should choose professional sandblasting services is the environmental benefits. Sandblasting produces a lot of dust and debris, which can be harmful to the environment and surrounding areas. If you're working on a large-scale project, the amount of waste produced can quickly become overwhelming. Professional sandblasting services, such as BWC Foundation Inc.'s Dustless Blasting, use eco-friendly materials and methods that significantly reduce the amount of waste produced. Dustless Blasting involves the use of water to suppress dust and keep the abrasive materials from becoming airborne. This method not only reduces the amount of waste produced but also ensures that your project is completed safely and efficiently.

2. Safety

Sandblasting can be dangerous if not performed correctly. The abrasive materials used in sandblasting can cause serious injuries if they come into contact with your skin or eyes. Additionally, the dust and debris produced during the process can cause respiratory issues if inhaled. Professional sandblasting services, like BWC Foundation Inc.'s Dustless Blasting, have the experience and knowledge to perform the job safely. They use the proper safety equipment, such as respirators and goggles, to protect themselves and those around them. By choosing a professional sandblasting service, you can have peace of mind knowing that the job will be done safely and correctly.

3. Health Reasons

In addition to safety concerns, sandblasting can also pose health risks. (Read the OSHA Safety Sheet for more INFO) The dust and debris produced during the process can contain harmful chemicals and materials that can cause health issues if inhaled. Professional sandblasting services, such as BWC Foundation Inc.'s Dustless Blasting , use eco-friendly and safe materials that reduce the risk of exposure to harmful chemicals and materials. Additionally, the water used in Dustless Blasting helps to contain and eliminate contaminants, making it a safer and healthier option for surface preparation.

Why Choose BWC Foundation Inc.'s Dustless Blasting?

BWC Foundation Inc.'s Dustless Blasting is the perfect solution for your surface preparation needs. Our team of professionals has years of experience in the sandblasting industry and understands the importance of safety, efficiency, and eco-friendliness. Our Dustless Blasting method uses water to suppress dust and keep abrasive materials from becoming airborne, reducing the amount of waste produced and ensuring that your project is completed safely and efficiently.

Our Dustless Blasting method is also incredibly versatile and can be used to remove various coatings, corrosion, and residues from surfaces. It leaves surfaces pristine and contaminant-free, making them ready for recoating and painting. Our Dustless Blasting process is quick and efficient, saving you time and money in the long run.

Conclusion

In conclusion, professional sandblasting services, such as BWC Foundation Inc.'s Dustless Blasting, offer numerous benefits over DIY sandblasting . Professional sandblasting services are not only safer and healthier but also more eco-friendly. With BWC Foundation Inc.'s Dustless Blasting, you can have peace of mind knowing that your project will be completed safely, efficiently, and to the highest standards. If you're in need of surface preparation services, contact BWC Foundation Inc. today to learn more about our Dustless Blasting process and how we can help you with your project. With our expertise and advanced equipment, we can ensure that your surfaces are prepared to the highest standards, and ready for whatever comes next.

OSHA SAFTY SHEET

Employers must administer a hearing conservation program as required by the OSHA Occupational Noise standard.

How to Protect Workers from Exposure Protecting Workers from the Hazards of Abrasive Blasting Materials Abrasive blasting uses compressed air or water to direct a high velocity stream of an abrasive material to clean an object or surface, remove burrs, apply a texture, or prepare a surface for the application of paint or other type of coating.

Employers must protect workers from hazardous dust levels and toxic metals that may be generated from both the blasting material and the underlying substrate and coatings being blasted. This fact sheet provides information on abrasive blasting material, health hazards, and methods to protect workers.

Abrasive Blasting Materials

The decision to use a certain type of abrasive material can depend on factors such as cost, job specifications, environment, and worker health.

Commonly used abrasive materials:

• Silica sand (crystalline)

• Coal slag

• Garnet sand

• Nickel slag

• Copper slag

• Glass (beads or crushed)

• Steel shot

• Steel grit

• Specular hematite (iron ore)

Alternative, less toxic blasting materials include:

• Ice cubes

• Dry ice

• Plastic bead media

• Sponge

• Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)

• Ground walnut shells, ground corn cob and

other biodegradable materials

• High pressure water

Health Hazards

Abrasive blasting operations can create high levels of dust and noise. Abrasive material and the surface being blasted may contain toxic materials (e.g., lead paint, silica) that are hazardous to workers.

• Silica sand (crystalline) can cause silicosis, lung cancer, and breathing problems in exposed workers.

• Coal slag and garnet sand may cause lung damage similar to silica sand (based on preliminary animal testing).

• Copper slag, nickel slag, and glass (crushed or beads) also have the potential to cause lung damage.

• Steel grit and shot have less potential to cause lung damage.

• Slags can contain trace amounts of toxic metals Abrasive blasting creates high levels of dust. Photo courtesy such as arsenic, beryllium, and cadmium. of NIOSH.

**** CAUTION ****

Abrasive blasting creates high levels of noise that can cause substantial hearing loss. Always wear hearing protection to Abrasive Blasting Materials, Each abrasive blasting operation is unique, involving different surfaces, coatings, blast material, and working conditions. 

Before beginning work, employers should identify the hazards and assign a knowledgeable person trained to recognize hazards and with the authority to quickly take corrective action to eliminate them. Use engineering and administrative controls, personal protective equipment (PPE), including respiratory protection, and training to protect workers involved in abrasive blasting activities. Engineering controls, such as substitution, isolation, containment, and ventilation are the primary means of preventing or reducing exposures to airborne hazards during abrasive blasting operations. 

Administrative controls, including the use of good work and personal hygiene practices, can also reduce exposure. When engineering and administrative controls cannot keep exposures to hazardous materials below OSHA permissible exposure limits, respiratory protection must be used.

Engineering Controls

1. Substitution

• Use a less toxic abrasive blasting material.

• Use abrasives that can be delivered with water (slurry) to reduce dust.

2. Isolation and Containment

• Use barriers and curtain walls to isolate the blasting operation from other workers.

• Use blast rooms or blast cabinets for smaller operations.

• Use restricted areas for non-enclosed blasting operations.

• Keep coworkers away from the blaster.

3. Ventilation

• Use exhaust ventilation systems in containment structures to capture dust.

Administrative Controls

Perform routine cleanup using wet methods or HEPA filtered vacuuming to minimize the accumulation of toxic dusts.

• Do not use compressed air to clean as this will create dust in the air.

• Clean and decontaminate tarps and other equipment on the worksite.

• Schedule blasting when the least number of workers are at the site.

• Avoid blasting in windy conditions to prevent the spread of any hazardous materials.

Personal Hygiene Practices

• Prohibit eating, drinking, or using tobacco products in blasting areas.

• Provide wash stations so workers can wash their hands and face routinely and before eating, drinking, or smoking.

• Vacuum or remove contaminated work clothes before eating, drinking or smoking.

Abrasive blasting using a dust collection system with multiple exhaust ducts. (Photo courtesy of Flexaust, Inc. This equipment is shown for illustrative purposes only and is not intended as an endorsement by OSHA of this company, its products or services.)

Employers can use OSHA’s free On-site Consultation Program for advice on safety and health issues.

DSG FS-3697 09/2014

This is one in a series of informational fact sheets highlighting OSHA programs, policies or standards.

It does not impose any new compliance requirements. For a comprehensive list of compliance requirements of OSHA standards or regulations, refer to Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

This information will be made available to sensory-impaired individuals upon request. The voice phone is (202) 693-1999; teletypewriter (TTY) number: (877) 889-5627.

• Provide accommodations for end-of-shift showers and change areas with separate storage facilities for street clothes, protective clothing and equipment.

• Keep contaminated clothing and equipment out of the clean change area.

Respiratory Protection

An abrasive-blasting respirator must cover the wearer’s head, neck, and shoulders to protect the wearer from rebounding abrasive. Workers must use only respirators approved by NIOSH to provide protection from dusts produced during abrasive-blasting operations.

• Type CE NIOSH-certified blasting airline respirator with positive pressure blasting helmet.

Support personnel involved in cleanup and other related activities may also need respiratory protection.

Personal Protective Equipment

• Hearing protection

• Eye and face protection

• Helmet

• Leather gloves that protect to full forearm and aprons (or coveralls)

• Safety shoes or boots

Worker Training and Hazard Communication

• Provide training to abrasive blasters and support personnel on blasting health and safety hazards, how to use controls, personal hygiene practices, safe work practices and the use of PPE and respirators.

• Manufacturers are required to include appropriate health hazard information on the blasting materials on safety data sheets (SDS) as required under OSHA’s Hazard Communication standard (29 CFR 1910.1200).

• Obtain and read the manufacturer’s SDS forhealth hazard information on the abrasive blasting material you are using.

For more information on abrasive blasting and control measures see: OSHA’s guidance document: “Abrasive Blasting Hazards in Shipyard Employment” (2006); and eTool: Mechanical Removers (Ship Repair). When respirators are used, employers must establish a comprehensive respiratory protection program as required by the OSHA Respiratory Protection standard (29 CFR 1910.134).

Disclaimer: This OSHA Fact Sheet provides a general overview of the requirements in OSHA standards related to abrasive blasting.

It does not alter or determine compliance responsibilities in these standards or the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. Since interpretations and enforcement policy may change over time, the reader should consult current OSHA interpretations and decisions by the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission and the courts for additional guidance on OSHA compliance requirements.

Original OSHA Article