Abrasive Blasting Safety Program

The Abrasive Blasting Program establishes safety requirements for employees performing or working near abrasive blasting operations. Abrasive blasting can generate hazardous dust, fumes, mists, flying particles, excessive noise, high-pressure hazards, static electricity, and potentially toxic contaminants from both the blasting abrasive and the surface coating being removed. The program addresses hazard evaluation, ventilation and dust control, respiratory protection, personal protective equipment (PPE), equipment handling, air compressors, blast pots, hoses and couplings, blast nozzles, remote controls, operator communication, housekeeping, and safe operating practices.

Employees must use appropriate NIOSH-approved respiratory protection, eye and face protection, hearing protection, gloves, protective clothing, and safety footwear based on the hazards and exposures involved. Abrasives and coatings must be evaluated for hazards such as crystalline silica, lead, heavy metals, combustible dust, and other toxic substances. The program also establishes requirements for blast cleaning cabinets and rooms, ventilation and dust-collection systems, equipment inspection and maintenance, breathing-air quality, hose and coupling security, and blast-machine remote controls. A detailed abrasive blasting safety checklist helps verify worksite conditions, PPE, respiratory protection, equipment condition, air supply, scaffolding, and operator training before and during blasting operations.