Safety

• High speed and/or pressurized abrasive media with high kinetic energy
• Electric shock
• Collapse due to a lack of oxygen (confined space or contaminated breathing air in the blast helmet)

Health

• Dust
• Noise
• Old paint (Heavy metals, dust)
• Temperature

Environmental

• Disposal of contaminated media and old paint

A. Dust

Oxygen enters the body through the lungs and diffuses into the blood system. The cells lining the air tubes in the lungs are covered in tiny hairs called cilia. The cilia move back and forth to sweep the mucus upwards towards the throat. This helps to remove the dust and micro-organisms. The mucus is usually swallowed.

• Dust may become trapped in the lungs and create a barrier against the uptake of oxygen
• Small particles (<5 microns) are worst, they will enter deep into the lungs and reduce the effect of the tiny hairs, leading to accumulation of dust, mucus and micro-organisms in the lungs
• A suitable mask will filter the dust away and allow clean air to enter the lungs

Dust entering the lungs may cause several diseases:

• Silicosis (Inhalation of silica from abrasives and quartz)
• Asbestosis (From dust of asbestos)
• Siderosis (From dust of iron oxide)
• Lung cancer (quartz)

B. Noise

The noise levels are often very high when working with surface preparation. Levels in the range of 120 - 130 decibels are common. In many countries ear protection is prescribed at levels above 85 decibels. Air compressors, air tools, abrasive blasting and water jetting activities all use equipment that can produce noise levels above 85 dB. Temporary or permanent reduction in hearing is a typical consequence of excessive noise exposure.

Pressurised equipment

• Abrasive Media / Water travels in hoses at very high speeds which can create static electricity conditions
  • Abrasive media can travel at speeds above 300 km/hour (>185 mph)
  • Water pressure (UHPWJ) can be higher than 210 MPa
• All blasting, painting and water jetting equipment shall be grounded to earth and use antistatic hoses to avoid electrical sparks jumping from the unit to substrate which could shock the operator
• Blasting Pots must be pressure tested, rated and within test parameters and expiry date before use
• Airless paint hoses, water pressure hoses, blast-cleaning hoses and compressed air hoses must be approved for the applicable operating pressures with a large safety margin
• Only use correct & approved hose couplings, dead-man valves, guns, nozzles, etc.

Impact and vibrating tools

Exposure to hand tools that vibrate can lead to an irreversible condition called “White Finger” which is caused by damaged blood circulation. Avoid long work periods with such equipment, stay within the permitted time and have regular breaks to allow the circulation to recover.

Typical PPE used for blast cleaning or water jetting:

• Hood with separate operator air supply with additional filters
• Face shield (with or without respirator)
• Cut and puncture resistance gloves
• Ear protectors
• Safety boots
• Boiler suits & coveralls
• Turtleskin Water Armour

Examples of equipment to protect:

The lungs

• Disposable dust mask
• Half mask equipped with two filters
• Full face mask (possible to connect with breathing air filter)
• Blasting hood with breathing air filter

The Body

• Boiler suit
• Respirator with half coverall
• Turtle skin water armour

Ears, Eyes, Hands and Feet

• Safety goggles
• Ear muffs
• Cut and puncture resistance glove
• Safety glasses
• Ear plugs
• Safety boots

Using Scaffolding

• Scaffolding must be tightly fixed and be stable
• Scaffold should not obstruct access to substrate to be treated
• Emergency exit location should be identified
• Handrail, kickboard and life net
• Safety belt – when at height
• Inspector must confirm the safety of scaffolding (tag system)
• Do not access scaffold that is not tagged

No one has the right to force people to work in an insecure situation!

Inside Tanks and Confined Spaces

• The air must be tested to ensure the airspace is free from explosive or toxic gases and there is sufficient oxygen to support life before entering the confined space
• Forced ventilation / extraction must be installed
• Appropriate lighting provided (some countries now legislate)
• In some circumstances, fresh air-fed respirator can be worn for short term visit / inspection

Lighting

• Adequate lighting for application and inspection should be installed
• Avoid poor lighting in corners or shadow areas
• All electrical systems must be explosion proof if pain-work is carried out
• All electrical connections must be in an explosive proof cabinet

Do not carry out electrical or equipment repairs inside a confined space – take it outside