High-velocity grit, and the dust it throws up
Abrasive blasting fires abrasive at a surface at high speed to clean or prepare it — and throws up toxic dust. Using sand means respirable crystalline silica (silicosis and cancer), and old coatings can release lead. The single most effective control is to stop using sand and choose a silica-free abrasive, then enclose the work. Where the operator is not separated from the blast, a supplied-air blasting respirator is essential, along with hearing protection.
The main hazard in abrasive blasting is dust, which is often toxic. If the abrasive is sand, the dust contains respirable crystalline silica, which causes silicosis and is a known cause of cancer. Old paint and coatings on the surface can release lead and other metals. On top of the dust, blasting is extremely loud, the high-velocity stream can injure, and blasting inside tanks or vessels adds a confined-space risk.
| Control | What it looks like |
|---|---|
| Eliminate the silica | Use silica-free abrasives — metallic shot, slag products or grit — instead of sand. Check the abrasive's safety data sheet. |
| Enclose | Use a blasting cabinet for small items (operator outside), or a ventilated blast room for larger work, and allow extraction clearance time before opening up. |
| Supplied-air RPE | Where the operator is not separated from the blast, use a supplied-air blasting helmet or hood — not a filter respirator — and monitor breathing-air quality. |
| Protect others | Keep others out of the blasting area, use signage, and never use compressed air or dry sweeping to clean up — vacuum instead. |
Blasting noise easily exceeds safe levels, so hearing protection and noise control are needed — see occupational noise. Blasting inside tanks and vessels is confined-space work — see confined spaces. Arrange exposure and respiratory protection and health monitoring for workers exposed to silica, and read alongside silica & engineered stone.
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Toxic dust. If the abrasive is sand, the dust contains respirable crystalline silica, which causes silicosis and is a known cause of cancer. Old coatings can also release lead. Noise and confined-space work add further risks.
Stop using sand and choose a silica-free abrasive such as metallic shot, slag products or grit, and check the abrasive's safety data sheet. This eliminates the silica at the source.
Where the operator is not separated from the blast by an enclosure, a supplied-air blasting helmet or hood is needed — not a filter respirator — with the breathing-air quality monitored.
Never use compressed air or dry sweeping, which throw dust back into the air. Use vacuuming, keep others out of the area, and follow good hygiene so dust is not carried home.
Yes. Blasting inside tanks or vessels is confined-space work and must be managed accordingly, with a written entry permit, atmosphere testing and rescue arrangements.
