| Sandblast is a process wherein a stream of sand | | | | air contaminants during operation. |
| is driven by a jet of compressed air or by water | | | | It is also important to consider that the hoses as |
| against a surface. This creates a powerful | | | | well as the other equipment used to give the air |
| abrasive action that can clean and abrade any | | | | supply to the sandblast operator should be able to |
| surface put under the jet of these abrasive | | | | deliver clean and contaminant-free air. |
| particles. | | | | After operation, sandblast crew should only |
| Abundant materials such as powdered quartz, | | | | remove their air breathing apparatus when they |
| emery, and iron globules are usually used as the | | | | are well away from the workplace. The sandblast |
| abrasive materials in sandblast. | | | | particles can remain suspended in the air for long |
| Sandblast is widely used for cleaning casting iron | | | | periods even after the operation. |
| at foundries. Sandblast is also used for preparing | | | | It is also necessary for sandblast operators to |
| different surfaces for painting, enameling and | | | | wear coveralls that will provide suitable protection |
| during galvanizing. Sandblast can also be used in | | | | against rebounding abrasives during the operation |
| cleaning stubborn grime that has accumulated in | | | | of the sandblast. |
| the stonework of most buildings. | | | | Work gloves must also be used to protect the full |
| Sandblast can also be used to create frosted | | | | forearm. Sand blast operators must also be able |
| designs on glass by placing a suitable stencil or | | | | to wear the appropriate safety footwear. |
| pattern over a plate of glass and applied with a | | | | It is also important to carry out the sandblasting |
| little sandblast. The jet of abrasive particles of the | | | | operations in an area where the abrasive |
| sandblast will strike the uncovered portions of the | | | | materials and other possible contaminants are |
| plate glass and create that frosted effect. | | | | safely contained and will poser no threat to other |
| A sandblast operation can sometimes be a toxic | | | | workers or to the public. |
| undertaking. Sandblast operators can be exposed | | | | There are also some precautions that are to be |
| to several harmful particles such as lead or zinc | | | | observed when it comes to the sandblast |
| that are important components of most | | | | machine. The sandblast pot where the abrasive |
| commercial surface coatings. | | | | particles are placed should be well grounded at all |
| Sandblast operators can also be exposed to the | | | | times. |
| hazards of the abrasive particles being used. | | | | It also must be provided with a safety shut down |
| Without the proper safety equipment like goggles | | | | feature to further protect the sandblast operator. |
| to cover the eyes and suitable protective clothing | | | | It is also important to remember to turn off the |
| to shield against the flying particles, the sandblast | | | | sandblast pot first while filling it with the abrasive |
| operator and crew will be dangerously exposed to | | | | particles to prevent accidents from happening. |
| possible injury. | | | | The entire sandblast unit should be thoroughly |
| That is why there are several safety regulations | | | | inspected for possible defects before it is to be |
| to be followed before any sandblast operations. | | | | used. Sandblast nozzles should also be equipped |
| Sandblast operators should use a standard issue | | | | with a safety control switch that will enable the |
| air breathing apparatus while operating the | | | | operator to control the sandblast at the nozzle. |
| machine. This will insure that the sandblast | | | | Following these simple tips will ensure the crew |
| operator will have a steady supply of clean air | | | | with a trouble-free sandblast operation. |
| supply amidst the workplace that will be filled with | | | | |