Abrasive Blasting
Abrasive blasting is known as sandblasting
Commonly known as sandblasting, abrasive blasting has several associated health hazards. The abrasive blasting process is often used to clean metal objects, such as steel structures or add texture to poured concrete. Because the process includes accelerating sand-sized particles with compressed air to create a high-velocity stream of grit, a large amount of dust is created.
If the process is not completely isolated from the operator, abrasive blasting dusts pose a very great health risk, primarily to the lungs and respiratory system. When abrasive blasting is used to remove toxic substances, such as lead-based paint, it can also generate particles of lead that pose a risk to the nervous system. Workers also face other safety risks while abrasive blasting, including cleaning steel while working from scaffolding and from within industrial tanks a confined space risk. The abrasive stream itself can cause physical harm to employee or anyone close by.
