By Thomas E. Enger, MS, CSP, CHMM, Clemco Industries Corp.
Employers understand that safety is one of the most important ingredients to a successful business. However, providing a safe workplace and ensuring a safe and environmentally-sound environment is complex. Navigating the course to fool-proof safety can be mind-boggling.
Since 1970, the primary references for determining the minimum safety and environmental standards in the workplace have been the Occupational Safety & and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandated by Titles 29 and 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations. These regulations incorporate thousands of standards from hundreds of agencies and organizations. The purpose of this article is to attempt to provide the reader a basic understanding of the minimum standard to provide a safe work environment for their employees and the general public when using open-air abrasive blasting equipment.
There are three primary industries, which perform abrasive blasting; they are General Industry (29 CFR 1910), Maritime (29 CFR 1915), and Construction (29 CFR 1926). OSHA has developed regulations for these industries. The most basic elements of these standards include the following sections, which may be found on OSHA’s website, www.osha.gov. They are:
There are more than 40 references in 29 CFR which address the basic hazards associated with open air abrasive blasting. The regulations governing these three industries address the requirement for Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) when the operator wears Personal Protective Equipment. Because a JHA is required by all the OSHA covered industries, I will use a JHA to identify not only the proper PPE but also to identify other hazards and relevant regulations as they apply to open air abrasive blasting. Table “B” contains a Job Hazard Analysis.
Job Description:
Blasting Setup |
Analyst:
Tom Enger |
Date:
March 31, 2009 |
Task/Activity |
Hazard Description |
Hazard Control |
Regulation - Standard |
Move Pot To Work Area
Tilt Pot onto back wheels and push to work area. Upright Pot. |
Pot Tips, crush hand/fingers & toes; back injury; collateral damage |
Move Pot empty, use Mule, inspect wheels prior to moving, inspect work surface for tipping hazards. Use Gloves & Steel Toe Shoes |
General Duty Clause, Section 5(a)(1) OSH Act
29CFR1910.136 &.138
29CFR1926.96 & Subpart E
29CFR1915.152 & .157 |
Back Injury, sprain/strain (pot weight³600lbs, Abrasive weight³600lbs) |
Move Pot empty, Remove all abrasive prior to moving. Inspect wheels, inspect work surface |
General Duty Clause, Section 5(a)(1) OSH Act
NIOSH “Work Practices Guide for Manual Lifting” PB94-176930LJM |
Floor/Scaffold Failure Under Load |
Assure Scaffold/Floor is design to handle Load of Pot & Abrasive @³1,200lbs
Assure Handrails & Toeboards are in place
Assure Fall Protection is Complaint |
1926 Subpart L - Scaffold Specifications
1910.28 - Safety requirements for scaffolding.
1915.71 - Scaffolds or staging.
Scaffolding Safety ANSI/ASSE A10.8-2001
ANSI/ASSE A10.32-2004
ANSI A14.1 & 14.2
SSPC #132-K |
Set Up Pot |
Hand Injury From Sharp/Rough Equipment Edges. |
Heavy Cotton/Leather Gloves |
29CFR1910.138
29CFR1915.157
29CFR1926Subpart E |
Add Abrasive |
Inhalation Hazard, When Adding Abrasive |
Type CE Abrasive-blast Respirator. Industrial Environmental Audit To Determine PELs |
29CFR1910.94(a)
29CFR1910.134
29CFR1915.154
29CFR1626.103
29CFR1910 Subpart Z
29CFR1915 Subpart Z
29CFR1926 Subpart Z
42CFRpart84 |
Hook Up Blast Hose &
Nozzle |
Regulatory Violation ESD, explosion/fire(Hazards associated with these violation occur during operation of equipment) |
ESD/Conductive blast hose, metal couplings, conductive washers/blast hose system |
29CFR1910.307(b)(2)(i)
29CFR1915.34(c)(1)(i)
29CFR1915.34(c)(1)(ii)
29CFR1915.34(c)(1)(iii)
29CFR1926.407(b)(2)(i) |
Regulatory Violation (Hazards associated with these violations occur during operation of equipment) |
Inspection/Quality of Hose, coupling, deadman, Whip-check/clips, Nozzle & Nozzle Support is a regulatory requirement. |
29CFR1915.34(c)(2)
29CFR1915.34(c)(1)(iii)
29CFR1915.34(c)(1)(iv)
29CFR1926.302(b)(1)
29CFR1926.302(b)(5)
29CFR1926.302(b)(7)
29CFR1926.302(b)(10) |
Hook Up Air Supply Hose
To Pot |
Regulatory Violation (Hazards associated with these violation occur during operation of equipment) |
Inspection/Quality of Hose, Coupling, Whip-checks/clips
Pressure Reducing Valve On Air Supply Line |
29CFR1915.34(c)(2)
29CFR1915.34(c)(1)(iii)
29CFR1915.34(c)(1)(iv)
29CFR1926.302(b)(1)
29CFR1926.302(b)(5)
29CFR1926.302(b)(7)
ANSI/ASSE Z244.1
NFPA 77 |
Inspect Pot For Damage |
Regulatory Violation (Hazards associated with these violations occur during operation of equipment) |
Inspect Compressor To assure relief valve is operable & Comp. Does not exceed pot rating. Inspect For Non-approved ASME Welds/Modification |
29CFR1910.169(b)(3)
29CFR1915.172(c)
29CFR1926.306(b)(3)
ASME-VIII,Div.1,UG-125(g)(1) |
Inspect Pot Piping |
Possible failure when pressure is turned on |
Inspect piping, especially piping in abrasive stream for wear and excessive rust. |
General Duty Clause, Section 5(a)(1) OSH Act |
Set Up Respirator & Put On Respirator |
|
|
|
Select Respirator |
Unapproved Respirator, Regulatory Violation (Hazards associated with these violations occur during operation of equipment) |
Assure you have NIOSH Respirator, Approved For Abrasive Blasting & toxins associated with surface and abrasive. |
29 CFR 1910.94(a)(5)
29 CFR 1915.34(c)(3)
29 CFR 1926.57(f)(5)
42 CFR Part 84
OSHA 3142 – Lead In Construction
NIOSH - Respirator User Notice: All Users of Type CE, Abrasive-Blast Supplied-Air Respirators
NIOSH Respirator Selection Logic 2004 - Home |
Inspect Respirator |
Unapproved Respirator Assemblies, Damaged parts. (Hazards associated with these violations occur during operation of equipment) |
Inspect Breathing Hose, Helmet, Air Hose, Air Control Valve, & Cape. All Parts Should be From Same Manufacturer. Check For Cleanliness. |
29 CFR 1910.94(a)(5)
29 CFR 1915.34(c)(3)
29 CFR 1926.57(f)(5)
29 CFR1910.134(h)(3)
42 CFR Part 84 |
Inspect Absorbent Bed Filter |
Regulatory Violation (Hazards associated with these violations occur during operation of equipment) |
Absorbent Bed Filter is Normally Cartridge Type & is Replaceable. Check Housing & Regulator For Damage |
29 CFR 1910.134(I)(5)(iii)&(iv)
29 CFR 1915.154
29 CFR 1926.103
29 CFR 1910.94(a)(6) |
Inspect Gage/Regulator At Respirator Connection |
Regulatory Violation (Hazards associated with these violations occur during operation of equipment) |
29 CFR 1910.134(I)(5) requires Respirator to Meet 42 CFR Part 84, This reg. Requires use of Gage/Regulator |
42 CFR Part 84.82 (Gages)
42 CFR Part 84.148 & .149
42 CFR Part 84.155 |
Connect Breathing Air
|
Regulatory Violation, Improper Fittings or Tanks (Hazards associated with these violations occur during operation of equipment) |
Ensure breathing air couplings are incompatible with outlets for nonrespirable worksite air.
Ensure breathing gas containers are marked for Breathing |
29 CFR 1910.134(I)(8)
29 CFR 1910.134(I)(9) |
Regulatory Violation, Non-complaint Breathing Air From Compressor (Hazards associated with these violations occur during operation of equipment) |
Use, Calibrate High temperature & Carbon Monoxide Alarm
Place Compressor Intake away From contaminated air (car exhaust) |
29 CFR 1910.94(a)(6)
29 CFR 1910.134(I)
ANSI/CGA G-7.1 |
Put On Blast Suit |
Regulatory Violation, Blast Suit Mandated By OSHA (Hazards associated with these violations occur during operation of equipment) |
Put on “Blast Suit” Coveralls or appropriate alternative |
29 CFR 1910.94(a)(5)(v)
29 CFR 1910.132
29 CFR 1915.152
29 CFR 1915.157
29 CFR 1926.57(f)(5)(v)
29 CFR 1926.95 |
Put On Safety Shoes: |
Regulatory Violation, Safety Shoes Mandated By OSHA (Hazards associated with these violations occur during operation of equipment) |
Put on Safety Shoes |
29CFR1910.94(a)(5)(v)&(v)(a)
29CFR1910.136
29CFR1915.153
29CFR1915.157
29CFR1926.57(f)(5)(v)& v)(a)
29CFR1926.95
29CFR1926.96
ANSI Z41.1 |
Put On Proper Hearing Protection |
Regulatory Violation, Hearing Protection Mandated By OSHA (Hazards associated with these violations occur during operation of equipment) |
Properly use hearing protection based on Noise survey |
29CFR1910.95
29CFR1910.95 App B
29CFR1910.132
29CFR1926.52
29CFR1926.101
ANSI S3.19 For NRR |
Put On Face Protection |
Regulatory Violation, Face Protection Mandated By OSHA (Hazards associated with these violations occur during operation of equipment) |
Inspect Inner Respirator Lens for ANSI Z87.1 Stamp or Put on Safety glasses/shield compliant with ANSI Z87.1 |
29 CFR 1910.94(a)(5)(v)(b)
29 CFR 1910.133
29 CFR 1915.152
29 CFR 1915.153
29 CFR 1926.57(f)(5)(v)(b)
29CFR1926.95
29CFR1926.102
ANSI Z87.1 |
Put On Head Protection |
Regulatory Violation, Head Protection Mandated By OSHA (Hazards associated with these violations occur during operation of equipment) |
Inspect Inner Respirator for ANSI Z89.1 Stamp/Label or Put on protection compliant with standards |
29 CFR 1910.133
29 CFR 1910.135
29 CFR 1915.152
29 CFR 1926.57(f)(1)(ii)
29CFR1926.95
29CFR1926.100
ANSI Z89.1 |
Put On Leather/Canvas Gloves |
Regulatory Violation, Hand Protection Mandated By OSHA (Hazards associated with these violations occur during operation of equipment) |
Put on Gloves that have adequate coverage and durability to resist abrasive rebound and misdirected blast stream (IE: Leather/Canvas Gloves with Gantlets) |
29 CFR 1910.94(a)(5)(v)
29 CFR 1910.132
29 CFR 1910.138
29 CFR 1915.152
29 CFR 1915.157
29 CFR 1926.57(f)(5)(v)(b)
29CFR1926.95
29CFR1926.102 |
Turn On Breathing Air Line |
Operator Receives Toxic or Degraded Air |
Assure Compressor, Monitors, Absorbent Bed, Gages/Regulators and alarms are all working properly |
29 CFR 1910.94(a)(5)
29 CFR 1915.34(c)(3)
29 CFR 1926.57(f)(5)
29 CFR1910.134(h)(3)
29 CFR 1910.134(I)(5)(iii)&(iv)
29 CFR 1915.154
29 CFR 1926.103
29 CFR 1910.94(a)(6)
29 CFR 1910.134(I)(8)
29 CFR 1910.134(I)(9)
29 CFR 1910.94(a)(6)
29 CFR 1910.134(I)
42 CFR Part 84
42 CFR Part 84.82 (Gages)
42 CFR Part 84.148 & .149
42 CFR Part 84.155
ANSI/CGA G-7.1 |
Operator Is Not Physically Fit and Suffers Harm By the use of Respirator |
Assure each operator has annual Pulmonary Fitness Test |
29 CFR 1910.94(a)(5)(iv)
29 CFR 1910.134(e)
29 CFR 1915.134
29 CFR 1926.103 |
Turn On Blast Air |
Inadvertent operation of Blast Nozzle, damaged surrounding equipment, injury of operator/bystanders |
Inspect Operators Remote to assure proper operation and condition |
29CFR1915.34(c)(1)(iv)
29CFR1926.302(b)(10)
29CFR1910.147
ANSI/ASSE Z244.1-2003
ANSI/ASSE A10.44-2006 |
|
Pot Failure, Piping Failure, Air & Blast Hose Failure |
Inspect Pot for Wear and None ASME approved welding, Inspect fittings & Hoses for Wear. Check to make sure pressure on compressor does not exceed blast equipment ratings |
29CFR1910.169(b)(3)
29CFR1915.34(c)(2)
29CFR1915.172(c)(2)
29CFR1926.306(b)(3)
ASME-VIII,Div.1,UG-125(g)(1)
ASME-VIII, Div. 1,
|
|
Blast & Air Hose disconnects at couplings |
Inspect and install whip checks and safety clips onto couplings |
29CFR1915.34(c)(1)(iii)
29CFR1926.302(b)(1)
29CFR1926.302(b)(2) |
Actuate Blast Machine |
Initial pressure pushes operator off platform – Injury |
Install handrails or Require fall protection use
Proper Blast Hose grip and operator position for Blasting |
1926 Subpart L - Scaffold Specifications
1910.28 - Safety requirements for scaffolding.
1915.34(c)(3)(v)
1926.500
1915.71 - Scaffolds or staging.
Scaffolding Safety Requirements ANSI/ASSE A10.8-2001 |
Blast Surface |
Body/By-Stander Injury From Rebound |
Wear Proper PPE: Helmet/Respirator, Shoes, Gloves, Clothing, Face/eye protection, |
Blast Suit:
29 CFR 1910.94(a)(5)(v)
29 CFR 1910.132
29 CFR 1915.152
29 CFR 1915.157
29 CFR 1926.57(f)(5)(v)
29 CFR 1926.95
Safety Shoes:
29CFR1910.94(a)(5)(v)&(v)(a)
29CFR1910.136
29CFR1915.153
29CFR1915.157
29CFR1926.57(f)(5)(v)& v)(a)
29CFR1926.95
29CFR1926.96
ANSI Z41.1
Face/Eye Protection:
29 CFR 1910.94(a)(5)(v)(b)
29 CFR 1910.133
29 CFR 1915.152
29 CFR 1915.153
29 CFR 1926.57(f)(5)(v)(b)
29CFR1926.95
29CFR1926.102
ANSI Z87.1
Head Protection:
29 CFR 1910.133
29 CFR 1910.135
29 CFR 1915.152
29 CFR 1926.57(f)(1)(ii)
29CFR1926.95
29CFR1926.100
ANSI Z89.1
Leather/Canvas Gloves
29 CFR 1910.94(a)(5)(v)
29 CFR 1910.132
29 CFR 1910.138
29 CFR 1915.152
29 CFR 1915.157
29 CFR 1926.57(f)(5)(v)(b)
29CFR1926.95
29CFR1926.102 |
|
Noise Level exceeds 85 TWA & 130dBA OSHA MAX. Hearing damage |
Wear Proper hearing protection using Hearing conservation Program and NIOSH recommendations |
29CFR1910.95
29CFR1910.95 App B
29CFR1910.132
29CFR1926.52
29CFR1926.101
ANSI S3.19
ANSI/ASSE A10.46-2007
NIOSH Publication No. 98-126
NIOSH Publication No. 96-110 |
|
Inhalation Hazards From Abrasive and Blasted Surface |
Perform Industrial Environmental Audit to determine toxins generated by blasting operations. |
29CFR 1910.94(a)(2)(ii)
29CFR 1910.94(a)(5)(ii)(c)
29CFR 1910.94(a)(5)(iv)
29CFR 1910.94(a)(6)
29CFR 1910.132(d)(1)
29CFR 1910.134(a)(2)
29CFR 1910.134(d)(1)(ii)
29CFR 1910.134(d)(1)(iii)
29CFR 1910.134(d)(3)(I)
29CFR 1910.134(I)(1)(ii)thru(j)
29CFR 1910 Subpart Z
29CFR 1915.34(a)(4)
29CFR 1915.34(c)(3)(I)thru(iii)
29CFR 1915.152(b)
29CFR 1915.154
29CFR 1915 Subpart Z
29CFR 1926.55(a)
29CFR 1926.57(d)(2)
29CFR 1926.57(f)(1)(vi)
29CFR 1926.57(f)(2)(I)thru(iii)
29CFR 1926.57(f)(5)(I)thru(iv)
29CFR 1926.57(f)(6)
29CFR 1926.103
29CFR 1926 Subpart Z |
|
|
Proper Respirator selection & Use |
29CFR 1910.94(a)(1)(ii)
29CFR 1910.94(a)(5)
29CFR 1910.94(a)(6)
29CFR 1910.134
29CFR 1915.154
29CFR 1926.57(f)(5)&(6)
29CFR 1926.103
NIOSH Pub. #. 2005-100 |
|
Tripping Hazards |
Maintain Clean Work Area, Remove Spent abrasive |
29CFR 1910.22
29CFR 1915.77
29CFR 1926.25
29CFR 1926.57(f)(7) |
|
ESD – Explosion Shock |
Use Conductive Blasting System, IE Hoses & Couplings |
29CFR 1910.307(b)(2)(i)
29CFR 1915.13(b)(11)
29CFR 1915.34(c)(1)(i)
29CFR 1915.34(c)(1)(ii)
29CFR 1915.34(c)(1)(iii)
29CFR 1926.407(b)(2)(i)
NFPA 77 |
Stop Blasting Operation |
Inadvertent Operation Of Nozzle |
Hang Nozzle on appropriate Hook, Assure Safety Latch operates properly |
29CFR 1915.34(c)(1)(iii)
29CFR 1926.302(b)(10) |
ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS |
Confined Spaces |
|
29CFR 1910.146
29CFR 1915 Subpart B
29CFR 1915.76
29CFR 1926.651
29CFR 1926.800
API #2015, #2016, & #2026
ASTM #D4276, & #F1764
NFPA 326
ANSI/ASSE Z117.1-2003 |
Protection of the Public on or Adjacent to Construction Sites |
Abrasive Recovery System
Abrasive Containment System |
40CFR Part 50.6
40CFR Part 51
40CFR Part 63
ANSI/ASSE A10.34-2001
SSPC -Guide 6, 7, 10 &16
SSPC – QP 2 & 4
SSPC - TU 7 & 8
SSPC - #05-01 |
We have now identified all the basic regulatory references that address the process for safely blasting a surface outside of an enclosure or blast room. Figure 1 below better illustrates these basic regulatory requirements and standards by component.
The first hazard, the abrasive, brings into consideration the surface being cleaned or prepared for coating operations. There are a multitude of abrasives the operator may use and they must be aware of the hazards associated with not only the abrasive but also the surface they are blasting. The most common abrasives used in open-air blasting include but are not limited to:
There are numerous hazards associated with these abrasives and the surface contamination that is being removed. The government is also aware of these, and has placed the responsibility of protecting and educating the worker squarely on the shoulders of the employer. Most employers specialize in very specific surface preparation and coating operations. The best way to determine the hazards generated by these abrasives and coatings is to have a local Certified Safety Professional or Certified Industrial Hygienist perform a workplace environmental audit and determine the appropriate worker protection. Safety professionals and industrial hygienists are listed in local directories available to employers on these websites:
Once the professional performs the environmental audit, the employer can determine the proper protection for the operator. In the vast majority of applications the following Personal Protective Equipment will be required when performing abrasive blasting:
Blast Suits are preferable over heavy jeans and a shirt because they seal out the abrasive material from entering the operator's clothing and irritating the skin. The use of Blast Suits also provides the operator outer clothing, which can be removed and cleaned.
The most common respirator used in the surface preparation operation is the Supplied Air Respirator (SAR). This respirator is the most complex piece of Personal Protection Equipment the operator uses and is also the most controlled by federal safety regulations. Every major manufacturer of Supplied Air Respirators provides an owner’s manual with every respirator. These manuals provide all the operation, maintenance and cleaning instructions required for the use of the respirator. OSHA requires every respirator user to understand not only the hazards the respirator protects him or her from, but also how to maintain the respirator. Conscientious manufacturers have web sites where owners can download these manuals if the originals get lost. Three examples of these web sites include:
3-M Helmet Systems Headgear W-Series: http://www.3m.com
OSHA’s respiratory standard requires more than just reading these manuals. The manual should be the cornerstone of an effective respiratory safety program.
A common mistake made by employers in the surface preparation industry is issuing a Supplied-Air Respirator only to the operator of the blast equipment. The use of Supplied-Air Respirators should be based on the industrial environmental survey the Safety Professional performs. Another common mistake operators and employers make is using non-original replacement parts for these respirators. All manufacturers must get their respirators approved by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). NIOSH approval is valid only when all the manufacturer’s parts are used. There is no acceptable or approved non-original aftermarket replacement part, PERIOD! Everything that comes in the original respirator box must be replaced by the same item from the original manufacturer.
While there are low-pressure Supplied-Air Respirators available for use with an ambient air pump, the vast majority of SARs are high-pressure respirators, which use air compressors for the air supply. There are air compressors, which are oil-less and do not present a carbon monoxide hazard; however, the majority of compressors employers use are oil-lubricated and require a carbon monoxide alarm as well as a high-temperature alarm. It is also common for employers to use the same compressor for providing breathing air as they use for operating the blast machine. It is important to remember to place the intake of the compressor away from sources of carbon monoxide, i.e.: cars and trucks.
The above figure shows one of the most commonly used Supplied Air Respirator. It is composed of
- Helmet
- Removable Knitted Collar
- Breathing Air Hose
- Air Control Valve
- Cape
- Air Supply Line
- Helmet Lenses
The only acceptable replacement parts for any of these items are those made by the original manufacturer.
This Supplied-Air Respirator must be supplied by what is termed as Grade D breathing air, as well as having oil, mist and odors removed. The sorbent bed filter shown in the picture removes oil, mist and odors, but does not create Grade D air. The air entering this filter already must be Grade D. Most compressors can provide Grade D air; however several precautions must be taken. The air must be monitored for Carbon Monoxide. There are exceptions to the requirement for using CO monitors; but they are few and the alternative is restrictive. The alternative is that all breathing systems include a CO monitor. The air coming from most compressors is also extremely hot. OSHA requires a high-temperature alarm or switch on the compressor. It is recommended the employer supply the user with a air-temperature control valve as shown in the picture above. There are air control valves, which do not provide cooling; however for a minimal investment, the employer can provide an air supply that makes this very demanding operation comfortable. Every Supplied Air Respirator requires a defined airflow. This airflow is mandated by NIOSH and is controlled by the regulator. Lastly the manufacturer of the respirator must supply the airline from the sorbent bed to the air control valve. These air lines are commonly color-coded for easy recognition.
This type of Supplied-Air Respirator has an Assigned Protection Factor (APF) of 25. This NIOSH rating means that the operator can work in an environment with contaminants defined by OSHA that are present at 25 times the permissible exposure limit. The safety professional who performs the original environmental audit will determine the concentration of OSHA-defined contaminants. All three manufacturers listed above also obtained an OSHA exception to NIOSH's APF of 25 rating for lead. The OSHA exception rates these respirators as having an APF of 1000 for lead.
The third element, the abrasive delivery system, is the surface preparation equipment itself. The most common piece of equipment is the 6 cubic foot capacity blast machine, commonly called a “Six-Sack Pot.” This slang is used to describe the number of bags of abrasive material loaded into the pot at one time. Below is one of the most popular 6 cubic foot capacity blast machines:
Misuse and abuse of surface preparation equipment is the major cause of all acute injuries when performing surface preparation. Common causes of injury are:
- Moving machine while loaded with abrasive
- Placing fully loaded machine on scaffolding not rated for heavy loads
- Operator remote being bypassed, taped or tied down
- Hose or nozzle being worn out and rupturing while under high pressure
- Coupling not being fully engaged and screwed tightly onto conductive hose causing a break in the conductive hose system and static discharge
- Coupling screws missing or not fully screwed into the hose
- Deflated tires
Abrasive blasting remains the predominant method to efficiently prepare a surface for coatings. However, abrasive blasting poses specific hazards, which must be addressed prior to beginning operation. The Federal or State Occupational Heath and Safety Administration mandates all the above minimal monitoring and training requirements. The very best way to assure a safe and compliant workplace is to implement a Safety Audit and Training program developed by a Certified Safety Professional that is tailored to a specific operation.
Several environmental standards also apply to open air abrasive blasting. These standards are predominantly promulgated by Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations. These regulations can be found on the website, http://www.epa.gov/epahome/cfr40.htm.
These federal regulations for environmental protection are based primarily on the Clean Air Act. They normally control the dust (PM10, or PM5) generated by open air blasting. The degree of dust abatement is predominantly controlled by a local governmental authority, which may be the State, County, or Air Pollution Control District. It is the contractor’s responsibility to obtain the proper permit, normally known as a dust abatement permit, and comply with its standards. The primary document the surface preparation industry uses to comply with these regulations is the SSPC Guide #6, titled “Guide for Containing Debris Generated During Paint Removal Operations” (Publication No. 97-21, ISBN #1-889060-22-4). This document can be purchased and downloaded from the internet by going to http://www.sspc.org/standards/guidescopes.html#g6.
This article quickly touches on the environmental requirements for using dust containment systems while preparing a surface to be painted; however what controls containment more often is owner-mandated protection of the area surrounding the surface preparation work. Always take the time to investigate the surrounding area and the customer requirements for protection of non-work-site property.
Surface preparation, using open-air blasting is a very effective and economical way to provide high-quality surfaces ready to receive state-of-the-art coatings. Costs associated with employee accidents, regulatory actions, or damage to surrounding property add unnecessary costs. A well-planned job, which provides a safe environment for both the contractor’s employees and the general public, always pays off in large cost savings and customer satisfaction.
Copyright Clemco Industries Corp.
The Use Of Personal Protective Equipment and
