Sandblasters need to ensure the protection of their health and safety in person by wearing personal protective equipment capable of preventing respiratory diseases.
Abrasive blasting and respiratory diseases
Being aware of the conditions present at your place of work and the risks associated with it is the first step to protecting yourself from occupational diseases. Sandblasters are workers who need to ensure the protection of their health and safety personally by wearing personal protective equipment capable of preventing respiratory diseases.
Abrasive blasting is a cleaning technique that removes rust, paint, resins, stains caused by smog and atmospheric agents without damaging the treated surfaces. It consists in blasting abrasive substances through a powerful jet of compressed air onto the surface being treated. There are several abrasive blasting techniques, depending on the type of surface to be treated or the residue to be removed:
- dry sandblasting using metal grit or silica sand;
- dry sandblasting with the addition of some water to dampen the mixture;
- hydro abrasive blasting that uses a mixture of sand and water;
- dry ice abrasive blasting.
In all these cases, powerful jets produce particulate that, together with the abrasive material used, is shot into the work environment and strikes the worker who usually needs to be close to the surface being treated. Without adequate protection, sandblasting can cause serious respiratory diseases owing to prolonged exposure to particulate containing crystallized silicon dioxide.
The most common diseases are silicosis, lung tuberculosis, and other chronic obstructive respiratory diseases that can cause lung and heart failure. Silicosis, in particular, which can be chronic, acute or accelerated, is directly associated with sandblasting and consists in the development and progression of fibrous tissue in the lungs caused by the deposit of silica particles.
The most common form of silicosis is chronic and can develop even in the presence of relatively low amounts of crystallized silica dust in the work environment.
Abrasive blasting respirator: RPD for protection against harmful substances
Free jet sandblasting disperses the abrasive substances used directly into the environment. Workers, therefore, need to wear specific PPE (personal protective equipment) for protection. These consist of protective suits and respiratory protective devices that block inhalation of harmful particulate. These respirators may be equipped with sandblasting helmets. The sandblasting helmet is one of the most effective devices that, thanks to modern technology, combines comfort and safety.
It is designed for ample freedom of movement with the accessories worn on a waist belt, and a running autonomy of up to eight hours. Lightweight and durable, it protects the head, neck, face and ears from particulates and offers acoustic insulation as well.
Unlike respirators equipped with face masks, it can be used by workers who wear eyeglasses and it can be adjusted to fit the majority of head sizes. It is also equipped with an electronic airflow indicator with audible alarm to alert when the airflow delivered is less than the minimum allowable. The filters are made of technical paper, resistant to wear and heat.
The advantages of a sandblasting helmet, compared to other types of respirators, are therefore remarkable.
Finally, we remind you that all personal protective devices bought and used in the European Community must be CE certified.
Oct 9 2017
How to protect oneself against respiratory diseases associated with sandblasting
Abrasive blasting and respiratory diseases
Being aware of the conditions present at your place of work and the risks associated with it is the first step to protecting yourself from occupational diseases. Sandblasters are workers who need to ensure the protection of their health and safety personally by wearing personal protective equipment capable of preventing respiratory diseases.
Abrasive blasting is a cleaning technique that removes rust, paint, resins, stains caused by smog and atmospheric agents without damaging the treated surfaces. It consists in blasting abrasive substances through a powerful jet of compressed air onto the surface being treated. There are several abrasive blasting techniques, depending on the type of surface to be treated or the residue to be removed:
In all these cases, powerful jets produce particulate that, together with the abrasive material used, is shot into the work environment and strikes the worker who usually needs to be close to the surface being treated. Without adequate protection, sandblasting can cause serious respiratory diseases owing to prolonged exposure to particulate containing crystallized silicon dioxide.
The most common diseases are silicosis, lung tuberculosis, and other chronic obstructive respiratory diseases that can cause lung and heart failure. Silicosis, in particular, which can be chronic, acute or accelerated, is directly associated with sandblasting and consists in the development and progression of fibrous tissue in the lungs caused by the deposit of silica particles.
The most common form of silicosis is chronic and can develop even in the presence of relatively low amounts of crystallized silica dust in the work environment.
Abrasive blasting respirator: RPD for protection against harmful substances
Free jet sandblasting disperses the abrasive substances used directly into the environment. Workers, therefore, need to wear specific PPE (personal protective equipment) for protection. These consist of protective suits and respiratory protective devices that block inhalation of harmful particulate. These respirators may be equipped with sandblasting helmets. The sandblasting helmet is one of the most effective devices that, thanks to modern technology, combines comfort and safety.
It is designed for ample freedom of movement with the accessories worn on a waist belt, and a running autonomy of up to eight hours. Lightweight and durable, it protects the head, neck, face and ears from particulates and offers acoustic insulation as well.
Unlike respirators equipped with face masks, it can be used by workers who wear eyeglasses and it can be adjusted to fit the majority of head sizes. It is also equipped with an electronic airflow indicator with audible alarm to alert when the airflow delivered is less than the minimum allowable. The filters are made of technical paper, resistant to wear and heat.
The advantages of a sandblasting helmet, compared to other types of respirators, are therefore remarkable.
Finally, we remind you that all personal protective devices bought and used in the European Community must be CE certified.
By Kasco Srl • Blog •