Blasting operations are carried out in order to clean metal components mechanically through the use of various substances such as sand or aluminium oxide. This operation exposes workers to tiny dust particles released by the materials being cleaned and it is therefore important to wear appropriate respiratory protective devices.
Which respirator should be worn when sandblasting?
When blasting operations are carried out workers are exposed to different types of risk:
- Damage to muscles due to repeated muscular movements caused by machine vibrations;
- Injuries and traumas due to accidental falls;
- Inhalation of minute paint or other particles produced by blasting operations;
- Possible damage to the hearing system because of exposure to the loud noise produced during blasting operations, and other processes carried out in the same workplace.
The complexity of the risks involved entails the use of respiratory protective devices as well as hearing and eye protectors.
There is a large choice of face pieces to protect the mouth and nose, to which protective eyewear can be added in order not to risk damage to the eyes. For overall protection, hearing protectors should also be added to prevent hearing damage.
Is a respirator equipped with helmet better than a simple face piece?
As an alternative to a sandblasting respirator with face mask, which might not be entirely suitable for risk prevention, is the sandblasting respirator equipped with helmet.
When open cycle blasting jobs are performed, i.e. blasting in an open environment and not in a chamber equipped with a vacuum hood, the best choice in order to protect the eyes, ears and the respiratory system, is a sandblasting respirator with helmet. This is a complete respiratory device which offers protection of the head, face, neck, eyes, ears, nose and mouth and, consequently, overall, efficient protection. Sandblasting respirators are designed for protection against the inhalation of industrial processing residue and many such devices are powered by rechargeable lithium batteries which ensure protection and high efficiency for a whole work shift.
These respirators filter the contaminated environment air and prevent harmful processing residue particles from reaching the respiratory system and damaging the worker’s health. A blower unit with filters and the battery are worn on a belt at the waist and the filtered air is conveyed through a breathing tube to the inside of the helmet. The respirator is also equipped with a system which eliminates expired and air, which could otherwise bother the wearer, and helps prevent the visor from misting. Furthermore, as this type of respirator is designed for long, heavy work shifts the slight overpressure which builds up inside the helmet facilitates comfortable breathing even under strain.
May 28 2018
Sandblasting respirators – which to use?
Which respirator should be worn when sandblasting?
When blasting operations are carried out workers are exposed to different types of risk:
The complexity of the risks involved entails the use of respiratory protective devices as well as hearing and eye protectors.
There is a large choice of face pieces to protect the mouth and nose, to which protective eyewear can be added in order not to risk damage to the eyes. For overall protection, hearing protectors should also be added to prevent hearing damage.
Is a respirator equipped with helmet better than a simple face piece?
When open cycle blasting jobs are performed, i.e. blasting in an open environment and not in a chamber equipped with a vacuum hood, the best choice in order to protect the eyes, ears and the respiratory system, is a sandblasting respirator with helmet. This is a complete respiratory device which offers protection of the head, face, neck, eyes, ears, nose and mouth and, consequently, overall, efficient protection. Sandblasting respirators are designed for protection against the inhalation of industrial processing residue and many such devices are powered by rechargeable lithium batteries which ensure protection and high efficiency for a whole work shift.
These respirators filter the contaminated environment air and prevent harmful processing residue particles from reaching the respiratory system and damaging the worker’s health. A blower unit with filters and the battery are worn on a belt at the waist and the filtered air is conveyed through a breathing tube to the inside of the helmet. The respirator is also equipped with a system which eliminates expired and air, which could otherwise bother the wearer, and helps prevent the visor from misting. Furthermore, as this type of respirator is designed for long, heavy work shifts the slight overpressure which builds up inside the helmet facilitates comfortable breathing even under strain.
By Kasco Srl • Blog •