Abrasive Safety

Many Blast & Paint Contractors or Fabricators have decided to move away from using the relatively inexpensive silica sand (Meramec Sand, Flint, Ottawa, River Sand,Beach Sand, etc.).  Historically, silica sand has been the abrasive of choice due to lowest cost per ton,accessibility and marginal effectiveness. However, current OSHA Airborne Silica Exposure Standards along with airborne silica…

“We will keep using it until we get caught”. This is a typical response we get when approaching Blast Operations that still utilize silica sand (beach sand, Ottawa flint, river sand, Meramec sand, etc.).  At issue with any of the silica sands chosen as a blast abrasive is the inevitable elevated level of Airborne Silica…

The final rule is now in force per OSHA Standard for Silica Dust Exposure. Below is an excerpt that will be the main issues for Abrasive Blast operations. “The final rule also includes key provisions that require employers to: Use engineering controls (such as water, ventilation, or non-silica substitute) and work practices to limit worker…

The American Cancer Society has released a new study that millions could benefit from a federal proposal to limit silica exposure. “New studies have also shown that excess lung mortality occurs in silica-exposed workers who do not have silicosis and who do not smoke,” says the article, by Kyle Steenland, PhD, and Elizabeth Ward, PhD….

Public comment has been invited by OSHA regarding potential revisions to their Process Safety Management standard along with other policy options that help prevent major chemical releases and other accidents. Also, they are seeking input on possible updates for three other standards, including the Explosive and Blasting Agents standard. President Obama signed the executive order…

A new fact sheet has been posted at OSHA.gov regarding the changes for the Hazard Communication Standard. This will most likely affect the blasting industry most directly in the training of employees on the new updates. Building on the success of OSHA’s current Hazard Communication Standard, the GHS is expected to prevent injuries and illnesses,…

In an article posted on PaintSquare.com, we are seeing that changes are coming regarding coal ash and EPA regulations. A judge is giving the agency a time frame to complete revisions of the regulations regarding coal ash. Whatever this ruling, it will have implications on your blast abrasives safety plan. Hazardous or Not? At the…