Sandblast Your Way Through It All
Sandblast is a process wherein a stream of sand is driven by a
jet of compressed air or by water against a surface. This
creates a powerful abrasive action that can clean and abrade any
surface put under the jet of these abrasive particles.
Abundant materials such as powdered quartz, emery, and iron
globules are usually used as the abrasive materials in
sandblast.
Sandblast is widely used for cleaning casting iron at foundries.
Sandblast is also used for preparing different surfaces for
painting, enameling and during galvanizing. Sandblast can also
be used in cleaning stubborn grime that has accumulated in the
stonework of most buildings.
Sandblast can also be used to create frosted designs on glass by
placing a suitable stencil or pattern over a plate of glass and
applied with a little sandblast. The jet of abrasive particles
of the sandblast will strike the uncovered portions of the plate
glass and create that frosted effect.
A sandblast operation can sometimes be a toxic undertaking.
Sandblast operators can be exposed to several harmful particles
such as lead or zinc that are important components of most
commercial surface coatings.
Sandblast operators can also be exposed to the hazards of the
abrasive particles being used. Without the proper safety
equipment like goggles to cover the eyes and suitable protective
clothing to shield against the flying particles, the sandblast
operator and crew will be dangerously exposed to possible
injury.
That is why there are several safety regulations to be followed
before any sandblast operations.
Sandblast operators should use a standard issue air breathing
apparatus while operating the machine. This will insure that the
sandblast operator will have a steady supply of clean air supply
amidst the workplace that will be filled with air contaminants
during operation.
It is also important to consider that the hoses as well as the
other equipment used to give the air supply to the sandblast
operator should be able to deliver clean and contaminant-free
air.
After operation, sandblast crew should only remove their air
breathing apparatus when they are well away from the workplace.
The sandblast particles can remain suspended in the air for long
periods even after the operation.
It is also necessary for sandblast operators to wear coveralls
that will provide suitable protection against rebounding
abrasives during the operation of the sandblast.
Work gloves must also be used to protect the full forearm. Sand
blast operators must also be able to wear the appropriate safety
footwear.
It is also important to carry out the sandblasting operations in
an area where the abrasive materials and other possible
contaminants are safely contained and will poser no threat to
other workers or to the public.
There are also some precautions that are to be observed when it
comes to the sandblast machine. The sandblast pot where the
abrasive particles are placed should be well grounded at all
times.
It also must be provided with a safety shut down feature to
further protect the sandblast operator. It is also important to
remember to turn off the sandblast pot first while filling it
with the abrasive particles to prevent accidents from happening.
The entire sandblast unit should be thoroughly inspected for
possible defects before it is to be used. Sandblast nozzles
should also be equipped with a safety control switch that will
enable the operator to control the sandblast at the nozzle.
Following these simple tips will ensure the crew with a
trouble-free sandblast operation.