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