Sandblasting is one of the best ways to clean, maintain, or prepare many different kinds of surfaces or machinery. While the word ‘sandblasting’ implies that only sand is used, the truth is a variety of different materials are used in modern-day sandblasting Hamilton-wide – and across the Waikato region. With these different materials comes a variety of considerations, including unique hazards that you need to account for.
Because of the nature of this surface preparation method, we often get the question, “is sandblasting dangerous?”. In short, yes, if the risks aren’t properly managed. But there’s more to the story than that.
Read on as we unpack the potential hazards of sandblasting and the precautions a qualified blasting crew like ours take to ensure everyone stays safe.
What Are the Hazards of Sandblasting?
When most people wonder, ‘is sandblasting dangerous?’, they’re thinking about the potential dangers inherent in the combination of sharp particles and pressurised air. While getting in the way of a sandblasting stream is very dangerous, the most present hazard actually has more to do with your lungs.
Inhalation Risks
Many traditional abrasive blasting materials, including silica sand, can generate fine dust particles that become airborne during blasting. Without proper respiratory protection, these particles can be inhaled, leading to serious lung conditions like silicosis. This is a long-term lung disease that can get worse over the years, which is why it’s so vital to stay safe while using sandblasting as a surface preparation method.
Not to mention, the contaminants blasted off certain surfaces – such as rust or metal flakes – can be a hazard all their own. This is why paying attention to the air quality and protecting against airborne particles is vital.
Physical Injuries
Another key risk factor here is the high-pressure nature of the blasting process itself. If misused, sandblasting equipment can cause serious injuries, including cuts, eye damage, or even hearing issues from prolonged exposure to noise. Safety protocols like controlled work zones, protective gear, and strict operating procedures ensure these risks are kept in check.
Environmental Concerns
On top of all this, sandblasting can also pose as much of a risk to the environment as it does to other people. Uncontained blasting brings a host of potential hazards with it, including plenty of dust or debris contaminating nearby areas. These little particles can hurt the air quality, affect the soil, or even permanently contaminate water sources. This is why it’s vital to use containment measures to prevent the dust from spreading outside of the established boundaries.
Precautions We Take to Keep Sandblasting Safe
While there are risks involved with sandblasting, these can be taken care of by a trained team with the right know-how. We know that the key marker of a successful sandblasting session is safety. That’s why we make sure to bring industry-leading safety measures to every single job. Here’s how we do it:
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Sandblasting safety starts with the right gear. Our team members suit up in heavy-duty protective suits, face shields, and top-notch respirators to make sure they’re covered from head to toe. Cutting corners isn’t an option, so anyone without sufficient PPE is kept well away from the blast zone.
Safe Work Zones
One of the most important steps to minimise risk while sandblasting is to set up designated work zones. This helps us to keep any untrained personnel at a safe distance, meaning only those properly equipped are anywhere near the blasting area.
Dust Collection
To keep airborne dust to a minimum, we use a high-powered dust collection system to capture fine particles before they can become a serious hazard. On top of that, we use wet-blasting techniques such as vapour blasting where applicable, which can help to manage the amount of dust kicked up into the air.
WorkSafe Compliance
Of course, our team follows all industry safety standards and regulations to the letter, including the WorkSafe guidelines for blasting and coating. This ensures that every single job we do is carried out with the highest level of safety, keeping on-site crew members and surrounding personnel healthy.
So, is sandblasting dangerous? In the wrong hands, yes. Silicosis or abrasion injuries are a real risk if this kind of surface preparation technique is tackled without the right risk management procedures. But with high-quality PPE, a dust collection system, and a trusted crew to manage the situation from start to finish, the only thing left behind after sandblasting will be a pristine surface.
Access professional, industry-tested, ultra-safe sandblasting in Hamilton.
The team at Hamilton Blast & Paint takes sandblasting safety seriously, which is why we’re the trusted choice for sandblasting in Hamilton.
If you’re holding off on having your surfaces taken care of because you’re wondering, ‘is sandblasting safe?’, then wonder no longer. We’re the crew to take care of it for you safely with our mobile blasting and painting service.
Ready to begin? Get in touch today for a free estimate on your sandblasting job.