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It’s Never Safe to Blast With Silica Sand
Even if you think you are being safe and wearing a respirator while blasting silica sand, it is still extremely dangerous and should never be done.
WHAT IS SILICA SAND?
Crystalline silica, beach sand, river sand (or any other sand), metal refining slags, silicates or abrasives containing any trace heavy metals or biological micro-organisms. Doing so can result in severe illness and/or death. If you are unsure, do NOT use the abrasive material.
WHY ISN’T SILICA SAFE?
Did you know that Crystalline silica is a Class 1 Carcinogen? Blasting with any type of silica sand can actually cause death.
THE HEALTH RISKS
The silica sand breaks down into small particles and gets into the air we breathe. If workers are breathing these small particles into their lungs, their lungs develop silicosis. Silicosis is a lung condition where the small particles get into the workers lungs, the particles get trapped and start to develop fibroptic nodules.
Workers should also keep in mind that they could contaminate someone second hand by just being around them in their contaminated clothing.
CLICK HERE FOR TYPES OF SILICOSIS
CLICK HERE FOR EQUIPMENT DANGER WARNINGS
LAWS IN PLACE
BlastOne has created a Checklist to make sure you are keeping up with the OSHA silica laws and compliance. Blasting silica sand is actually illegal in lots of countries.
APPROVED ABRASIVES TO BLAST WITH
A list of recommended, approved abrasives to use for blasting:
High pressure water
Steel Grit
GMA Garnet
And many more…
If you’re looking to choose the right abrasive for an upcoming project, contact us today!
