Industrial Sandblasting & Surface Prep Safety Checklist

Is current fit test documentation (within 12 months) available for each abrasive blasting operator using a supplied air respirator? (OSHA 1910.134(f))

Inspect Supplied Air Respirator (SAR) hoses for cuts, kinks, abrasions, and secure connections before each shift. (ANSI Z9.4)

Verify air compressor maintenance records are up-to-date, including filter changes and inspections. (Manufacturer's Recommendations)

Has the supplied air been tested within the last 6 months for contaminants (oil, water, carbon monoxide) and is the air Grade D or better? (OSHA 1910.134(i)(1)(ii))

Is a continuous carbon monoxide (CO) monitor with audible alarm functioning correctly and positioned to detect CO in the supplied air? (OSHA 1926.57(g)(1)(i))

Are respirators cleaned and disinfected after each use, and properly stored to prevent damage and contamination? (OSHA 1910.134(h)(1))

Is the air pressure at the respirator sufficient to meet the manufacturer's specifications and the operator's needs? (Check with a pressure gauge at the respirator).

Is there a backup air supply available in case of primary compressor failure? (Recommended Best Practice)

Inspect air-line filters for condition and ensure they are appropriate for removing oil, water, and particulates. (Manufacturer's Specifications)

Check the respirator exhalation valve for proper function and cleanliness. (OSHA 1910.134)

Verify the deadman switch is functioning correctly: nozzle stops immediately when the handle is released. (OSHA 1926.57(c)(1))

Inspect blast hose for cuts, bulges, abrasions, and secure couplings before each shift. (OSHA 1926.302(b)(4))

Check nozzle for wear and proper size. Replace if worn beyond manufacturer's specifications. (Manufacturer's Recommendations)

Ensure the abrasive blasting pot is equipped with a functional pressure relief valve. (ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code)

Are hose whip checks installed and properly secured on all blast hoses to prevent whipping in case of coupling failure? (Recommended Best Practice)

If using a remote control system, verify it is functioning correctly and properly grounded. (OSHA 1926.302)

Verify the abrasive being used is the correct type for the application and does not contain free silica above permissible limits if silica is prohibited. (SDS Review)

Inspect the blast pot for leaks, corrosion, and structural integrity. (Manufacturer's Recommendations)

Confirm the blast pressure is set according to the manufacturer's recommendations and the specific task requirements. (Manufacturer's Recommendations)

Verify grounding continuity between the blast pot, nozzle, and workpiece to prevent static discharge. (NFPA 77)

Verify the blast booth ventilation system is operating effectively and maintaining adequate air flow to remove dust and contaminants. (ACGIH Industrial Ventilation Manual)

Check dust collector filters and ensure they are clean and functioning properly. (Manufacturer's Recommendations)

Inspect blast booth walls, doors, and seals for damage or leaks that could allow dust to escape. (Good Engineering Practices)

Ensure the blast booth is properly grounded to prevent static discharge. (NFPA 77)

Verify all lighting within the blast booth is explosion-proof and properly maintained. (NFPA 70)

Maintain good housekeeping practices within the blast booth to minimize dust accumulation. (General Industry Standards)

Conduct air monitoring outside the blast booth to ensure dust levels are within permissible exposure limits (PELs). (OSHA 1910.1000)

Verify proper procedures are in place for the collection, storage, and disposal of spent abrasive material. (Local Environmental Regulations)

Ensure appropriate warning signs and barriers are in place to restrict access to the blasting area. (ANSI Z535)

Verify the blast booth has a readily accessible emergency shutdown switch. (Recommended Best Practice)

Confirm all personnel within the blasting area are wearing appropriate PPE, including supplied air respirators, hearing protection, eye protection, and protective clothing. (OSHA 1910.132)

Operators perform a positive and negative pressure seal check on their respirators before each use. (OSHA 1910.134)

Verify hearing protection has an appropriate Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) for the noise levels in the blasting area. (OSHA 1910.95)

Ensure eye protection (safety glasses or face shield) is ANSI Z87.1 compliant and provides adequate protection from abrasive particles. (ANSI Z87.1)

Inspect protective clothing (e.g., leather or canvas suits) for damage and ensure it provides adequate coverage. (Recommended Best Practice)

Inspect gloves for holes, tears, and wear. Ensure they provide adequate protection from abrasion and impact. (OSHA 1910.138)

Verify foot protection (safety shoes or boots) meets ANSI Z41 standards and provides adequate protection from impact and compression. (ANSI Z41)

Are procedures in place for cleaning and maintaining PPE to ensure its effectiveness? (OSHA 1910.132)

PPE is stored properly to prevent damage and contamination. (OSHA 1910.132)

If required, is a communication system in place and functioning properly to allow operators to communicate with personnel outside the blasting area? (Recommended Best Practice)

Is a written hazard communication program in place, including Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all materials used? (OSHA 1910.1200)

Verify employee training records are up-to-date, including training on abrasive blasting hazards, PPE use, and safe operating procedures. (OSHA 1926.21)

Are SDS readily available to all employees in the blasting area? (OSHA 1910.1200)

Is a written abrasive blasting procedure available and followed? (Recommended Best Practice)

Is a written emergency action plan in place, including procedures for fire, medical emergencies, and equipment failure? (OSHA 1910.38)

Is a first-aid kit readily available and adequately stocked? (OSHA 1910.151)

Are records of equipment inspections and maintenance kept and readily available? (Recommended Best Practice)

Are air quality test results documented and readily available? (OSHA 1910.134)

If blasting in a confined space, is a confined space entry permit system in place and followed? (OSHA 1910.146)

Is a Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) or Task Hazard Assessment (THA) completed for the specific blasting task? (Recommended Best Practice)