General points

Noise pollution
The sandblasting installations are factor of noise pollution because they emit noises coming from the shot hoses, the turbines, the motors, the abrasive impacts on the treated parts, the filter ventilators, the superpressure apparels and also the handling mode. (examples: loading skips, rotary barrel, metallic band).
They have to be in conformity with the recommendations of the "Commission Technique du Bruit du Ministère de la Santé Publique". The sound level must be inferior or equal to 85 dB (A).
In so far as this value cannot be reached in the work enclosure, the operator, during the treatment operations, must be equiped with protections to lower the sound level under this limit recognized as generating deafness.

Specific risks
The rebound of the abrasive projected on the parts might cause skin and eyes lesions.
Thta is why, in accordance with the decree N 69-558 dated June, 6th, 1969, the manager must provide any worker exposed with an individual protection composed of:
- a mask or a hard hat,
- overalls,
- gloves and shoes.

Prevention
These protections have to be kept in good condition (preventive upkeep) and put away in a dry and free of dust place provided. In the case of a new allocation, they have to be desinfected. It is advisable to keep the floor clean, by eliminating any trace of abrasive, (above all the spherical ones) that might increase the fall risks during the handling operations.

Individual protection

The mask or hard hat
This protection equipment is conceived in order to protect the operator from the abrasive projection and the dust exposure while allowing him to breathe normally.
That is why, it is fed with air of breathable quality with an outflow adjustable with a minimum of 165 l/m (10m3/h) under a maximal pressure of 1,4 bar (140 kPa).
The hard hat has to be designed so that it ensures a satisfactory protection, a good visibility and it be comfortable for the operator without generating any trouble while working.It has to be done with light materials which do not generate in the breathable air any dust, gas or toxic vapours. It has to be resistant to abrasive impacts and cleaning desinfectants and not accumulate electrostatic charges.

Feeding air
It can come from cylinders of compressed air, an air compressor or a mechanical ventilator (highly recommended solution). In any case, it must be treated in order to be free from water, oil, dust or toxic gas. Filters will be preferably made of a charge of interchangeable active carbon. They will be composed of a regulation and a control of the air and pressure outflow, with a condensats draining. The air has to be fed through a pipe which does not exceed 50 m and tempered through an air conditioner system brought by the operator.

Working clothes
- overalls must provide a good protection on the frontal part against the abrasive projection and prevent dust from entering into. Its texture has to be supple in order to allow any movement of the operator and makes it possible for the skin to breathe.
- the gloves have to be thick and supple at once for a good resistance to abrasion and a good holding of the hose. They have to have a heat insulation and cover up to above the wrist.
- the safety shoes must meet the criteria of the standard NF S 73-010 and be associated with the wearing of safety pads.

Diverse equipments
Other accessories can be added to the sandblaster equipment:
- carbon monoxyde detector/ alarm making it possible to detect and alert in the case of the presence of CO in the air respired by the sandblaster.
- system of communication radio FM, making it possible for the operator to be in constant relation with his manegerial staff.
- lighting torch fixed on the hard hat or on the hose for works in pit under cars, or in tank.