Abrasive Blasting Program

Al-Jaber International Company
Abrasive Blasting Program

Revision History
Revision Description of
DATE Initiated By Completed By
No# Changes
12th Apr 2017 Management Integration for ISO Management
01 Representative 14001 and OHSAS Representative
18001
Distribution List
Sr. No/ Designation Issue Date Distributed by
Management
01 QHSE Manager 12th Apr 2017
Representative
Management Management
02 12th Apr 2017
Representative Representative
03 Management
CEO 12th Apr 2017
Representative
04 Management
Chairman 12th Apr 2017
Representative
Revision
Document Issue Revision Original Document Document Document
Issue
Number Number Number Issue Date Prepared By Reviewed by Approved By
Date
QHSE
MR / CEO Chairman
AJB-AB-PR- Manager
1.1 01 01-01-16 12-04-17
02
Copyright
This document contains confidential information. It may be copied in full or in parts only by Al-Jaber
International Company and only for the purpose of Al-Jaber International Company related activities.
Disclosure of any information contained within this procedure to any person (s) outside the employee of Al-
Jaber International Company without written permission of the Top Management is strictly prohibited.
Page 1 of 13
System for Abrasive Blasting Program
Original Issue Date: Revision Issue date:
Doc. No: AJB-AB-PR-01 Issue Number: 01 Revision Number: 01
01st January 2016 12th April 2017
Contents
Revision History ................................................................................................................................... 1

Distribution List ................................................................................................................................... 1
Contents ................................................................................................................................................ 2
1. Purpose………………………………………………………………………………………….3
2. Abrasive Blasting…………………………………………………………………………….….4
3. Occupational Safety and Health Act and Regulations……………………...…………………3
4. Risk Assessment………………………………………………………………………………..3
5. General Safety............................................................................................................................ 4
Dust Hazards……………………………………………………………………….…………..4
Examples of Types of Abrasives Used in Blasting Operations………………………………4
Examples of Coatings Removed in Blasting Operations……………………………………..5
6. Access to work area .................................................................................................................. 5
7. Personal Protective Equipment ............................................................................................... 5
8. Respiratory protective equipment (RPE)………………………………………..…………….6
9. Equipment and procedures ...................................................................................................... 7
10. Blast Cleaning Enclosures…………………..…………………………………………………7
11. Specific Operating Requirements…………………….……………………………..…….….8
Blasting Cabinets…………………………………………………………………………..…....9
Blast Cleaning Rooms……………………………………………………...……………………9
Open Air Blasting………………………………………………………………………….....…10
Blast Cleaning Nozzles…………………………………………………………………..………10
Inspection and Maintenance……………………………………………………………………10
12. Personal decontamination and skin care……………………………...……………………....10
13. Training and supervision………...…………...…………………………………………………11
This document is the property of Al-Jaber International Company. Any copying and distribution of this document
without the approval of the Management is prohibited. Page 2 of 13
1.Purpose
To reduce the risk of work related injury or death by maximizing personal safety during
Construction and mechanical operations.
It applies to:
 all workplaces where abrasive blasting is being carried out;

 all persons who may be exposed to hazards arising from abrasive blasting in workplaces;
 workplaces where:
 abrasive blasting products are used;
 processes associated with abrasive blasting are undertaken; and
 abrasive blasting products and equipment are stored.
2.Abrasive Blasting
Abrasive blasting is used for cleaning surfaces such as steel, bricks, cement and concrete,
usually to remove scale, rust, old paint or other matter before applying a protective coating.
Abrasive blasting can also be used to remove graffiti.
Abrasive blasting procedures can vary widely. They can be performed in closed
environments like blasting chambers or cabinets, or on open sites such as buildings, bridges,
tanks, boats or mobile plant.
Abrasive blasting involves using a stream of abrasive material, propelled at high speed by
compressed air, water, steam, centrifugal wheels or paddles against a surface, to clean,
abrade, etch or otherwise change the original appearance or condition of the surface. It
includes high pressure water and steam blasting incorporating abrasive material.
3.Occupational Safety and Health Act and Regulations
Employers must:
 provide a workplace where employees are not exposed to hazards;
 provide a safe system of work; and
 consult with their employees on matters of safety and health. Procedure
The Act also sets out duties for other people at the workplace. Employees must:
 take reasonable care for their own safety and health and that of others affected by
their
work; and
 co-operate with their employer in regard to matters of safety and health.

Employers and self-employed persons must, as far as is practicable, look after their own
safety and health and ensure their work does not affect the safety of others.
4.Risk Assessment
The risk assessment tools (Risk Assessment Matrix and Risk Assessment Data Sheet), may be
applied at the project level, the subproject level, or the task level, as appropriate.
Risk assessments typically will be performed by an assessment team made up of project

managers, technical staff, operating and field staff members, customers and selected
stakeholders as appropriate. The make-up of the team will vary, based on the project element
and its position in the baseline hierarchy (i.e., project level, subproject level, or task/activity
level). A team leader may be assigned or selected to schedule, lead, and document the results of
the risk assessment session. The results of all project risk assessments will be maintained in
project files. Assessments may be performed throughout the life of the project. Typically, risk
assessments will be performed to support the change request process, when baseline
adjustments are necessary, or to support the decision process for selection and implementation
of technical alternatives.
The principles of this risk assessment guidance were used throughout the PMP development
phase by the project management team, enhanced with contractor technical support. The
prescriptive assessment tool is to be used during the intensive risk reduction and deactivation
activities, when dedicated project management technical support is not readily available.
5.General Safety:
Dust Hazards
Abrasives and the surface coatings on materials blasted are shattered and
pulverized during blasting operations. The dust formed will contain particles
that could result in the following hazards:
• Respiratory
• Fire
• Explosion
Wet blasting methods minimize dust exposure, but dispersed droplets, mists
and dried residues may become airborne and create potential exposures
1. You must evaluate the potential health hazards from abrasive blasting
operations by considering the composition and toxicity of the abrasive
material and the surface being abraded.
2. You must keep dust concentrations below the permissible exposure limits
found in Oregon OSHA code OAR 437, Division 2 Subdivision Z – Toxic
and Hazardous Substances
Examples of the Types of Abrasives Used in Blasting Operations
Type of Abrasive Examples of Abrasives Other Information
Silica sand is the most
Synthetic or hazardous. Limit the use
Crystalline Silica
natural of silica sand wherever
Garnet
mineral grains possible. For types of
abrasive used in place of
silica go to the
Occupational Safety and
Health Administration’s
(OSHA)
Copper slag
Slag abrasive Nickel slag May contain heavy metals
Mixed metal slag
Steel The potential hazard is
Metallic shot or grit
Chilled cast iron considered minimal
Readily combustible
organic abrasives can
form explosive mixtures
with air.
• Prohibit the use of
combustible organic
Ground corncobs
Organic abrasives, except in
Ground walnut shells
automatic blast
cleaning systems
• Bond and ground the
blast nozzle to prevent
the buildup of static
charges
Examples of Coatings Removed in Blasting Operations
Types of Coatings Examples of Coatings Other Information

Those containing toxic
metals:
• Paints containing
mercury The type of coating
Surface
• Cadmium plating should
• Formed during the
• Lead paints on be known to evaluate
fabrication of a part
structural steel potential hazards
• Lead deposits on
pistons of internal
combustible engines
Protective Protective
• Applied after • Applied after
fabrication fabrication
6.Access to work area
 Set up an exclusion zone. Separate it off and post warning signs.
 Use sheeting where there is a risk of abrasive or dust spreading. Maintain it

to stop gaps developing during the job.
 Allow access to authorised and appropriately trained people only.
 Limit the number of people near the work.
7.Personal Protective Equipment:
o Provide blasting suits/coveralls that do not retain dust and protect against
water.
o Provide protective gloves and footwear.
o Ask your safety clothing supplier if you need any advice on selecting suitable
protective equipment.
o Provide storage for PPE to prevent damage or contamination when not in

use.
o Keep any PPE cleaned and replace at recommended intervals.
o Use a contract laundry or a suitable equivalent to wash work clothing. Don’t

allow workers to do this at home.
Type When
Operators work in any of the following
situations:
• Inside blast cleaning rooms
• Where silica sand is used in manual
Abrasive Blasting Respirators - A
blasting operations
supplied air or a continuous flow
• Where concentrations of toxic dust
respirator constructed to cover and
exceed the permissible exposure limits
protect the operator’s head, neck and
An abrasive respirator doesn’t need to be
shoulders from rebounding abrasive
worn if the operator is physically
separated
from the nozzle and blast by an exhaust
ventilated enclosure
Short, intermittent or occasional dust

exposures during the following tasks:
• To protect the operator during abrasive
blasting operations performed outside
the enclosure or outdoors where
nonsilica abrasives are used on materials
Filtering face piece with low toxicity
• Clean-up
• Dumping dust collectors
• Unloading shipments of sand at
receiving areas when the following
controls are not feasible – enclosures,
exhaust ventilation or other means
Eye and face protection to both of the
following Respirators worn during blasting
• Blasting operators operations
• Personnel working near blasting don’t provide eye and face protection
operations
Gloves and aprons made of heavy
Operators are exposed to the impact of
canvas or leather; or equivalent
rebounding abrasives
protection
Safety shoes – steel-toed Heavy pieces of material are handled
8. Respiratory protective equipment (RPE)
 Provide the shot blaster with an air-fed ‘CE’ marked abrasive blasting
helmet with a UK Standard Assigned Protection Factor (APF) of at least 40.
 Air supplied to the blasting helmet should be breathing quality.
 Position airlines so that they are not liable to be blocked or damaged by
moving vehicles etc.
 Replace blasting helmet visors as soon as pitting or frosting occurs.
 Provide RPE with an APF of at least 20 for the ‘kettleman’ working nearby.
 Fit testing is required for RPE with a tight fitting face seal.
 Workers wearing tight fitting RPE should be clean shaven, trained how to fit
it properly and how to look after it.
 Tell workers to discard disposable RPE at the end of the shift, or sooner if
their RPE becomes blocked with dust.
 Change the filters on respirators in accordance with manufacturers’
recommendations and if:
o the shelf-life expiry date has passed;

o they are damaged or visibly contaminated; or
o they become harder to breathe through.
 Examine and test non-disposable RPE and air supply thoroughly at least
once every month.
 Tell workers to check RPE is working properly before every use.
 If the RPE worn by the kettleman is required for extended periods, eg longer
than 1 hour continuously, use powered respirators.
 Keep RPE clean and store it in a clean place.
9.Equipment and procedures
 Use a ‘silica free’ abrasive material, ie containing less than 1% silica.

 Use wet/saturation or vacuum blasting equipment.
 Set up the blasting equipment following the manufacturer’s instructions.
 Use the lowest pressure levels suitable for the work.
 Put any compressor in a well ventilated area, upwind from blasting work.
 Ensure all safety devices are present and working.
 Position cable safely to limit trip risks.
10. Blast Cleaning Enclosures
There two basic types of enclosures in abrasive blasting:
1) Blasting Cabinet: An enclosure where the operator stands outside, operating

necessary controls or blasting nozzle from outside of the enclosure.
2) Blast Cleaning Room: A complete enclosure in which abrasive blasting is

performed with the operator working inside the room.
If you have Then make sure

They are either baffled or arranged so
the combination of inward airflow and
baffles minimizes both of the following:
Air inlets and access openings
• The escape of abrasive or dust
particles into adjacent work areas.
• Visible spurts of dust
Slit resistant baffles are installed in
multiple sets of all small access
Small access opening s where dust
openings, and do both of the following:
might escape
• Regularly inspect them
• Replace them when needed
The window is made of safety glass
protected by screening
Caution:
An observation window in enclosures
• Hard, deep cutting abrasives may
where hard, deep cutting abrasives
shatter normal glass
are
• If the safety glass shatters, the
used
protective screening will help contain
the glass and protect employees from
cuts and lacerations
They are flanged and tight when closed,
and open from both inside and outside
the enclosure
Small operator access doors Caution: If you have a small operator
access door and a large work access
door, the large work access door may
open or close from the outside only.
11. Specific Operating Requirements
11.1 Blasting Cabinets
 Ventilation is required so that there is a continuous flow of air into all

openings in the enclosure during blasting. The exhaust shall promptly clear
the dust laden air within the cabinet after blasting.
 Inlets and access openings are to be baffled to minimize escape of abrasive
or dust particles into adjacent work areas. No visible spurts of dust are to be
observed. Slit, abrasive resistant baffles are needed at all small access
openings where dust might escape. These are to be regularly inspected and
replaced when needed.
 Before the cabinet is opened, the blast is to be closed off, and the exhaust
system operated long enough to remove the dusty air within.
 Safety glass protected by screening is needed for observation windows
where hard cutting abrasives are used.
 Doors are to be flanged and fit tight when closed.
 Dust leaks are to be promptly repaired.
 Static pressure drop at exhaust ducts is to be measured after installation and
periodically thereafter to assure satisfactory operation.
 Exhaust ducts are to be cleaned whenever there is an indication of a partial
blockage.
 An abrasive separator is to be used in installations where the abrasive is
recirculated.
 Air exhaust from the cabinet is to be discharged through dust collecting
equipment.
 Dust collectors are to be installed, so that accumulated dust can be emptied and
removed without contaminating other work areas.
11.2 Blast Cleaning Rooms
Ventilation is needed so that there is a continuous flow of air into the room from
all doorways and other openings.
 Doors on blast cleaning rooms are to be operable from both inside and
outside. If there is a small operator access door, the large work access door
may be closed or opened from the outside only.
 Static pressure drop at exhaust ducts is to be measured after installation

and periodically thereafter to assure satisfactory operation.
 Exhaust ducts are to be cleaned whenever there is an indication of a partial
blockage.
 An abrasive separator is to be used in installations where the abrasive is
recirculated.
 Air exhaust from the room is to be discharged through dust collecting
equipment.
 Dust collectors are to be installed so that accumulated dust can be emptied
and removed without contaminating other work areas.
Blast Cleaning Enclosures and Recommended Air Velocitie

Examples of Blast Cleaning Recommended Air Velocities in Feet
Enclosures per Minute (fpm)
Abrasive blasting cabinets At least 500 fpm at the hand openings
At least 300 fpm with well baffled air
Blast cleaning rooms
inlets
Rotary blast cleaning tables 200-250 fpm at the access opening
Abrasive separators 200-250 fpm at all openings
Bucket elevators
Other accessory abrasive handling
equipment including blast cleaning
drums and barrels
11.3 Open Air Blasting
 Ventilation for open air blasting work is not needed. Provide and ensure use
of personal protective equipment for the abrasive blaster.
11.4 Blast Cleaning Nozzles
Make sure nozzles are all of the following:

1. Mounted on a support when not in use
2. Equipped with operating valves that are manually held open
3. Pressurized tanks used to supply abrasive should be connected to the
manual control of the nozzle to prevent the buildup of static charges
4. The relief valve or opening should be located so that it can safely vent
11.5 Inspection and Maintenance
o Make sure the exhaust ventilation system is fully operational by checking the
static pressure drop at the exhaust ducts leading from the equipment when
an installation is completed and annually after installation.
o Repair or clean exhaust systems when dust leaks are found or the pressure
drop gauge indicates a change exceeding 20 percent.
o Use an abrasive separator to separate larger particles for reuse on
installations where abrasive is recirculated.
o Set up dust collecting equipment to:
 Empty and remove accumulated dust without contaminating work areas
 Discharge the air used in blast cleaning equipment
o Dispose of fine dust from dry collectors by:
 Emptying and transporting the fine dust in enclosed containers
 Using a sluice with a wetting process to contain the dust
12. Personal decontamination and skin care
o Provide warm water, mild skin cleansers, and soft paper or fabric towels for
drying. Avoid abrasive cleansers.
o Provide pre-work skin creams, which will make it easier to wash dirt from
the skin.
o Provide after-work creams to replenish skin oils.
13. Training and supervision

o Tell workers about the hazards associated with their work.
o Provide workers with training on:
working safely with hazardous substances.
when and how to use controls.
how to check they are working.
Have a procedure to check that control measures are in place and being
followed.
Involve managers and supervisors in health and safety training.
Provide training to abrasive blasters and support personnel on blasting health and
safety hazards, how to use controls, personal hygiene practices, safe work
practices and the use of PPE and respirators.
Manufacturers are required to include appropriate health hazard information on
the blasting materials on safety data sheets (SDS) as required under OSHA’s
Hazard Communication standard.
Obtain and read the manufacturer’s SDS for health hazard information on the
abrasive blasting material you are using.
WARNING
THE NOISE FROM ABRASIVE BLASTING MAY PREVENT PERSONNEL FROM

HEARING EMERGENCY ALARMS. AN ACTION PLAN, TO ALERT THOSE
INVOLVED, SHALL BE FORMULATED BEFORE WORK STARTS.
o Where respiratory protection is required, a dedicated supply of breathing air shall be

provided for the operator.
WARNING
PLANT AIR SHALL NOT BE USED ON ANY PROCESS ASSOCIATED WITH

ABRASIVE BLASTING OR INDUSTRIAL COATING (BREATHING, BLASTING OR
PAINTING).
o The blasting operator shall have direct control of the flow of abrasive material through
the nozzle. A positive, fast acting emergency cut-off device (dead man control) shall be
fitted at the nozzle end of the abrasive blasting hose to automatically cut off the flow of
abrasive material from the blast pot if the person operating the nozzle becomes unable
to control the flow of abrasive material through the nozzle.
Note: Flow control using a manually operated ball valve or similar worn on the blasting
operator's belt is not automatic and is not acceptable as an emergency cut-off device.
 All possible precautions shall be taken to limit the drift of dust. Wind direction and
changes in wind direction shall be considered.
 Other personnel working in the area shall be notified.
 Short-term entry into the exclusion zone is acceptable if appropriate respiratory
protection and hearing protection is worn
 Abrasive blasting equipment (including the nozzle) shall be grounded to prevent static
electricity build up.
 The hose shall not pass near hazardous areas, since sparks caused by static build up could
ignite flammable vapours.
 The area shall be cleaned and damped down at the end of each work day to prevent the
risk of:
 dust contamination,
 inhalation of respirable dusts,
 eye injuries,
 equipment damage, and
 blocked drains.
 Washing facilities shall be provided.
 Abrasive blasting residue shall be cleaned up daily.

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Al-Jaber International Company

Abrasive Blasting Program

Revision History ................................................................................................................................... 1

 all workplaces where abrasive blasting is being carried out;

3.Occupational Safety and Health Act and Regulations

 co-operate with their employer in regard to matters of safety and health.

Risk assessments typically will be performed by an assessment team made up of project

Examples of Coatings Removed in Blasting Operations

Types of Coatings Examples of Coatings Other Information

6.Access to work area

 Set up an exclusion zone. Separate it off and post warning signs.

 Use sheeting where there is a risk of abrasive or dust spreading. Maintain it

 Allow access to authorised and appropriately trained people only.

 Limit the number of people near the work.

7.Personal Protective Equipment:

o Provide protective gloves and footwear.

o Provide storage for PPE to prevent damage or contamination when not in

o Keep any PPE cleaned and replace at recommended intervals.

o Use a contract laundry or a suitable equivalent to wash work clothing. Don’t

Short, intermittent or occasional dust

8. Respiratory protective equipment (RPE)

o the shelf-life expiry date has passed;

9.Equipment and procedures

 Use a ‘silica free’ abrasive material, ie containing less than 1% silica.

10. Blast Cleaning Enclosures

There two basic types of enclosures in abrasive blasting:

1) Blasting Cabinet: An enclosure where the operator stands outside, operating

2) Blast Cleaning Room: A complete enclosure in which abrasive blasting is

If you have Then make sure

11. Specific Operating Requirements

11.1 Blasting Cabinets

 Ventilation is required so that there is a continuous flow of air into all

11.2 Blast Cleaning Rooms

 Static pressure drop at exhaust ducts is to be measured after installation

Blast Cleaning Enclosures and Recommended Air Velocitie

11.3 Open Air Blasting

11.4 Blast Cleaning Nozzles

Make sure nozzles are all of the following:

11.5 Inspection and Maintenance

12. Personal decontamination and skin care

13. Training and supervision

THE NOISE FROM ABRASIVE BLASTING MAY PREVENT PERSONNEL FROM

o Where respiratory protection is required, a dedicated supply of breathing air shall be

PLANT AIR SHALL NOT BE USED ON ANY PROCESS ASSOCIATED WITH

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