According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the overall incidence rate of cases involving non-fatal occupational injury and illnesses which required absence from work to recuperate in 2014 was 107.1 cases for every 10,000 full-time workers. There were 1,157,410 days-away-from-work cases in state government, local government, and private industry. The same year, the preliminary total of fatal work injuries was 4,679.
Abrasive blasting is a job that comes with high risk of injury. Compressed air or water is used to direct a high-velocity stream of abrasive material to clean a surface or object, apply a texture, remove burrs or prepare a surface to apply paint or other types of coating.
It is vital for employers to make sure that they protect workers from toxic metals and hazardous dust levels that may be generated from both the underlying coatings and substrate being blasted and the blasting material.
Types of Abrasive Blasting Materials
The decision to use a specific type of abrasive blasting material depends on factors such as job specifications, cost, worker health, and environment. The most commonly used materials in abrasive blasting include:
- Silica sand
- Garnet sand
- Coal slag
- Copper slag
- Nickel slag
- Steel grit
- Steel shot
- Glass – crushed or beads
- Specular hematite (iron ore)
Alternative blasting materials that are less toxic include:
- Dry ice
- Sponge
- Plastic bead media
- Sodium bicarbonate, or baking soda
- Ground corn cob, ground walnut shells, and other biodegradable materials
- High pressure water
Health Hazards of Abrasive Blasting
Abrasive blasting operations can result in high levels of dust and noise. There may be toxic materials, such as silica, lead paint, etc. in abrasive material and the surface being blasted and these materials are hazardous to workers.
- Silica sand, or crystalline, can lead to lung cancer, silicosis and breathing problems in workers who are exposed.
- Garnet sand and coal slag may result in lung damage that is similar to silica sand.
- Copper slag, glass and nickel slag also have the potential to cause lung damage.
- Trace amounts of toxic metals such as beryllium, arsenic and cadmium can be found in slags.
Protecting Workers from Exposure to Abrasive Blasting Materials
Every abrasive blasting operation is unique and involves different blast materials, surfaces, coatings, and working conditions. Before operations begin, employers should make sure that hazards are identified and that a knowledgeable person who is trained to recognize hazards and quickly authorize taking corrective action to eliminate these hazards.
It is critical for employers to make sure that PPE (personal protective equipment) including respiratory protection, administrative and engineering controls, and training is provided to workers who are involved in abrasive blasting activities.
If you or a loved one is harmed in an abrasive blasting operation due to your employer’s negligence, you should immediately seek the help of a skilled and judicious personal injury attorney at Rosenberg, Minc, Falloff & Wolff of RMFW Law at 212-344-1000.
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