Is sandblasting dangerous? Yes, it is.
So are many other things done to excess or incorrectly. As time goes by we learn from the past, hopefully. Sandblasting dangers have been improved greatly by using better equipment and also having some strict rules for the use of blasting media. Dry Sandblasting outdoors is no longer suitable as there is a better way.
Free Silica and Silicosis
When Silica sand impacts something at a high speed it breaks into fine particles of Crystalline Silica. These particles when inhaled can end up in the deepest parts of the lung. The particles can then cause inflammation and scarring in the form of nodular lesions. Silicosis is known as an Occupational Disease which means that it results from repeated or prolonged exposure. It is also identified as a disease that is totally avoidable. Respirators and breathing equipment has improved over the years and can safely protect workers from immediate dangers
Government Regulations to Avoid Silicosis
Regulations governing the use of silica sands in blasting processes have also helped our industry. Though the dangers of Crystalline Silica dust were known to be hazardous to your health in the early 1900s. The United Kingdoms’ 1949 ban on Silica sand as an abrasive was followed by European Countries in 1966. Australian states did not start banning the use of sand in sandblasting until 1959.
NSW was the first to ban the practice of blasting sand and most states followed some time after that.
Victoria, however, did not effect a ban until a further 43 years later!
January 1st, 2002 was the official date that Victoria banned the practice of blasting sand at high pressure.
We are fortunate now that we can use other media for blasting purposes. Garnet, crushed glass and other materials that do not produce silicates after impacting the job. All sandblasting must be done in a closed and sealed booth or cabinet. On top of that, there is the issue of what you are blasting and what is coming off the job.
This is where dustless blasting steps in
Dry blasting is safe if you do it correctly and take proper precautions for yourself and the public. However, out in the field, there is a better option. Incorporating water into the blasting process dramatically reduces the sandblasting dangers of free dust. Trapping the dust in a small droplet of water, the droplets fall to the ground far quicker than the dust particle on its own. All contaminants and waste are cleaned up and removed before the job is completed. Another important aspect of adding water is its ability to cool down the impact zone (think evaporative cooling) which means any particles leaving the surface are also cool. Hot dry dust will rise quickly whereas cool wet dust will fall to the ground more quickly.
This allows us to safely remove materials like old house paints and marine antifoul without the need to use expensive containment measures.
Public health and safety is not just something we take seriously. It is a requirement by law that we use best practice methods and our specialized blasting units are just that.
Advantages we offer over sandblasting
You no longer have to seal and dustproof your house, boat, and other assets from the drifting dust.
- We can take antifoul off a boat while it is right next to other boats and neither have to seal the cabins or wash the decks after the job.
- Stripping cars, trucks and boats right in your driveway or panel shop.
- Other trades continue to work on the same site with blasting operations.
- Blasting farm and earthmoving machinery out in the field
- Clean factory floors with minimal disruption to production
Transporting your project to a sandblasting booth is no longer a consideration. We come to the project!
Mobility
One of the best advantages we have over traditional sandblasting is our mobility.
We travel to your location! We can also set up our machine up to 70m from the actual job.
This means we can cater for small jobs on a large property with limited access or a massive job in a restricted space.
Located at the southern end of East Link freeway.
Servicing just about anywhere in the Greater Melbourne area in a short time.
We travel around both Port Phillip and Westernport bays and into Gippsland.
Surface preparation and preservation
Another sandblasting danger is the generated heat without an experienced operator which can warp your base surface.
The desired goal for your project is ruined before it is finished.
Imagine finding the perfectly straight bonnet for your historic muscle car only to have it look like a wave pool after it is blasted.
The moisture added to the mixture actually cools the impact zone so the surface stays straight and warp-free.
We can change the abrasive media, adjust the flow of the abrasive and change the blasting pressure at the nozzle.
This lets us customise the process to your specific needs and materials.
Anything from heavy plate steel down to aluminium car panels are all candidates for our service.
With the right combination of media, flows, and pressures we can give you a surface that is ready to paint the same day. In most cases, we can have your project blasted, cleaned and paint ready on the same day.
All at your location!
