Protecting Workers from the Hazards of Abrasive Blasting Materials Abrasive blasting uses compressed air or water to direct a high velocity stream of an abrasive material to clean an object or surface, remove burrs, apply a texture, or prepare a surface for the application of paint or other type of coating. Employers must protect workers from hazardous dust levels and toxic metals that may be generated from both the blasting material and the underlying substrate and coatings being blasted. This fact sheet provides information on abrasive blasting material, health hazards, and methods to protect workers.
Abrasive Blasting Materials
The decision to use a certain type of abrasive material can depend on factors such as cost, job specifications, environment, and worker health.
Commonly used abrasive materials:
Silica sand (crystalline)
Coal slag
Garnet sand
Nickel slag
Copper slag
Glass (beads or crushed)
Steel shot
Steel grit
Specular hematite (iron ore)
Alternative, less toxic blasting materials include:
Ice cubes
Dry ice
Plastic bead media
Sponge
Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)
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Abrasive blasting creates high levels of dust. Photo courtesy
of NIOSH.
Ground walnut shells, ground corn cob and other biodegradable materials
High pressure water
**** CAUTION ****
Abrasive blasting creates high levels of noise that can cause substantial hearing loss. Always wear hearing protection. Employers must administer a hearing conservation program as required by the
OSHA Occupational Noise standard.
Health Hazards
Abrasive blasting operations can create high levels of dust and noise. Abrasive material and the surface being blasted may contain
toxic materials (e.g., lead paint, silica) that are hazardous to workers.
Silica sand (crystalline) can cause silicosis, lung cancer, and breathing problems in exposed workers.
Coal slag and garnet sand may cause lung damage similar to silica sand (based on preliminary animal testing).
Copper slag, nickel slag, and glass (crushed or beads) also have the potential to cause lung damage.
Steel grit and shot have less potential to cause lung damage.
Slags can contain trace amounts of toxic metals such as arsenic, beryllium, and cadmium.
