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Provide accommodations for end-of-shift showers and change areas with separate storage facilities for street clothes, protective clothing and equipment. Keep contaminated clothing and equipment out of the clean change area. Respiratory Protection An abrasive-blasting respirator must cover the wearer’s head, neck, and shoulders to protect the wearer from rebounding abrasive. Workers must use only respirators approved by NIOSH to provide protection from dusts produced during abrasive-blasting operations. Type CE NIOSH-certified blasting airline respirator with positive pressure blasting helmet. Support personnel involved in cleanup and other related activities may also need respiratory protection. When respirators are used, employers must establish a comprehensive respiratory protection program as required by the OSHA Protection standard (29 CFR 1910.134).

Personal Protective Equipment Hearing protection Eye and face protection Helmet Leather gloves that protect to full forearm and aprons (or coveralls) Safety shoes or boots Worker Training and Hazard Communication 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 (29 CFR 1910.1200). Obtain and read the manufacturer’s SDS for health hazard information on the abrasive blasting material you are using. For more information on abrasive blasting and control measures see: OSHA’s guidance document: “Abrasive Blasting Hazards inShipyard Employment” (2006); and eTool: Mechanical Removers (Ship Repair).

Disclaimer: This OSHA Fact Sheet provides a general overview of the requirements in OSHA standards related to abrasive blasting. It does not alter or determine compliance responsibilities in these standards or the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. Since interpretations and enforcement policy may change over time, the reader should consult current OSHA interpretations and decisions by the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission and the courts for additional guidance on OSHA compliance requirements.

This is one in a series of informational fact sheets highlighting OSHA programs, policies or standards. It does not impose any new compliance requirements. For a comprehensive list of compliance requirements of OSHA standards or regulations, refer to Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations. This information will be made available to sensory-impaired individuals upon request. The voice phone is (202) 693-1999; teletypewriter (TTY) number: (877) 889-5627.

DSG FS-3697 09/2014