Are You Safe in Your Louisiana Shipyard Abrasive Blasting Job?

• Your employer has found and is using an alternative to dangerous silica sand as a blasting agent.
• Blasting cabinets, rooms or other temporary enclosures are used to eliminate exposure to operators and bystanders.
• All blasting enclosures are well ventilated.
• Wet methods of blasting are used whenever possible to reduce risk of exposure to toxic air. 
• All employees involved in shipyard abrasive blasting are required to practice good hygiene. Eating, drinking and smoking are prohibited by anyone in blasting areas. All employees shower and change clothes after work to protect their families and homes from toxic dust.
• Certified respirators of the correct type are used in and around all blasting operations. 
• Other personal protective equipment, including eye and face protection, protective helmets, heavy gloves and aprons, safety shoes or boots, hearing protectors and fall protection are provided and used on the blasting site.
• The air in enclosed workspaces is regularly tested, and measures are taken to reduce any exposure to heavy metals or other toxic elements.
• All employees involved in abrasive blasting are trained and made aware of how to control physical and health hazards.
• Blast hoses are equipped with safety devices to control static electricity, provide emergency shut-off, hose whip checking, and hose-coupling safety locks.