Sand Blasting Machine Safety Precautions

Sand blasting utilizes highly pressurized sand shot from a hose at high speeds. The purpose is to remove debris, paint, or graffiti from walls. The usefulness of sand blasting is apparent, but workers or owners of sand blasting technology need to take several precautions when using this machine. The high velocity and speed of the sand material is powerful enough to cause serious injury.

Improper Use

• Use sand blasting only on specific surfaces to remove stuck on objects. Brick walls, stucco, metal walls, and concrete are ideal for sand blasting. However, if a worker cannot control the high powered hose, the hose may accidentally target weaker parts of walls, such as windows, roofs, and wood. Supplemental equipment can help sand blasting machines clean off wood.

Neighbor Property Damage

• A neighbor's property can be in harm's way during sand blasting. For example, if you don't aim the sand blaster correctly at a building, debris may fly off and land on neighboring property, perhaps causing property damage. Notify the neighbors that you will be sand blasting. Private companies should also provide protective coverings over neighbors' properties to protect from falling debris.

Protective Gear

• All professional workers or sand blaster owners need to protect themselves in case there is a malfunction from the device. Even if the device is fine, the immense power of sand blasting and falling debris requires protective gear. Wear helmets, eye goggles, face masks and gloves for any sand blasting project. These items will protect a worker or the homeowner from debris harming face or lungs. Wear ear plugs to protect against loud sand blasting.

Before and During Sand Blasting

• Consistently monitor equipment when the worker or homeowner is sand blasting. Make sure the sand blaster tank is sitting on the ground while sand blasting. Sand blasters should not carry the device while sand blasting since the high pressure makes the tank hard to carry as it is on. Cleaning off the emergency safety switch so nothing hinders its movement is also crucial in case of an emergency.