Sand / Shot Blasting
Introduction
Sand blasting is also called “Abrasive blasting”. “Blasting” means cleaning, smoothing, roughening or removing of any part of the surface of any article by the use as an abrasive of a jet of sand, metal shot or grit or other material which is propelled by a blast of compressed air or steam.
Prohibition: Sand or any other substance containing free Silica shall not be introduced as an abrasive into any blasting apparatus and shall not be used for blasting.
Precautions in connection with blasting operations: Blasting shall not be done except in a blasting enclosure and no work other than blasting to be done. Clearing and repairing of the enclosure including the plant and appliances situated shall be kept closed and airtight while blasting is being done.
Blasting enclosure shall always be maintained in good condition and effective measures shall be taken to prevent dust escaping from such enclosure, and from apparatus connected therewith, into air of any room.
There shall be provided connection with every blasting enclosure. Abrasive which has been used for blasting (for 1st and 2nd time also) shall not to be introduced into any blasting apparatus again.
The dust extracted and removed shall be disposed of as per policies.
Inspection and Examination: every blasting enclosure shall be specially inspected by a competent person at least once in every week in which it is used for blasting. Every blasting enclosure, the apparatus connected therewith and the ventilating plant shall be thoroughly examined and in the case of ventilating plant, tested by a competent person at least once in every month.
Provision of protective Helmets, Gauntlets and Overalls: Medical examination by the Certifying Surgeon: Every worker employed in any of the processes to which this schedule shall be examined by a Certifying Surgeon within 15 days of his 1st employment i.e. pulmonary function tests (Lung’s test) and chest X-rays. No worker shall be allowed to work after 15 days of his 1st employment in the factory unless certified fit for such employment by the Certifying Surgeon. Such workers shall be re-examined at least once in every 12 calendar months. Pulmonary functions test and X-ray to be examined once in every 3 years.
Restrictions in Employment of Young Persons: No person under 18 years of age shall be employed in blasting or assisting at blasting or in any blasting chamber or in the cleaning of any blasting apparatus or any blasting enclosure or any apparatus or ventilating plant connected with or be employed on maintenance or repair work at such apparatus, enclosure or plant.