Sandblasting Nozzles Safety

Follow the best practices to insure sandblasting nozzles safety

By Steven A. Ottem
Sandblasting nozzle safety requires a combination of common sense and the right equipment. Whether you are using a sandblaster nozzle for etching glass, preparing your classic car for a paint job or working in an industrial setting, you need to be aware of the safety and health issues involved with using sand blasting nozzles.

There are many hazards of using a sandblast nozzle. High speed particles can damage the eyes, excessive noise can damage the ears, and fine particles can damage the lungs if inhaled. As you search for the best methods to protect yourself and others while using a nozzle for sandblasting, keep in mind the following aspects:

1. The media you use plays a big part in the safe operation of your sandblaster nozzle.

2. The particles that escape your sandblasting area may be hazardous to others.

3. The clothes you wear while sandblasting will carry residue from your sandblasting nozzle and may be hazardous to you and others.

 

Familiarize yourself with safety requirements for industrial sandblast nozzles

If your employment involves the use of sand blast nozzles or requires you to be in the vicinity of sandblasting operations, you need to be aware of the dangers and the safety requirements your employer must provide. Your primary consideration should be for your lungs, as sandblasting operations produce a fine dust that is harmful when inhaled.
Try: Manley Brothers provides a good discussion from the worker's perspective of safety equipment you should have to avoid the dangers of using a sandblast nozzle. The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has a brief overview of sandblasting nozzles safety issues for employers and links to several PDF files on various safety issues. "Safe Sandblast Cleaning" and "NIOSH Respirator User Notices" are two you will want to read, but there are others addressing the safe use of sandblast nozzles.

Protect yourself when using a sandblasting nozzle for your hobby

Sandblasting nozzles are great ways to prepare a metal surface for painting. You may be considering the use of one in your hobby. You must be aware of the safety issues when using the sandblast nozzle for fun the same as you would if it were your work.
Try: MIG Welding addresses the safety issue of dust particles escaping from the site where the sandblasting nozzle is in use, and it provides information on the proper personal safety equipment you should use. Toolboxtopics.com presents a thorough discussion of safety issues caused by airborne dust particles from sandblast nozzle use. The article includes a list of safety equipment needed, including clothing and different types of respirators and filters.

Look for safety equipment and sandblast nozzles for sale

Safety equipment for when you are using your sandblasting nozzle can be as simple as hood, respirator, coveralls and gloves. Or you can opt for a self-contained system with its own nozzle and filters that will prevent particles from escaping into the air and can help you recycle your sandblasting media. Sandblasting nozzle manufacturers usually have a system to help you get your job done safely.
Try: Norton Sandblasting Equipment lists a good selection of suits and gloves and a hood and respirator system. In addition to suits and hoods, Anderson Sales Inc. offers enclosed sandblasting systems from cabinet models to an entire sandblasting room that will confine dangerous particles.