Sandblasting is the practice of shooting small sandblasting media through a handheld nozzle with compressed air or siphoned air. While sand is the traditional media used, hence the name sandblasting, many other sandblast media are available. These include walnut shells, garnet and copper slag. Each abrasive serves a different purpose. For example, sand is appropriate for sandblasting rust off an oil rig, while garnet is too fine for that purpose.
Even the smallest sandblasting media can cause serious injury to people or property. Therefore, it is imperative to know the proper techniques and safety methods to avoid injury when working with this sandblast media. Consider the following sandblasting abrasives education and training to ensure safe use of the equipment and media:
1. Take a class that teaches the techniques for the sandblasting abrasives your company uses.
2. Know the special considerations for sandblasting glass.
3. Learn and practice safety procedures for using sandblasting media and equipment.
Get hands on instruction to learn or improve techniques for working with sandblast media
Each type of sandblasting media has specific techniques that are appropriate for that type of media. Knowing the techniques and learning them in a hands-on setting is necessary to ensure safe use. This is especially true in industrial settings, where the sandblasting usually happens when other workers are near.
Learn appropriate techniques for using sandblasting media on glass
Sandblasting glass for the purpose of etching the glass or altering its look is popular in the home and office decor industry. Knowing the best techniques to make the designs you need for your clients a reality saves your company time and money. For example, using garnet as the sandblasting media produces very fine etching, while sand produces very course etchings.
Ensure safe use of sandblast media
Sandblast media is sometimes mixed. While this is usually a very safe practice, there are some special considerations when doing this. For example, sandblasting with a mixture of sand and walnut shells has a high range. This means that the particles will go farther when bouncing off the sandblasted item.
- When working in a sandblasting booth, ensure the booth enclosure is appropriate for the sandblasting media. For example, when using sand, a metal enclosure or hard plastic enclosure is most appropriate. A soft plastic enclosure, such as Visqueen, will rip or tear. You should also ensure proper ventilation.
