Years ago, many sandblasting businesses used sand—often referred to as silica sand or play sand—because it was very cheap, costing only pennies per pound. At that time, appropriate personal respiratory protection was often inadequate by today’s standards. The low cost of sand made switching to safer, more advanced abrasives seem impractical or not cost-effective.
Today, while some businesses continue to use sand, many—especially larger companies with safety departments—have moved away from it due to concerns about employee health risks and the possibility of enforcement actions by OSHA and other regulatory agencies. Even smaller sandblasting businesses are increasingly seeking ways to enhance the safety and comfort of their operators.
The primary issue we’ve observed is that many employers and operators are not fully informed about the requirements of the standards. Interpretations of the Silica Standard vary widely, and many abrasive suppliers offer their own interpretations of this and other OSHA standards to promote their products while highlighting the potential hazards of competing options. It can be quite challenging to ensure you’re doing right by your employees while also staying compliant with OSHA standards. With that in mind, we’ll delve into the OSHA Silica Standard to provide some clarity for sandblasters. As always, we recommend that you carefully review all relevant OSHA safety standards before determining the best course of action.
The OSHA Silica Standard (29 CFR 1926.1153) plays a crucial role in safeguarding workers involved in sandblasting operations, particularly those exposed to respirable crystalline silica. Sandblasting with silica can release harmful dust into the air, posing serious health risks, including lung disease and cancer. To protect workers, the standard outlines several key components that employers must follow to reduce exposure and ensure a safe work environment.
No matter the abrasive blasting method or material used, we strongly recommend always wearing appropriate respiratory protection. At Rodeco, we trust the RPB Safety / GVS NOVA 3 Blast Respirator, paired with a Breathing Air filter and a CO/Gas Monitor for added safety. For more details on these safety measures, feel free to contact Rodeco Metal Finishing at 800-849-0871. We’re here to help!
The OSHA Silica Standard (29 CFR 1926.1153) lays out clear guidelines to protect workers from harmful silica dust exposure, especially in sandblasting operations. It sets a permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air over an 8-hour workday. Employers are required to monitor silica levels through air assessments and implement control methods like water or ventilation systems to reduce dust. When those aren’t enough, respiratory protection is a must. Housekeeping is also key—no dry sweeping allowed! Instead, employers must use vacuum or wet cleaning to keep dust at bay. Training workers on the risks, PPE, and recognizing symptoms is also essential, along with providing regular medical exams for those exposed to silica at or above the action level. All of this is backed by meticulous recordkeeping to stay compliant and safe. So, whether you’re blasting away or just keeping your work environment dust-free, these standards ensure that safety is always part of the process.
If you’re looking for a deeper dive into each of these requirements, we’ve broken them down for you below. Since there are different interpretations of what OSHA really means for abrasive blasters, we’ll go through each element of the standard to clarify things. We highly suggest you do your own research to determine what is best for you and your workers.
The standard sets a clear permissible exposure limit (PEL) for silica dust at 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air (50 µg/m³), averaged over an 8-hour workday. This limit ensures that workers are not exposed to harmful levels of silica dust, minimizing the risk of health problems such as silicosis. Employers must monitor silica exposure levels to ensure that the PEL is not exceeded.
Employers are responsible for assessing and monitoring the silica levels in the workplace to determine if the PEL is exceeded. This involves regular air monitoring to measure silica concentrations and ensure compliance. Employers are required to maintain accurate records of air monitoring results for future reference and inspections.
To minimize exposure, employers must implement engineering controls like water systems or ventilation to reduce dust during sandblasting operations. These methods help to suppress or capture the silica dust before it becomes airborne. When engineering controls cannot fully mitigate exposure, administrative controls and changes in work practices are also necessary. This includes rotating workers to limit their time in high-exposure areas to reduce the cumulative exposure to silica dust.
In cases where engineering and administrative controls cannot reduce silica exposure below the PEL, employers must provide workers with appropriate respirators. Respirators should be chosen based on the specific needs of the operation and the levels of exposure. Workers must be trained in the proper use of respirators, ensuring that they are worn correctly to effectively protect against inhaling silica dust.
Effective housekeeping practices are essential for controlling dust accumulation in the workplace. Employers must implement cleaning methods that prevent the spread of silica dust, such as using vacuum systems or wet cleaning methods. Dry sweeping is prohibited because it can stir up dust into the air, increasing the risk of exposure. Routine cleaning helps maintain a safer environment and reduces the likelihood of dust exposure.
Employers are required to provide training to workers on the health risks associated with silica exposure and the necessary control measures. Workers must understand the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and the importance of reducing their exposure to silica. Additionally, workers should be educated on recognizing symptoms of silica-related diseases and how to protect themselves on the job.
For workers exposed to silica at or above the action level (25 µg/m³ averaged over an 8-hour workday), employers must provide medical examinations. These exams typically include chest X-rays and lung function tests to monitor workers’ health and detect early signs of exposure-related diseases. Regular medical surveillance helps identify health issues before they become serious, allowing for early intervention.
Employers are responsible for maintaining comprehensive records related to silica exposure. This includes air monitoring results, medical surveillance records, and training documentation. Keeping accurate records is essential for ensuring compliance with the standard and for identifying trends in exposure over time.
By adhering to these guidelines set forth by OSHA’s Silica Standard, employers can significantly reduce the risk of silica-related health issues for workers involved in sandblasting operations. Proper implementation of control methods, ongoing training, and regular medical surveillance are essential steps in creating a safer, healthier workplace.
In conclusion, while silica sand might have been the go-to in the past, the risks it poses to worker health are not worth the low cost anymore. Fortunately, the OSHA Silica Standard (29 CFR 1926.1153) provides somewhat clear guidelines to keep your team safe while sandblasting, from monitoring exposure levels to using the right respiratory protection. At Rodeco Metal Finishing, we’ve got your back with top-of-the-line safety equipment like the RPB Safety / GVS NOVA 3 Blast Respirator, ensuring your workers stay safe while they work hard. Need more info or a demo? Give us a call at 800-849-0871—your safety is our business!
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