Cleaning/smoothing/roughening of articles by a jet of sand, shot or grit propelled by compressed air or steam (abrasive / sand blasting)

A dangerous operation declared under Section 87 of the Factories Act 1948 — Rule 114(1) item 8 · Schedule VIII.

Medical surveillance (statutory)

Sch VIII para 11: everyone employed in blasting (or assisting/cleaning/maintaining the apparatus) examined by the Medical Inspector / Certifying Surgeon within 30 days of first employment (Form 7); if fit, certificate of fitness in Form 23; thereafter examined by the CS at intervals of twelve months (Form 7). Chest X-ray may be directed.

Hazard & health effects

Agent: Free-silica / abrasive blasting dust (silica-sand blasting is prohibited)

Health effects: Acute/accelerated silicosis; respiratory impairment; flying-grit eye/skin injury.

Controls & PPE

Engineering controls: Non-silica abrasive (silica sand prohibited); enclosed/automatic blasting cabinets; LEV; competent-person inspection of enclosures; chest X-ray facility.

PPE: Air-fed blasting helmet/hood with supplied breathing air; protective suit, gloves, boots.

This page is a statutory / occupational-health reference for factory Occupational Health Centres. It is not medical or legal advice. Verify against the current bare Act, Rules and your State amendments before acting.