Sand Blasting in London | The Different Types of PPE Used During Sand Blasting Operations
Sand blasting is a powerful surface preparation technique used on a variety of construction, manufacturing and restoration projects. It is highly effective, but it can also be hazardous to our operatives if not undertaken with proper care. For projects in London, the team at Surrey Industrial Blasting ensures every team member is equipped with personal protective equipment (PPE) before the job can begin.
This blog post explores the essential PPE worn during sand blasting operations in London and explains how each piece of equipment can be used to protect our talented workforce from any potential harm.
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Why PPE is Vital During Sand Blasting
Sand blasting involves the high-pressure projection of an abrasive material against surfaces to remove paint, rust, grime or other contaminants. This process inevitably generates airborne particles, including fine dust and debris, which can pose serious health risks if inhaled or if they come into contact with the skin or the eyes.
Where environmental control and safety compliance are critical, PPE is not just a recommendation; it is a legal operational necessity.
Surrey Industrial Blasting takes every precaution to ensure our team can perform safely and efficiently when working in London.
Blast Helmets and Respiratory Protection
At the core of our PPE set-up is the blast helmet. These helmets are designed specifically for sand blasting environments and can provide full head, face and respiratory protection. Equipped with a built-in air supply and filtered breathing system, these helmets can prevent operatives from inhaling the harmful dust from abrasive materials.
On fast-paced London worksites, where air quality can be compromised during blasting, this level of respiratory defence is essential.
Protective Overalls and Blast Suits
Our operatives wear durable, abrasive-resistant blast suits that are essentially overalls, and which are purpose-built to shield the body from rebounding particles. These suits are commonly made from thick materials such as leather or heavy-duty cotton with reinforced seams to ensure complete coverage of the body and to protect operatives.
When conducting sand blasting in London, these garments are crucial for protecting the skin from abrasions and from irritation.
Gloves and Hand Protection
The hands are frequently exposed during sand blasting operations, so industrial-grade gloves form a key part of our main PPE ensemble. An operative uses gauntlet-style gloves made from leather or neoprene, providing both dexterity and robust protection while working.
On sites in London where precision work is often required in spaces with less access, gloves help to balance safety and control.
Safety Footwear
Sturdy, steel-toe safety boots with anti-slip soles are mandatory on all of Surrey Industrial Blasting’s projects in London. These boots protect the feet against falling objects, sharp debris and uneven surfaces, which are all common risks found on sand blasting sites.
Added ankle support also reduces the likelihood of trips and falls, which is extremely important within any active working zone.
Hearing Protection
While not always discussed, hearing protection is another critical aspect of our PPE protocol. Sand blasting equipment produces noise levels that exceed safe exposure limits. As a company, we have a responsibility to our personnel and to the areas that we work in.
Ear defenders or in-ear plugs are routinely worn by our operatives when working in London to help prevent long-term hearing damage.
Eye Protection
Although blast helmets provide integral eye protection, there might be instances, such as during equipment set-up or maintenance, where additional eye protection is required. Safety goggles with anti-fog and impact-resistant lenses ensure better visibility and safety even in dusty environments in London or wherever sand blasting is used.
All personnel are supplied with safety equipment on joining up with our company, and any defective PPE is immediately replaced.
Surrey Industrial Blasting is committed to delivering an exceptional sand blasting service throughout London while maintaining a higher standard of health and safety. Our stringent use of PPE complies to all current HSE regulations but also reflects our ongoing dedication to protecting our workforce and, of course, others in the vicinity.
Whether you require sand blasting for industrial machinery, building façades or surface restoration in London, you can trust our team to complete work safely and efficiently with the correct PPE in place.