ABRASIVE BLASTING SAFETY TOOLBOX TALK
Both operators and nearby workers can be exposed to significant energy during blasting.
Control of high-velocity abrasive, dust, noise and pressurised-equipment hazards.
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Toolbox Topic
ABRASIVE BLASTING SAFETY TOOLBOX TALK
Duration
8–10 minutes
Date
Site / Area
Supervisor
Company
Participants
Document No
OBJECTIVE
Control high-velocity particles, respirable dust, noise, pressurised hoses and restricted visibility during abrasive blasting.
WHY IT MATTERS
Abrasive particles strike surfaces at high velocity and can severely injure exposed skin and eyes.
Blasting dust can harm the respiratory system and affect people outside the immediate work area.
Pressurised blasting hoses can whip violently after connection failure.
REALISTIC SITE SCENARIO
A worker briefly entered the exclusion zone outside a blasting enclosure.
The blasting operator had restricted visibility and did not see the person.
Physical barricades, controlled access and communication would have prevented the exposure.
REMEMBER
Unauthorised entry into the blasting zone is an immediate stop-work condition.
KEY HAZARDS
High-velocity abrasive striking the body.
Heavy dust and respirable-particle exposure.
Very high noise levels.
Pressurised blasting hose rupture or whipping.
Restricted operator visibility.
Inadequate respiratory protection.
Static or electrical accumulation.
Unauthorised entry into the blasting zone.
CONTROLS
Fully barricade the blasting area and control entry.
Provide an appropriate blasting hood and supplied-air respiratory system.
Confirm health hazards associated with the abrasive media.
Inspect hose, nozzle, deadman control and couplings before use.
Install suitable safety locks and restraints on pressurised connections.
Control dust using enclosure, ventilation or other approved methods.
Mark noise zones and provide hearing protection.
Provide reliable communication between operator and attendant.
Never bypass or tie down the deadman control.
Fully depressurise equipment before intervention.
SUPERVISOR MESSAGE
Team, blasting involves continuous high energy and limited operator visibility. We will fully control the area, keep the deadman system functional and use the required respiratory protection.
TEAM QUESTIONS
Is the blasting area fully isolated?
Is respiratory protection suitable?
Does the deadman control work?
Have hoses and couplings been inspected?
Is the noise zone identified?
How will communication with the operator be maintained?
FIELD VERIFICATION
Area barricaded
Access controlled
Blasting hood suitable
Breathing air suitable
Hose undamaged
Couplings secured
Deadman functional
Dust control provided
Hearing protection provided
Crew briefed
ATTENDANCE AND APPROVAL
Project / Site
Date
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Work area
Attendance and Signature
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Supervisor Signature
HSE Approval
SERNEM HSE Resource – Permit conditions, risk assessments and site procedures take priority.