Abrasive blasting generates heavy dust loads, including respirable crystalline silica, metal oxides and paint residues. Protecting operators demands layered controls: prevent dust escape, control airborne particulate, and provide reliable PPE. The aim is simple—keep exposure well below Workplace Exposure Limits while maintaining productivity.

Set up the work zone and airflows

Enclose the blasting area where possible and create a defined clean line for entry. Use directional airflow so contaminated air moves away from the operator’s breathing zone and towards extraction. Position air scrubbers to draw air across the work, not past the operator’s face. Focus on airflow under load, not free-air figures, and maintain a slight negative pressure to stop migration into adjacent spaces. Where continuous ambient control is needed, a unit such as a MAXVAC Dustblocker can provide recirculating filtration for fine airborne dusts.

Choose and manage operator PPE

Where blasting is undertaken, select air-fed masks to provide consistent breathing protection. Ensure the air supply is clean, dry and routinely tested; protect the airline from kinks and contamination. Fit testing, daily pre-use checks, and clear change-out rules for visors, seals and filters are essential. Keep a log of inspections and train operators to recognise compromised airflow or damaged components.

Capture at source where you can

Reduce dust liberation by using wet or vapour-enhanced blasting media where the process allows. Adjust nozzle distance and pressure to minimise rebound. Where vacuum recovery heads are available, connect to appropriately rated extraction and verify capture with simple smoke or talc tests. Keep media and waste contained; cover skips and seal transfer routes.

Control airborne dust and housekeeping

Supplement source control with local exhaust ventilation or negative air machines sized for the enclosure. Select H14 filtration when dealing with fine or carcinogenic dusts and maintain pre-filters to avoid rapid loading. For clean-up, avoid sweeping and compressed air; use industrial H-class vacuums with antistatic hoses and dispose of waste in sealed bags. Provide a simple two-stage decontamination: vacuum down PPE before leaving, then remove outer layers in a defined buffer zone.

Verification and adjustment

Use a particulate monitor to spot peaks during blasting and adjust controls in real time—tweak airflow direction, add an extra pre-filter, or slow the process. Keep brief task notes so peaks can be tied to actions and corrected.

Practical takeaways

• Plan enclosure, airflow direction and slight negative pressure before work starts.
• Use air-fed masks with tested breathing air and routine fit/functional checks.
• Reduce dust at source with wet or vacuum-assisted blasting where possible.
• Deploy air scrubbers/LEV with correct filter class; maintain pre-filters.
• Clean with H-class vacuums; no sweeping or compressed air.
• Verify with a PM meter and record quick adjustments that worked.

Layering controls keeps exposures low and work efficient. With thoughtful airflow, disciplined PPE management and disciplined housekeeping, blasting can be both effective and compliant.