Abrasive Blasting

Q:What are the PPE requirements when abrasive blasting?

A: 1910.94(a)(5)(ii) Abrasive-blasting respirators shall be worn by all abrasive-blasting operators:

1910.94(a)(5)(v) Operators shall be equipped with heavy canvas or leather gloves and aprons or equivalent protection to protect them from the impact of abrasives. Safety shoes shall be worn to protect against foot injury where heavy pieces of work are handled.

1910.94(a)(5)(v)(b) Equipment for protection of the eyes and face shall be supplied to the operator when the respirator design does not provide such protection and to any other personnel working in the vicinity of abrasive blasting operations. This equipment shall conform to the requirements of 1910.133.

Also don’t forget hearing protection!

Abrasive Blasting

Q: What are the exit requirements regarding fire and blasting booths?

A: 1910.94(a)(3)(i)(e)(1) Doors shall be flanged and tight when closed.

1910.94(a)(3)(i)(e)(2) Doors on blast-cleaning rooms shall be operable from both inside and outside, except that where there is a small operator access door, the large work access door may be closed or opened from the outside only.

1910.94(c)(3)(ii) Unobstructed walkways shall not be less than 6 1/2 feet high and shall be maintained clear of obstruction from any work location in the booth to a booth exit or open booth front. In booths where the open front is the only exit, such exits shall be not less than 3 feet wide. In booths having multiple exits, such exits shall not be less than 2 feet wide, provided that the maximum distance from the work location to the exit is 25 feet or less. Where booth exits are provided with doors, such doors shall open outward from the booth.

To help paraphrase, you must ensure your doors are flanged and tight when closed.  The doors must open outward from the booth.  These doors need to be installed one every 25 feet or less.  If you have multiple doors the doors only need to be 2 feet wide, but if you only have one door that door needs to be at least three feet wide.