Sanding, Sandblasting Safety Concerns

[Rudi]

One of the reasons why sandblasting is the method of least preference for me, schmibm brought up. Being a person who was raised in a Hard Rock Mining Town and whose Grandfather and Uncle both died of lung cancer (the provincial government will never admit to silicosis as it becomes a legal liablility issue for the province and the mines), and having Pulmonary Fibrosis myself, I have a lot of concerns for the side effects of the improper use of sandblasting equipment.

There has been a lot a talk about how to use catalyzed finishes and the protections needed to go that route. But many people forget that there are other methods of contracting that disease. Sandblasting is one of them. Sanding metal is another. Even sanding wood can cause it. Ask any cabinet maker. Improper safety precautions or the lack of them are the prime cause. Too many people sand without respirators and blast without sufficient breathing, eye or skin protection.

Black beauty (coal by-product), any of the silicates which includes sand, aluminum compounds and other media are all inherently dangerous as well, and this little nugget of info should be kept in mind. Be sure to use the proper blast cabinets with dust extraction, use a disposable body suit, hood shield and respirator when blasting any media. Use a respirator and eye protection when sanding metals as a minimum precaution.

So.. another reason for Electrolysis. It is the far safer method of many...

Yust me dos centavos.

[Jim Roy]

Rudi
Thanks for the reminder. When I rebuilt my cub. I sandblasted several parts. I used a respirator and the shield with long sleeves and high top boots. I know it was wrong now by not using a full suit.
Altho I used the respirator and shield I still got some dust in my nose. Don't thank I will use blasting again.
Jim

[John *.?-!.* cub owner]

I do a little sandblasting occasionally. My safety gear consists of a cartridge type respirator used for lead mining, a hood with faceplate, and I use a rain poncho to keep the sand and dust off my clothes. All seems to work pretty good. The full body suit is a good idea, but kind of tough to find one in my size (short and very round).

[schmibm]

Proper safety gear is a must for anyone sandblasting and painting.

[Tim Martin]

Proper personal protective equipment is a must for any job, including electrolysis. During electroysis, the washing soda solutions is alkaline and will irritate your skin and eyes. You should be wearing eye protection and rubber gloves. If any of the solution spills or is splashed onto your body you should rinse it off immediately. I also recommend having eye wash bottles or a source of clean water nearby in case you get any in your eyes.

[schmibm]

And imagine what would happen if the neighbors cat fell in the tank.

[Tim Martin]

And imagine what would happen if the neighbors cat fell in the tank.

Ahhh, I ain't responding to that here... I don't want to get another warning.

[George Willer]

The safest way I've found to do it is just load it all up and take it to Bruce. He or his crew takes all the risk and keeps all the mess. I usually have him put a primer coat on everything and then wait by the phone for him to call.

[Tim Martin]

Agreed.

[schmibm]

I still like it. I even noticed you have the RickP front hitch on there.

[Tim Martin]

I still like it. I even noticed you have the RickP front hitch on there.

That front hitch is nice, it makes life so easy when you have your Cub on a flat bed trailer. Especially after the new paint is on it and you are trying to keep it nice and shiny! I figured that it was on there and I am going to paint it red later on, might as well get it blasted too.

[CapeCodCubs]

I'm glad I checked this post out. I used to restore Truimph GT6s when I was in high school and sand blasted everything. I just started sandblasting the 48 and didn't use a respirator like I did when I was younger. How stupid can I get at times????? Thanks to everyone out here who chipped in with their safety comments. Someone gave me a blue tank so the electrolysis tank is in the works. Tim Martin....good advice about having eyewash handy. Can't find the words for my gratitude for all the smart advice!

CW