Hydroblasting is an effective cleaning method that uses pressurized water to remove debris and restore surfaces to their original operating condition. It’s often used in industrial facilities, such as heavy machinery, but it can also be applied to residential homes or businesses.
Despite its usefulness, hydro blasting can pose serious safety risks. To ensure your operation is as safe as it can be, you need to know about these hazards and take steps to mitigate them before using this equipment on site.
An Overview of Hydroblasting Equipment
Hydroblasting is a method of cleaning or removing paint, rust, corrosion, and other materials from surfaces by blasting them with high-pressure water mixed with abrasive grits. The equipment used to perform this task is called a hydro blast machine or simply a “hydro blast.”
Hydroblasting services often remove paint or rust from vehicles, boats, and other equipment. The process can also clean concrete surfaces before applying a new coat of paint or stain.
The most common hydro blast machine uses pressurized air to propel the mixture through its nozzle at up to 100 psi (pounds per square inch). Other types use compressed air or steam as an energy source instead of pressurized air.
There are three main types of hydro-blasting equipment: rotary wheel guns; fixed guns; and portable units with wheels attached so they can be towed behind vehicles such as tractors or trucks.
The Hazards of Hydroblasting
Hydroblasting is a method of cleaning surfaces, but it can be dangerous. Knowing the risks associated with this process is essential if you’re considering hydro blasting in your business.
Here are some of the hazards of hydrographic blasting:
- Eye injuries. The force and speed at which water moves through these systems can cause severe damage if not handled properly or protected against by goggles or other eye protection devices (EPDs).
- Skin burns from hot fluids or chemicals used in cleaning solutions like acid or alkaline cleaners; skin irritation from exposure to abrasive particles in sandblasting materials such as glass beads; inhalation injuries caused by breathing dust particles released during cleaning operations.
Safety Measures to Consider When Using Hydroblasting Equipment
Avoid working in enclosed spaces, such as tunnels or confined areas that are not large enough to allow you to get away from the blast stream if something goes wrong.
If you must work in such an area, make sure that there is a means of escape, such as an exit door or window with no obstructions blocking it (such as equipment), so that you can quickly leave if the need arises.
Use a hose reel to reduce exposure to the blast stream by wrapping up hoses after use and storing them out of the reach of others who may unintentionally cut themselves on them while working nearby.
Also, ensure that all other items used during hydro blasting operations have been placed away from foot traffic areas, so people don’t trip over them while walking around outside their typical paths through certain parts of buildings/structures being cleaned up using this method.
Hydro blasting can be safe and effective with proper safety measures.
Hydroblasting is used in many industries, including automotive manufacturing and construction. The safety measures you take before beginning your hydro blasting operation will determine how safe it is for everyone involved in the project.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that everyone stays safe:
- Always wear protective gear when working with or around hydro blasts, primarily eye protection!
- Suppose any debris finds its way into your eyes while wearing proper eyewear. In that case, it could cause severe damage to your vision or even blindness if not treated immediately by medical professionals.
- Keep children away from sites where hydro blasting occurs; this includes areas where chemicals have been spilled on concrete floors because they could ingest them through their bare feet!
