> Resource Hub / Blog / Staying safe in the blast booth: PPE and air quality essentials

Staying safe in the blast booth: PPE and air quality essentials

In a controlled blast booth environment, exposure to abrasive materials, dust, and noise is routine. Without the right safety measures in place, workers can suffer from long-term respiratory problems, hearing loss, and even physical injury. Proper blast room protection not only minimises health risks but also ensures compliance with workplace safety regulations.

High-quality PPE for blasting is the first line of defence. Here’s what your team should always wear in the blast booth:

• Blasting helmet with air supply: A CE-certified blasting helmet should provide full head and face protection and must be used with a clean, breathable air supply. It prevents inhalation of dust and flying particles while offering impact protection and visibility.
• Protective overalls or blast suits: Blast suits should be durable, abrasive-resistant, and flexible enough to allow for movement. Some suits come with additional padding for high-wear areas, protecting against ricocheting abrasive media.
• Gloves and safety boots: Heavy-duty gloves protect the hands from abrasive contact, while steel-toe safety boots help prevent foot injuries from falling objects and blast rebound.
• Hearing protection: Blasting operations are extremely loud. Blast helmets typically include integrated hearing protection, but additional protection – such as earplugs or earmuffs – may be required depending on the environment. Anyone working in or around a blast facility should use suitable hearing protection to guard against harmful noise levels, especially in enclosed blast booths where sound reverberates.

Poor air quality in blast booths can have serious health consequences. Dust, contaminants, and insufficient airflow can lead to chronic respiratory issues and reduce visibility, increasing the risk of accidents.

• Clean, filtered breathing air: All supplied-air respirators must be connected to a Grade D breathable air source. Inline filters are vital to ensure the air delivered to the operator is safe and contaminant-free.
• Effective dust extraction and ventilation: A proper ventilation system helps remove airborne dust and maintains a safe working environment. Regular maintenance of extraction units is critical to prevent build-up and maintain consistent airflow. Wherever possible, we recommend using a blast booth to optimise operational safety and efficiency.
• Humidity and moisture control: Moisture in compressed air lines can cause abrasive clumping, increase contamination, and damage equipment. Use air dryers or moisture separators to keep systems dry and efficient.

Even the best PPE and air systems cannot guarantee safety without proper training. Regular, comprehensive training ensures operators fully understand the hazards and the correct use of equipment.

• Initial and refresher training: New operators should receive thorough instruction on PPE fitting, blast booth operation, and emergency procedures. Refresher training keeps skills sharp and up to date with any new regulations or equipment.
• Hands-on practical sessions: Theory alone isn’t enough. Practical training on correct helmet use, suit inspection, air supply checks, and ventilation monitoring helps embed safe habits.
• Emergency response preparedness: Training should cover how to respond swiftly to equipment failures, air supply issues, or health emergencies within the blast booth.
• Tailored sessions: Training can be customised based on the specific blasting process, materials used, and the workplace environment to address all relevant risks effectively.

Proper training builds confidence and awareness, reducing the chance of accidents and ensuring safety procedures are consistently followed. Airblast Eurospray offers expert training designed to equip your team with the knowledge and skills needed to operate safely and efficiently. Our courses cover all aspects of blasting safety, PPE use, and air quality management, delivered by an experienced team who understand the challenges of the industry.

To support PPE and air control systems, consider these blasting safety tips:

• Conduct regular safety briefings and refresher training
• Ensure PPE is checked before every use and replaced when worn
• Keep all ventilation and air systems clean and serviced
• Post clear safety signage in and around the blast booth
• Limit access to authorised, trained personnel only

When it comes to blast booth safety, investing in the right PPE for blasting and maintaining strict air quality controls isn’t optional – it’s essential. Not only do these measures protect your operators, but they also improve productivity, equipment lifespan, and compliance with safety regulations.

Act now – equip your blast room with the right PPE and ventilation solutions to safeguard your team and boost your operation’s efficiency. Get in touch today to ensure your workplace meets the highest safety standards.