Sunday, August 7, 2016

For Experts In Sandblasting Los Angeles Is Worth Visiting

By Maria Hamilton


Sandblasting is one of the processes that is used to remove dirt and other unwanted materials from surfaces of structures. Surfaces can also be engraved using this process. Companies that are involved with fabrication of metal products have their workers sandblasting surfaces very often. Painters who work on bridges and similarly large structures are the major example of workers who use abrasive blasting in their job. Other workers who sandblast surfaces are foundries, shipbuilders, and builders of granite monuments.

Different kinds of clients are served by service companies that provide blasting services. Anyone who wants to sandblast a surface has the option of hiring a service company or leasing the abrasive blasting equipment. When one wants some of the best companies for sandblasting Los Angeles should be one of the first places to prioritize. Companies in Los Angeles offer services to government agencies, corporate clients, and individuals.

Abrasive blasting is a very effective method in removing dirt from surfaces. However, it also poses several risks to operators of the blasting machine. That is why it is very important to be careful when undertaking this process so as to avoid injury and damage of property. The first risk emanates from the blasting agent used. Previously, silica used to dominate the industry and it is still used in some applications although it is very harmful to human health.

Silica is available in different forms, which are all hazardous to people. Quartz is the most common silica form. Other substances that contain silica include Tripoli, cristobalite, and tridymite. Silicosis is the main health problem caused by exposure to silica even though there are many others. Silicosis stands among the oldest occupational diseases on earth. It was first recorded in ancient Greece according to old records.

The health risks that come from silica has caused OSHA to regulate its usage strictly. As a result, some measures have been taken to ensure that the risk is low. Some of the measures include the use of respirators, silica substitutes, and personal protective equipment. Use of blasting cabinets and blasting rooms, air ventilation, and air sampling are also measures specified in OSHA standards. A call to improve work practices has also been made and emphasized a lot in the industry.

The use of silica substitutes is one of the most emphasized strategy of eliminating the dangers of silica. Over the years, several substitutes have been developed and are now in wide use. Some major examples include garnet, corn cobs, zircon, emery, apricot pits, steel grit, steel shot, urea plastic, melamine plastic, glass beads, aluminum shot, aluminum oxide, and cryogenic polycarbonate. Some substitutes are patented products of certain companies.

It is a requirement for workers to wear protective equipment when they are working. Protective equipment include helmet, protective suit, gloves, and boots among others. In Los Angeles, it is illegal to work without a protective gear on. The service company is also charged with the responsibility of ensuring that the environment is kept safe.

Protective equipment is also subjected to strict standards. Only certain products that meet standards are approved for use. Buyers should be careful not to buy products that are not approved. Workers are needed to follow protocols when working too.




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