Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00417:body:0:p17
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00417
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 42478–45373

signs and barricading, or provided with PPE.
Regardless of the control measures chosen, you must ensure that no-one at the workplace is exposed to dust levels in an airborne concentration that exceeds the relevant exposure standard.

Further information on blasting cabinets, blasting chambers and temporary enclosures can
be found in Section 3.4 of this Code.

Administrative controls
Exclusion zones

Although open air blasting activities are not recommended, there may be occasions when there
is no alternative. In these circumstances, exclusion zones (also known as buffer zones) should be used to protect workers and other persons in the vicinity from exposure to hazardous dust (see Figure 3). Exclusion zones may also be used in conjunction with blasting chambers and temporary enclosures.
The size of the exclusion zone should be determined after assessing the risk to all unprotected people. The prevailing conditions at the time of blasting should be taken into account, for example, the exclusion zone may need to be extended down-wind.

An exclusion zone should be established and maintained to exclude workers and other persons who are not wearing respiratory protective equipment (RPE). Warning signs should be located
so that they are clearly visible before entering the area.
Signs should warn that:
    * abrasive blasting is in progress and that there is a dust hazard
    * access to the area is restricted to authorised persons
    * RPE should be worn in the exclusion zone.
Where an exclusion zone interferes with other activities at a workplace, other workers should only work within the exclusion zone after being provided with RPE.

Figure 3 Exclusion Zone

Scheduling abrasive blasting activities

The number of people who will be exposed to dust should be reduced by:
    * shifting the site of abrasive blasting away from other workers
    * scheduling blasting outside normal working hours
    * ceasing blasting in windy conditions
    * stopping other work on a site and clearing people while blasting is taking place.

Housekeeping

Drift from abrasive blasting can be harmful not only to workers but also to members of the public. Good housekeeping can minimise the risk of exposure.
While other control measures should prevent dust escaping from the area where blasting is being done, any dust or residue that does make its way into the workplace should be removed as soon as practicable after blasting has finished. This includes the surfaces in an exclusion zone.

Where practicable, accumulated dust should be removed using wet cleaning methods, or High Efficiency filter vacuum methods.
Because workers undertaking cleaning work may be exposed to dust levels that exceed the exposure standard, they should wear PPE.

Facilities

Decontamination facilities should be provided to allow workers to shower and change clothes after the completion of blasting.