Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00417:body:0:p25
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00417
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 63559–66560

* an illumination of at least 200 lux measured on a horizontal plane one metre above the floor of the blasting chamber or enclosure
    * an electrical supply which complies with relevant standards, for example  AS/NZS 2381: Electrical equipment for explosive gas atmospheres and AS/NZS 3000: Electrical installations (known as the Australian /New Zealand Wiring Rules).
Blasting chambers should be maintained so as to prevent dust from escaping. Doors should be kept closed during blasting.

Only abrasive blasting work, work incidental to abrasive blasting, or maintenance or repairs to the blast room or its equipment should be carried out in the blasting room.

Manufacturers of blasting chambers should conduct testing to ascertain the level of ventilation required under normal operating conditions. This should assist you to select a chamber appropriate to your needs.

Testing of the ventilation should be conducted on-site when the chamber is installed to ensure that it is operating to the design specifications. Ventilation should also be tested when there is a change in blasting procedures (e.g. use of a different abrasive material), after damage or repairs and on a regular basis (e.g. every 12 months). This testing can be conducted by an occupational hygienist or other competent person.

Temporary enclosures
Where possible the object being blasted should be fully enclosed. Where full enclosure is
not possible, screening should extend two metres above the structure and blasting should be conducted downwards. Where persons outside the structure may be exposed to dust, exclusion zones, signage and PPE should be used. Stringent monitoring may be necessary to ensure
that people outside the structure are not exposed to dust levels greater than national exposure standards.
Temporary enclosures should have:
    * dust extraction/collection systems fitted, and
    * containment screens made of puncture- and tear-resistant materials (for example, woven polypropylene fabric or rubber) for high abrasion areas inside the enclosure. Selection should also consider fire retardancy, burst strength, and ultraviolet (UV) resistance.
Porous material like shade cloth will not prevent the escape of fine dust, and should not be used for temporary enclosures if the work generates silica, lead, or other toxic dusts.

Maintenance of plant and equipment
Regular inspection and maintenance is particularly important for abrasive blasting plant and equipment as the process is self-destructive by nature. Every blasting chamber, blasting cabinet, ventilating system duct, filtering or cleaning device and item of abrasive blasting equipment should be inspected by a competent person in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
In addition, plant and equipment should be checked daily by the operator for wear and damage. You should keep log books and inspection reports containing a full history of service and repairs.
Further guidance on plant is available in the Code of Practice: