AAC TOOLS HANDLING PROCEDURE

1.

PURPOSE
The purpose of this procedure is to define minimum requirements for
use of hand and portable power tools; working safely on or near
conveyors and rotating machinery; high pressure water jetting (HPWJ);
and abrasive blasting operations.

2. SCOPE
This procedure applies to hand and portable powered/non-powered
tools, conveyors and rotating machinery, high pressure water jetting
(HPWJ) and abrasive blasting operations within the AMINAT Company.

3. DEFINITIONS
3.1

Abrasive Blasting: A process used for removing old paint or rust

from large steel surfaces prior to painting or service cleaning.

3.2

Approved Tools:
Tools that have been approved as meeting
minimum acceptable safety standards.

3.3

Guard:
A barrier that prevents entry of any body part of the
personnel into the operating machine.

3.4

High Pressure Water Jetting (HPWJ) Machine: The HPWJ

machines are capable of delivering water, at the cleaning tip,
from a pressure of 680 kg/cm2 up to 1700 kg/cm2. The operation
is used to clean tubes and other equipment, and for cleaning
concrete or other structures. The water from HPWJ jet becomes
almost as strong as penetrating bullet.

3.5

In Running Nip Points: Formed whenever two or more parallel

shafts, whether in contact or apart, rotate in opposite directions.

3.6

OSHA: Occupational Safety and Health Administration, USA.

3.7

Pinch Point (Danger Zone): Any point at which a person can get
a part of the body caught between moving parts of the machine,
moving and stationary parts of the machine or material and
moving parts of the machine.

3.8

Point of Operation: That part of the machine at which blanking,

boring, cutting, shaping, etc., is accomplished on the stock.

4. REQUIREMENTS
4.1 Hand and Portable Power tools
4.1.1 Correct tool shall be selected for the job intended. Faulty tolls
shall not be used.
4.1.2 Tools should be stored in designated storage areas.
4.1.3 Tools, if small and light in weight, may be carried on a tool
belt provided they do not hamper easy movement. Heavier or
more cumbersome tools shall be placed in a bag or toolbox
and hauled up by hand line.
4.1.4 Electrical operated tools shall be grounded with a grounding
conductor or shall be double insulated.
4.1.5 Electrical power tools operated within confined space should
have individual ground fault circuit interrupters.
4.1.6 Appropriate steps (i.e., barricading of hazardous area, posting
danger signs) shall be taken at ground level while working at
high elevation to prevent tools from falling onto personnel
below.
4.1.7 Tools shall not be altered or repaired without authorization.
4.1.8 Tools shall be inspected and decontaminated (if required)
prior to shipment to outside vendors, company tool room, or
any maintenance shop for repairs.
4.1.9 Cutting tools should be sharp.
4.1.10 Chisels, screwdrivers and pointed tools should not be
carried in pockets. It should be carried in a toolbox or in the
hand with points and cutting edges away from the body.
4.1.11 Tools shall not be passed from one to another person by
throwing.
4.1.12

Appropriate eye protection shall be worn while using tools.

4.1.13 Appropriate hearing protection shall be worn for work

around tools that produce noise levels at or above 85 dBA.

4.1.14 Hammers, axes, shovels, or similar tools with loose, split,

or splintered handles should not be used.
4.1.15

Lengths of pipe, etc. should not be used to increase torque.

4.1.16 Appropriate and approved tools necessary to perform the

job activities shall be provided to the personnel.
4.1.17 Power supply to electrical tools should be disconnected
when not in use.
4.1.18 Power supply to electrical tools shall be
disconnected/switched off before servicing and while
changing their accessories such as bits, blades, cutters, etc.
4.1.19 Tools should be inspected for defects periodically, prior ton
issue, and upon return of the tool. The following is a partial
list of defects to look for:
4.1.19.1 Mushroomed or burred heads on impact tools such as
chisels, hammers, driving bars, etc.
4.1.19.2 Loose, over or under sized handles.
4.1.19.3 Open ended wrenches with jaws spread or distorted.
4.1.19.4 Cracked box end or socket wrenches.
4.1.19.5 Splintered or cracked handles.
4.1.19.6 Improper/missing/bent handles and control bars.
4.1.19.7 Defective extension or power cords such as chafed,
kinked, weather cracked, male or female plugs broken
or not installed properly, no ground wire, etc.
4.1.19.8 Defective or inoperable guarding mechanisms.
4.1.19.9 Evidence of abuse, which negates safe operation.
4.1.20 Tag shall be installed on tools or equipment to identify that
their continued use could result in personnel injury or
property damage. The tag shall be attached and signed to the
defective tool. The tag shall remain with tool or equipment
removed from the area. Defect shall be notified to the
concerned department.

4.1.21 The use of tool or equipment that has been declared

unsafe by the attachment of the tag shall not be permitted.
4.1.22 Tools shall be repaired in accordance with the
manufacturers specifications/guidelines.

4.1.23

Hammers

4.1.23.1 Hammers shall have a securely wedged handle to the

type of head used.
4.1.23.2 The wooden handle shall not be loose, Splintered or
cracked.
4.1.23.3 Hammers shall have a smooth oil free handle, shaped
to fit the hand and of the specified size and length.
4.1.23.4 Screw Drivers.
4.1.23.5 Screw drivers shall be so chosen that the blade
thickness fits the slot.
4.1.23.6 Screw drivers shall not be used as a punch, wedge, or
chisel.
4.1.23.7 Screw drivers shall not be exposed to excessive heat.
4.1.23.8 Screw drivers shall not be used electrical conductors.
Screw drivers used for electrical work shall be
insulated.
4.1.24

Pliers and Cutters

4.1.24.1 Pliers and Cutters shall not be used as substitute for

wrenches.
4.1.24.2 Pliers shall have insulated handles when used around
electrical conductors.
4.1.24.3 Cutters shall not be used near live energized circuits
and should only be used for the rated capacity
specified by the manufacturer.
4.1.24.4 Cutters shall not be used as nail pullers or pry bars.

4.1.25

Wrenches

4.1.25.1 Pipe extension shall not be used to increase the load

capacity.
4.1.25.2 The socket should be clean so as to seat fully on the
nut or bolt.
4.1.25.3 Adjustable wrenches should generally be used for light
jobs only.
4.1.25.4 Wrenches shall be pulled with the jaws facing the user,
and not pushed.
4.1.25.5 Pipe wrenches, both straight and chain tong, shall have
sharp jaws, and be kept clean.
4.1.25.6 The adjusting nut of pipe wrenches should be inspected
frequently for signs of cracks. If cracked, the wrench
should be taken out of service.
4.1.25.7 Pipe wrenches should not be used on nuts, bolts, or
valves which may be crushed or bent out of shape.
4.1.25.8 A wrench should not be used as a hammer.
4.1.26

Knives

4.1.26.1 Knives should be used by cutting away from the body.

4.1.26.2 Knives should be carried in a sheath or holder to the
side or back of the body.
4.1.26.3 Knives should not be stored on benched or floors
haphazardly.
4.1.26.4 Knives should not be used where excessive pressure
needs to be applied to the cutting surface.
4.1.26.5 Knives shall not be thrown from one worker to another.
4.1.27

Files

4.1.27.1 Files without a handle should not be used.

4.1.27.2 Files should not be cleaned by striking against a vise or
other metal object.

4.1.27.3 Files should not be used as a hammer or as a pry.

4.1.28

Chisels

4.1.28.1 For the selection of Chisels, the material to be cut, the

size and shape of the material and the depth of the cut
should be considered.
4.1.28.2 Chisels should be made heavy enough not to buckle
when struck.
4.1.28.3 Chisels should be large enough for the job so that the
blade is used rather than the point or corner.
4.1.28.4 For regular use, a sponge rubber pad, forced down over
the chisel should be used to provide a protective
cushion for the hand.

4.1.28.5 Appropriate Protective Equipment shall be worn while

using chisel.
4.1.28.6 Bulk chisels held by one man and struck by another
shall require the use of tongs or a chisel holder to guide
the chisel so that the workman is not injured.
4.1.28.7 Chisels with burred heads should not be used.
4.1.28.8 Chisels should be sharp enough for the job. Grind in
easy stages with no attempt to take off much metal at
one time. While grinding keep the tool as cool as
possible with water or other cooling medium.
4.1.28.9 The work to be chiseled shall always be secured in
some manner.
4.1.29

Hack Saws

4.1.29.1 Hack Saws should be adjusted in the frame to prevent

buckling and breaking, but shall not be so tight that it
break off the pins that support the blade.

4.1.29.2 Hack Saws blades shall be installed with the teeth

pointing forward. The blade chosen should be
dependent on the type of material being cut. (See Table
Below):
TEETH
PER
INCH
14
18
24
32

BLADE SELECTION
USED FOR CUTTING
Soft solid metal
Tool steel, iron pipe, hand metal and general
shop use
Drill rods, sheet metal and tubing
Thin sheet metal (less than 18 gauge) and
tubing

4.1.29.3 Pressure should be applied on the forward stroke only.

The saw should be lifted slightly and pulled back in the
cut lightly to protect the teeth. If the blade is twisted or
too much pressure is applied, the blade may break and
cause injury to the user.
4.1.30

Electric Drills

4.1.30.1 Appropriate eye protection shall be worn during use of

Electric drills.
4.1.30.2 Electric drills bits shall be carefully chosen for the work
to be done.
4.1.30.3 Where the operator must guide the drill with his hand,
the drill shall be equipped with a sleeve that fits over
the drill bit. The sleeve protects the operators hands
and also serves as a limit stop if the drill should plunge
through the material.
4.1.30.4 Oversized bits shall not be ground down to fit small
electric drills, instead an adaptor shall be used that will
fit the large bit and provide extra power through a
speed reduction gear.

4.1.30.5 When large, powerful drills are used, small pieces of

work shall be clamped or anchored to prevent
whipping.
4.1.30.6 Electric drills shall be firmly gripped prior to activation.
4.1.30.7 Electric drills shall not be unattended with the power on
and the power source shall be disconnected prior to
any authorized repairs.
4.1.30.8 Appropriate eye protection shall be worn during use of
Electric drills.
4.1.30.9 The electric drill with damaged cords shall not be used.
4.1.30.10 Proper type of electrical plug shall be installed for the
drills voltage requirements.
4.1.30.11 The key for installing the Electric drill shall be
removed prior to operating the drill.
4.1.30.12 The electric drill shall be unplugged before changing
the bit.
4.1.30.13 All adjustments shall be made prior to operating the
drill.

4.1.31

Grinding Wheels

4.1.31.1 Appropriate eye protection shall be worn during use of

Grinding Wheels.
4.1.31.2 Grinding Wheels shall be examined before each use for
gouges, cracks, and general condition.
4.1.31.3 Grinding Wheels shall never be used at greater than
their rated speed. Before using the grinding wheel, on a
portable grinder, ensure that RPM of the grinder is less
than the maximum specified speed of the grinding
wheel.

4.1.31.4 For portable grinding the maximum angular exposure

of the periphery and slides shall not exceed 180
degrees and the top half of the wheel (the portion
facing the operator) shall always be enclosed.
4.1.31.5 Guards shall be adjustable so that operators will be
inclined to make the correct adjustment rather than
remove the guard.
4.1.31.6 The wheel shall be kept away from water and oil which
might affect its balance.
4.1.31.7 Care shall be kept away from water and oil which might
affect its balance.
4.1.31.8 The speed and weight, particularly with a larger one,
make it more difficult to handle than some other power
tools. Since part of the wheel is exposed, it is important
that personnel take much more care to hold and use
the tool so that the wheel does not touch the clothes or
the body.
4.1.31.9 A running wheel shall not be kept on the floor
unattended.
4.1.31.10 Appropriate eye protection shall be worn during use
of Grinding Wheels.
4.1.31.11 The tongue should be maintained within inch of
the grinding wheel.
4.1.31.12 Hand held grinder shall not be clamped in a vise.

4.1.32

Soldering Iron

4.1.32.1 Insulated and non-combustible holders should be used

for Soldering Iron.
4.1.32.2 Soldering Iron should not be left unattended when hot.
4.1.32.3 Soldering Iron should not be placed when hot on
wooden tables or on combustible materials.
4.1.32.4 Harmful quantities of fumes from lead soldering shall
not be allowed to accumulate. Even if lead fumes are

not present in harmful quantities, it is desirable to

exhaust the nuisance fumes and smoke.
4.1.32.5 Lead solder particles should not be allowed to
accumulate on the floor and on work tables.
4.1.32.6 The Soldering iron shall not be used as a screw driver
or pry.
4.1.33

Pneumatic Impact Tools

4.1.33.1 Pneumatic Impact Tools shall be provided with an

automatic closing valve actuated by a trigger located
inside the handle where it is reasonably safe from
accidental operation. The machine shall operate only
when the trigger is depressed.
4.1.33.2 Pneumatic Impact Tools shall have a retaining device
that holds the tool in place so that it cannot fly off
accidentally from the barrel.
4.1.33.3 Pneumatic Impact Tolls should be provided with heavy
rubber grips to reduce vibration and fatigue to the
workman.
4.1.33.4 Goggles or safety glasses with side shields meeting
local regulations or in the absence of local regulations
meeting ANSI Z.87.1a-1991 shall be worn for work on
pneumatic impact tools.
4.1.33.5 The airline to the tool shall not be charged without
enough men to handle the tool.
4.1.33.6 Water/moisture should be removed from the air before
connecting the air hose to the pneumatic tool.
4.1.33.7 Pneumatic impact tools shall be inspected visually
before any job is started.
4.1.34 Training shall be conducted on the safe use of tools for the
concerned personnel.
4.1.35 Personnel assigned to inspect, test, or repair hand or power
tools shall receive specialized training, authorization and/or
certification as being qualified to complete the work safety.
4.1.36 Personnel using explosive actuated tools shall be trained
certified for the brand or type of device they will be using.

4.1.37 Personnel using and handling abrasive wheels and discs

shall be trained in identifying the types, handling, testing and
mounting of thses items. Training should cover:
4.1.37.1 Receipt, identification, storage, and issuing of abrasive
wheels and discs.
4.1.37.2 Types of abrasive wheels and discs which will be
available for field use.
4.1.37.3 Wheel or disc characteristics, such as standard
markings, speed and revolutions per minute (RPM)
ratings, special handling, etc.
4.1.37.4 Wheel or disc types to be used on particular materials
or jobs.
4.1.37.5 Storage, handling, use and precautions for field or shop
applications.
4.1.37.6 Wheel or disc mounting, this includes testing,
balancing, RPM matching, etc., for any equipment
location.
4.1.37.7 Guards utilized for physical hazard protection must be
properly adjusted utilized and maintained on any
equipment of this type.
4.1.38
4.2

All training and certifications shall be documented.

Machine Guarding
Machine Guarding shall be in accordance with the following
4.2.1 Appropriate guards within one meter shall be installed on the
conveyors and machines that have moving part. The guard
shall be provided in a space from the floor or platform to a
height of 2.1 meters.
4.2.2 Moving equipment shall be properly guarded if the moving
equipment is located less than 2.1 meters from the floor or
working platform if the moving part is more than 2.1 meters
above ground level or from the nearest point of access, it
may be considered safe by position and no localized
guarding is required. Care shall be taken in the event that
temporary access for maintenance is required.

4.2.3 Machine guards shall be designed so as to eliminate the

hazard. They shall not create hazard of their own and shall be
sturdy enough to withstand normal wear and impact of flying
broken parts.
4.2.4 Fixed enclosure guards shall be installed. However, if fixed
enclosure cannot be installed then any of the following
method may be used as a guarding protection:
4.2.4.1 Presence Sensing Devices.
4.2.4.2 Interlocking guards.
4.2.4.3 Automatic guards.
4.2.4.4 Remote control, placement, feeding, and ejecting.
4.2.5 An inter locking barrier shall be considered when an
enclosure guard is not practicable. The interlocking barrier
shall:
4.2.5.1 Shut off or disengage the power to prevent the starting
of the machine when the guard is open.
4.2.5.2 Guard the danger point before the machine can be
operated.
4.2.5.3 Keep the guard closed until the dangerous part is at
rest, or stop the machine when the guard is opened.
4.2.6 Guard shall be affixed to the machine where possible and
secures elsewhere when attachment to the machine is not
possible.
4.2.7 Appropriate lockout procedures and devices to prevent
movement or rotation of machines shall be used when guards
are removed for repairs or to adjust the machine.
4.2.8 Whenever possible, use guards provided by the manufacturer
and specify guards when buying new equipment. Make-shift
guards may give a false sense of security and make the
machine more hazardous.
4.2.9 When access is required for maintenance, repair, etc., the
equipment shall be switched off and, where applicable,
isolated from its power source, locked-out/tagged-out, etc.,
prior to removal of the guards.

4.2.10 All drive belts, chain and sprocket drives, vee belts, shafts,
guillotine cutters, shears, power press, milling machines,
power saws, jointers, power tools, flywheels, cooling fans and
any other rotating equipment shall be guarded to prevent a
person from making accidental contact with the moving
parts.
4.2.11 All guards shall be re-installed prior to the machine being
re-energized.
4.2.12 Rings on fingers, bracelets or gloves shall not be worn
when operating lathes, drill, presses or machinery with
rotating shafts.
4.2.13 Personnel with long-shoulder length hair shall wear a
suitable cap or hair net when operating lathes, drill,
conveyors, presses or machinery with rotating shafts.
4.2.14 Loose clothing and scarf shall not be worn while operating
or working near conveyors and rotary machine that are in
operation.
4.2.15 Unless they are of such a size and weight as to render it
unnecessary, all work pieces shall be secured by a vise or
clamp before drilling, grinding, etc.
4.2.16 Risk assessment shall be carried out for all powered
rotating equipment to assess the need to provide an
emergency stop mechanisms. If recommended by the risk
assessment study then actuating button, bar or lever shall be
installed that they are easily accessible from the normal work
position. In certain conditions, dual activation by hand or foot
may be recommended.
4.2.17

Additional requirements for Lathe machines

4.2.17.1 All chucks and stocks shall be guarded when the lathe
is in motion.
4.2.17.2 If the work piece protrudes beyond the headstock, it
should be surrounded by barrios to prevent accidental
contact.
4.2.17.3 Cutting chips shall be removed with a brush or a hook.
Do not use hand or compressed air.

4.2.17.4 The shaft of the Lathe machines shall not be stopped

by hand.
4.2.17.5 Emergency stop button shall be free from obstruction
and operating correctly.
4.2.17.6 Machine shall be stopped before oiling or adjusting.
4.2.17.7 Lathe cutting head, rotating or not, shall be covered
except at contact points while stock is being cut.
4.2.17.8 Lathes used for turning long pieces of wood held only
between the two centers shall have long curved guards
extending over the tops of the lathes in order to
prevent the work pieces from being thrown out if they
come loose.
4.2.18

Additional requirements for wood working machinery

4.2.18.1 Hoods that enclosed the portion of saw above the table
and above the material being cut shall be provided for
circular saws. The hood shall be protecting the operator
from flying chips and broken saw teeth. The hood shall
be designed so that it automatically adjusts itself to the
thickness of the material being cut and remains in
contact with the material.
4.2.18.2 Non-kickback fingers or dogs shall be required on both
sides of rip saws to oppose the thrust or the tendency
of the saw to throw material back toward the operator.
4.2.18.3 All portions of a band saw blade shall be guarded
except the working portion of the blade between the
bottom of the guide rolls and the table. Guards shall be
required to prevent the operators hands from
contacting in-running rolls at any point.
4.2.18.4 Jointers, shapes, and milling machines that are hand
fed shall have guards that prevent the operators hands
from coming in contact with the rotating heads or inrunning feed rolls and cover the unused portion of the
head.
4.2.18.5 Special hand tools (push sticks, etc.) for placing or
removing material shall be such as to permit easy
handling of material without the operator placing a

hand in the danger zone. These tools cannot be used in

lieu of required guarding.
4.2.18.6 Drum or disc centers shall have an exhaust hood or
guard enclosing the entire rotating part except that
portion above the table.
4.2.18.7 Belt sanders guards shall be such to prevent the
operators finger and hands from contacting the nip
points or the unused run of the sanding belt.
4.2.19

Additional requirements for Power Press

4.2.19.1 Point of operation guards or devices shall be used on

every operation performed on a mechanical power
press.
4.2.19.2 A press barrier guard shall be attached to the press
frame and interlock with the press clutch so that the
clutch cannot be activated unless the guard is in place.
4.2.20

Additional requirements for Abrasive Wheels

4.2.20.1 Abrasive wheels shall be used only on machines with

safety guards except for the following:
a. Wheels used for internal work is within the work
being ground.
b. Mounted wheels used in portable operations 5.08
cm and smaller in diameter.
4.2.20.2 Abrasive wheel safety guards shall cover spindle end
nut and flange projections except:
a. Where the work covers the entire side of wheel.
b. Machines designed as portable saws.
4.2.20.3 Work rests should be provided to support work on
machines used for offhand grinding.
4.2.20.4 Grinding wheels, grinding discs, disc cutter and similar
devices are only mounted on the driving unit by
properly trained personnel. All personnel whose duties
require them to use such tools should attend training
on their use.

4.2.20.5 All such grinding and cutting tools shall be so guarded

as to expose only the minimum surface of the disc or
wheel necessary to carry out the work.
4.2.21

Additional requirements for Portable Power Tools

4.2.21.1 All portable power driven circular saws with blade

diameter of greater than 5.08 cm. shall have guards
above and below the base plate. Guard shall cover the
blade to the depth of the teeth. The lower guard shall
remain in contact with the work and when the saw is
withdrawn from the work return automatically and
instantly to covering position.
4.2.21.2 Portable belt sanders shall have guards that effectively
prevent the hands and fingers of operator from coming
in contact with in- running nip point.
4.2.21.3 Portable abrasive wheels, buffers, and brushes shall be
guarded except when used for internal work. Maximum
guard opening is 180 degrees. The guard should be
positioned so it is between the operator and the wheel
so that pieces of an accidently broken wheel will be
deflected away from the operators.
4.2.22

Additional requirements for Conveyors

4.2.22.1 Conveyors within 2.1 meters of the floor or walkways

shall have crossovers at aisles passageways.
4.2.22.2 Conveyors 2.1 meter or more above the floor that pass
over work areas, aisles, or thoroughfares shall have
guards to protect personnel from falling materials.
4.2.22.3 Open hopers and chutes shall be guarded by standard
railings and toe boards or by some other comparable
safety device.
4.2.22.4 Emergency stop switches connected by a pull- rope
shall be provided on the sides of the conveyer belts so
that the conveyor can be stopped by the person whose
clothes or any part of the body gets entangled in the
moving conveyor.
4.2.22.5 The chucks and bits of bench drills shall be protected
by a telescopic guard, if not provided by the
manufacture.

4.2.22.6 Personnel using machines shall be made aware of any

personnel protective equipment required while using
the machine.
4.2.22.7 Personnel should be trained in lockout and deactivation
procedures to be used when guards are removed from
machines.
4.2.22.8 Personnel shall be trained to replace and secure all
guards before returning a machine to service.
4.2.22.9 Training is required for personnel who use or service
abrasive wheel devices.
4.3

High pressure Water Jetting (HPWJ)

4.3.1 Only trained personnel shall be allowed to operate the HPWJ
machine.
4.3.2 Appropriate Work permit shall be obtained for carrying out
High Pressure Water Jetting.
4.3.3 The High Pressure Water Jetting work shall be done on buddy
system, i.e., operator and helper to assist at all times.
4.3.4 Appropriate Personnel Protective Equipment shall be worn by
personnel involved in HPWJ operations:
4.3.4.1 Long/full waterproof coat made of leather/PVC or other
water resistance material.
4.3.4.2 Waterproof gloves made of leather/PVC or other water
resistance material of sufficient mechanical strength.
4.3.4.3 Gum boots or boots that shall protect against highpressure water jet at the front side, the inside and at
the heel of the foot.
4.3.4.4 Face shield for operating crew and workers within <6
meters radius.
4.3.5 The machine and working area shall be properly cordoned
off/barricaded and personnel not involved in the work shall
not be allowed to enter the area.
4.3.6 Appropriate protection shall be provided for the passerby.

4.3.7 High pressure hose shall not have kinks, cuts or chipping on
outer rubber. Hose shall have pressure rating engraved on its
couplings. High pressure hoses shall be pressure tested, once
every year by a competent authority. Records of all such test
shall be kept.
4.3.8 Rubber hose and particularly its fittings shall be visually
checked for any damage, before every use.
4.3.9 Lance nozzle shall be designed to prevent release from
mounting by impact. Mounting for the lance to vessel shall be
so designed that falling scale is deflected from the mounting.
4.3.10 Lance shall not have any dents, nicks or twists and shall be
inspected visually before each use.
4.3.11

Only calibrated pressure gauge(s) shall be used.

4.3.12 All safety (hand and foot operated) and other actuators
and safety valves on high-pressure side shall be tested, once
every year or after each pop-up or repair, by a competent
authority. Records of all such test shall be kept.
4.3.13 The mode of pressure regulating knob, to increase or
decrease the pressure, shall be indicated by arrow heads.
4.3.14 A failsafe (dead man) emergency dump control shall be
provided for:
a. Electrical Insulation.
b. Operator or observer inattentiveness.
c. Dump control being unattended.
4.3.15 Appropriate precautions shall be taken before starting the
machine. It is recommended to ensure the following before
switching on the motor:
a. The automatic pressure relief valve is depressed into load
position.
b. The valve is not pressed by the operator.
c. The trigger of spray pistol is not pulled.
d. The suction filter is not chocked.

e. The water supply valve is open.

4.3.16 When HPWJ cleaning of heat exchanger tubes, a colored
tape marker should be fixed on the HP hose 1 meter from the
nozzle tip, in order to alert the operator to release pressure
before completely withdrawing the hose from the tube on
return path.
4.4

Abrasive Blasting
4.4.1 Selection of the Abrasive material shall be done as per the
applicable local standards/regulations requirements. In the
absence of any local standards/regulations, the Royal
Commission Environmental Regulations, guidelines on Air
Pollution source standard Table 2B, shall be followed. The
guideline requires that <5 % Silica shall be in abrasives used
for out door blasting.
4.4.2 MSDS shall be obtained for the abrasive material and all
precautions given in the MSDS shall be complied with.
4.4.3 The abrasive blast operator shall be equipped with a special
purpose, supplied-air hood, with strong apron, and leather
gauntlet gloves. Heavy quality overalls are recommended for
body covering.
4.4.4 Dust filter masks shall not be used where silica sand is used
as abrasive blasting material or where toxic material is
blasted.
4.4.5 Blast cleaning enclosures shall be exhaust ventilated in such
a way that a continuous inward flow of air is maintained.
4.4.6 Where abrasive blasting is done in the open, such as on plant
steel work, the work area and all its approaches shall be
cordoned off to prevent personnel without protective
equipment from coming into range of flying abrasive particles
and clouds of dust.
4.4.7 Warning signs shall be posted near the area where abrasive
blasting is ij progress.
4.4.8 Other personnel working near (or attending) the abrasive
blaster shall wear approved respirators and goggles offering a
tight seal around the face.

4.4.9 If the work location is unavoidably near concentrations of

other personnel, then an off-shift time should be chosen.
4.4.10 Blasters in full protective equipment are greatly hampered
on the job. To protect against falls in cleaning steel work at
high level, Blasters must be provided with safe and sound
platforms, trestles, and scaffolds with toe boards and guards
rails, from which to work. Safety harness should be used, and,
if men are working over water, the wearing of life jackets is
mandatory.
4.4.11

Abrasive blasting shall not be performed from a ladder.

4.4.12 During the actual job of abrasive blasting, the operator

shall have complete control of the hose nozzle, which shall be
fitted with a self-closing valve (dead man valve). In this way
the blaster has complete control of the nozzle on hand. If he
drops the nozzle, the self-closing valve will automatically shut
off the compressed air supply.
4.4.13 Abrasive blasting may develop severe sparking at the
nozzle through static electricity. Accordingly, the nozzles of all
grit blasting guns shall be grounded to prevent the possible
ignition of any flammable vapors that may be present.
4.4.14 Grounding shall be done through a conductor attached to
the nozzle tip, to the ground and to the work being blasted.
4.4.15 Appropriate work Permit shall be obtained to carry out the
abrasive blasting activities.

5. REFERENCE
5.1
5.2

6.

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.211

Royal Commission Environmental Regulations.

ATTACHEMENT

None.