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 a. Preoperational Requirements. Abrasive blasting shall not be undertaken until positive steps have
been taken to prevent contamination and spread of abrasives and dust to adjacent compartments,
machinery, and equipment. Abrasives and dust can enter ships through open sea valves, hatches,
ventilation systems, temporary openings, normal entryways, which are frequently opened and closed, and
entryways, which must remain open to accommodate other work. If there is any possibility that abrasives
can enter a ship or ship's compartment in spite of all possible precautions, critical machinery surfaces and
parts, and electric and electronic equipment, shall be positively sealed or otherwise protected. Machinery
disassembly, are especially subject to damage from contamination.
(1) Prior to blasting operations, the responsible shop shall notify ships force, and all other ships in the
vicinity, of time and location of proposed abrasive blasting operations. All shops and ships force shall take
the following precautions to protect equipment and structures.
(a) Drop cloths and masking shall be used to prevent damage from the abrasive material.
(b) Temporary shields and other sealing or closing-off measures shall be used to prevent abrasives
from entering machinery, pipes, seawater inlets, and pump wells through various openings.
(c) Where remote service connections provide water or ventilation, such as seawater from the
auxiliary seawater system while the ship is in dry-dock, the inlet to that connection shall be positioned and
measures taken to prevent the entry of blasting contaminants.
(d) Additional precautions shall be taken to the extent necessary to protect adjacent ships,
buildings, and stores.
(2) Personnel in or near the blasting area shall be warned of blasting operations. In all
circumstances, close cooperation between ship and shipyard personnel is required.
(3) The entire area to be blasted shall be visually inspected. Heavily rusted or corroded areas and
damaged metal and holes in the structure or piping shall be checked to determine if technical examination
is warranted and for possible repair prior to blasting. Abrasive blasting hoses routed through
compartments shall be identified by an appropriately marked sign posted in each compartment, warning
against damaging the hoses.
b. Post-Operational Requirements. After any blasting or contamination of ship interior, the equipment or
components blasted or contaminated by abrasive dust shall be cleaned and tested prior to being put into
service. The entire area shall be visually inspected for pits, scabs, and scars. Suspected wall thickness
reductions shall be reported for further technical examination.
c. Blasting Unit Operational and Maintenance Safety Precautions. Commercial facilities will follow
OSHA standards.
d. Audio-Visual Operating Signals. The supervisor shall review audio-visual signals, operational
procedures, and safety precautions weekly with all personnel directly involved in blasting operations. A
signal horn (or buzzer) and a light mounted on the machine shall be used to establish positive
communication from each blast operator to the machine operator or pot tender where there is no visual
contact. Hand signals may be used when there is visual contact. Audio and visual signals shall be
standardized and posted on each blasting unit, including signals for close choke valve, open choke valve,
more abrasive, and emergency.
e. Protective Equipment. All blast operators shall wear hoods and airline respirators or air helmets of
the positive-pressure type. Other mandatory clothing includes rubber or leather gauntlet gloves, safety
shoes, and coveralls. The blast operator shall wear a safety belt or harness when working on staging or
other elevated places. Personnel other than blast operators, including machine operators and personnel
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