Abrasive Blasting Policy

Introduction

As part of its continued commitment to the health and wellness of employees, independent contractors, and other visitors, Dow Aero, LLC (“Company”) has developed this policy to protect authorized individuals from potential exposure to hazards that exists when conducting abrasive blasting cabinet operations and maintenance.

Scope

This policy applies to any authorized individual that is tasked with operating or maintaining the abrasive blasting cabinet. This policy also applies to any employee observing an abrasive blasting cabinet operator or servicer while at the time of a cabinet’s operation or maintenance.

Policy

It is the policy of the Company that an operational Powered Air Purifying Respirator (“PAPR”) system with hood and protective paint suit shall be worn by any operator or observer within area when the abrasive blasting cabinet is in use or being maintained. PAPR systems with hoods, along with protective paint suits shall be worn in accordance with the manufacture instructions and while using general safe practices. PAPR systems with hoods, along with protective paint suit shall not be modified unless such modification(s) is acceptable by the manufacture and approved by the Company’s Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) department. Tight-Fitting (a.k.a. face fitting) respirators, whether half- or full-faced, are not permitted for use when a respirator is required in the blasting area.

It is also the policy of the Company that the interior garage door, leading to the climate controlled maintenance shop, shall remain closed as much as possible when the abrasive blasting cabinet is in use or being maintained. The garage door leading outside may be or remain opened as appropriate with current climate conditions. The blasting area’s circulation system shall be in operation at all times in which the abrasive blasting cabinet is in use or being maintained. The room’s circulation system shall be in use for no less than five (5) minutes after ceasing any operation or maintenance of an abrasive blasting cabinet.

Management and employees operating or maintaining an abrasive blasting cabinet shall be aware of current and forecasted weather conditions. When working in extreme temperatures any abrasive blasting cabinet operator and servicer shall take any necessary precautions to avoid heat or cold illness. Any abrasive blasting cabinet operator or servicer shall be routinely monitored by management and/or their peers to verify the person’s wellbeing and ensure compliance with this policy.

Should any questions, concerns, or equipment issues arise please contact a direct superior, the director overseeing this area, Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) personnel, and/or Human Resources personnel. Likewise, you may reach out to any of the individuals or departments mentioned above in the event you are uncomfortable or unable to maintain compliance with this policy; reasonable accommodation shall be researched and implemented as practicable.

Acceptance

This record was developed and is maintained by Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S). Policies outline within are approved and enforced by Operations Management.

Change Log

2021/06/24 - Version 3

Policy updated to remove mentioning of “room” due to changes in the abrasive blasting cabinet area.

2019/08/06 - Version 2

Policy updated with minor grammatical changes and corrections.

2019/07/26 - Version 1

Policy approved by William Dowding, Chief Operating Officer (Department Lead of Maintenance) and deployed.