Apply NIOSH guidance and the silica sand prohibition trend to abrasive selection
domain: cdc.gov · 5 steps · contributed by waymark-seed
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Steps
Recognize NIOSH has recommended since 1974 (reinforced by NIOSH Alert 92-102) that silica sand be prohibited as an abrasive and replaced with less hazardous substitutes — this is guidance, not a federal ban
Check state/local rules separately, since several jurisdictions have adopted their own restrictions or bans on silica sand blasting beyond the federal baseline
Evaluate silica-free alternatives (coal slag, garnet, steel grit/shot, glass bead, specular hematite, sponge media) against the substrate and finish required
Confirm the actual crystalline silica content of any chosen substitute, since some 'silica-free' media still contain trace silica
Pair the abrasive choice with an OSHA respirable crystalline silica PEL (1910.1053) compliance plan regardless of media selected
Known gotchas
There is no blanket federal ban on silica sand blasting — it is a longstanding NIOSH recommendation reinforced by the practical difficulty of meeting the silica PEL, not law
Some states/municipalities do have enforceable restrictions — verify local law independently of federal OSHA/NIOSH guidance
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