CoP 50.0 - Abrasive Blasting and associated Protective Coating Work

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Abu Dhabi Occupational Safety and
Health System Framework
(ADOSH-SF)
Code of Practice
CoP 50.0 – Abrasive Blasting and associated
Protective Coating Work
Version 4.1
February 2026

ADOSH-SF – Codes of Practice
CoP 50.0 – Abrasive Blasting and associated Protective Coating Work
Version 4.1 – 16th February 2026
Page 2 of 16
Table of Contents
1. Introduction ....................................................................................................................................................... 3
2. Training and Competency ............................................................................................................................. 4
3. Requirements .................................................................................................................................................... 6
3.1 Roles and Responsibilities ................................................................................................................. 6
3.2 General Requirements ........................................................................................................................ 7
3.3 Blast Media .............................................................................................................................................. 8
3.4 Abrasive Blasting Operations Outside a Booth or Cabinet .................................................... 8
3.5 Abrasive Blasting Operations in a Workroom ........................................................................... 10
3.6 Abrasive Blasting in Confined Space ........................................................................................... 10
3.7 Atmospheric Monitoring / Air Sampling ...................................................................................... 10
3.8 Maintenance and Cleaning .............................................................................................................. 11
3.9 Occupational Health........................................................................................................................... 12
3.10 Emergency Response ........................................................................................................................ 12
4. Record Keeping .............................................................................................................................................. 13
5. References ....................................................................................................................................................... 14
6. Document Amendment Record ................................................................................................................. 15

ADOSH-SF – Codes of Practice
CoP 50.0 – Abrasive Blasting and associated Protective Coating Work
Version 4.1 – 16th February 2026
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1. Introduction
(a) This Code of Practice (CoP) applies to all employers within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi
that have abrasive blasting operations. This CoP is designed to incorporate
requirements set by UAE and Abu Dhabi regulatory authorities. If requirements of
this document conflict with requirements set by another regulatory authority,
employers are required to follow the more stringent requirement.
(b) This CoP sets requirements for abrasive blasting operations.
(c) Definitions applicable to this CoP:
(i) Abrasive: A solid substance used in an abrasive-blasting operation.
(ii) Abrasive blasting: The forcible application of an abrasive to a surface by
pneumatic pressure, hydraulic pressure, or centrifugal force.
(iii) Abrasive-blasting respirator: A respirator constructed so that it covers the
wearer’s head, neck, and shoulders to protect the wearer from rebounding
abrasive.
(iv) Blast cleaning room / booth: A complete enclosure in which blasting operations
are performed and where the operator works inside of the room to operate the
blasting nozzle and direct the flow of the abrasive material.
(v) Blasting cabinet: An enclosure where the operator stands outside and operates
the blasting nozzle through an opening or openings in the enclosure.
(vi) Clean air: Air of such purity that it will not cause harm or discomfort to an
individual if it is inhaled for extended periods of time.
(vii) Dust collector: A device or combination of devices for separating dust from the
air handled by an exhaust ventilation system.
(viii) Inspirable dust: is any dust which can be inhaled.
(ix) Particulate-filter respirator: An air purifying respirator commonly referred to as
a dust or a fume respirator, which removes most of the dust or fume from the
air passing through the device.
(x) Respirable dust: Is only that dust which is small enough to be inhaled into the
lungs. Airborne dust in sizes capable of passing through the upper respiratory
system to reach the lower lung passages. This sort of dust can result in
permanent scarring of the lung tissue. Abrasive blasting results in high
concentrations of respirable dust.

ADOSH-SF – Codes of Practice
CoP 50.0 – Abrasive Blasting and associated Protective Coating Work
Version 4.1 – 16th February 2026
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2. Training and Competency
(a) Employers shall ensure that OSH training complies with the requirements of:
(i)
ADOSH-SF – Element 5 – Training, Awareness and Competency.
(ii)
ADOSH-SF – Mechanism 7.0 – Occupational Safety and Health Practitioner and
Service Provider Registration.
(b) Employers shall ensure all relevant employees and contractors that perform abrasive
blasting operations are trained on:
(i) physical hazards associated with abrasive blasting operations;
(ii) design specification, capabilities and limitations of abrasive blasting systems
and their uses at the work site;
(iii) methods and procedures that will prevent exposure to hazards associated with
abrasive blasting operations;
(iv) the importance of control measures;
(v) safe work practices;
(vi) required use, maintenance and storage of PPE;
(vii) emergency response procedures;
(viii) storage and handling procedures;
(ix) health hazards associated with abrasive blasting and any waste material
created by the blasting operation;
(x) hazards associated with the blast media used in abrasive blasting;
(xi) signs and symptoms of exposure to the abrasive material used in abrasive
blasting operations at the work site and the waste material created from the
blasting operations;
(xii) operator maintenance requirements for abrasive blasting systems;
(xiii) methods of communication between the blast operator and the abrasive blast
operation’s assistant;
(xiv) information on the various types of abrasives used for surface preparation at
the worksite; and
(xv) requirements to protect the environment from impacts/hazards arising from
blasting activities.
(c) Employers shall ensure managers and supervisors of abrasive blasting operations
shall be trained on:
(i) requirements listed in Section 2(b);
(ii) maintenance requirements of abrasive blasting systems to ensure they are
working appropriately and within specifications;
(iii) how to recognize unsafe work practices when performing abrasive blasting
operations; and
(iv) how to identify when abrasive blasting systems are not working appropriately.

ADOSH-SF – Codes of Practice
CoP 50.0 – Abrasive Blasting and associated Protective Coating Work
Version 4.1 – 16th February 2026
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(d) After an employee receives training on abrasive blasting operations, a competent
person shall evaluate the employee performing abrasive blasting to ensure they have
understood the training and are following safe work practices.
(e) Training shall be conducted prior to an employee performing any abrasive blasting
operations and annually thereafter. Retraining shall also be conducted if an employee
is not following safe work practices.

ADOSH-SF – Codes of Practice
CoP 50.0 – Abrasive Blasting and associated Protective Coating Work
Version 4.1 – 16th February 2026
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3. Requirements
3.1 Roles and Responsibilities
3.1.1 Employers
(a) Employers shall undertake their roles and responsibilities in accordance with the
general requirements of
ADOSH-SF – Element 1 – Roles, Responsibilities and Self-
Regulation Section 3.2.5.
(b) Employers shall ensure performing a risk assessment in accordance with
ADOSH-SF –
Element 2 – Risk Management to determine the risks associated with abrasive blasting
and to identify areas where control measures and safe work practices are required to
reduce employee’s exposures to hazards.
(c) Employers shall ensure when purchasing abrasive blasting equipment that safety
features have been designed into the equipment.
(d) Employers shall ensure engineering control measures are evaluated and implemented
to remove or reduce employee exposure to hazards associated with abrasive blasting
operations.
(e) Employers shall develop and enforce safe work practices.
(f) Employers shall ensure that protective equipment or other control measures are used
to keep the exposure of employees to hazards associated with abrasive blasting
within limits prescribed by relevant local and federal regulations
".
(g) Employers shall develop an inspection, testing and preventative maintenance plan to
ensure abrasive blasting systems are safe and working efficiently and according to
manufacturer specifications.
(h) Employers shall ensure that when ventilation systems, blast booths, and/or blasting
cabinets are used to control employee exposures they comply with the requirements
of
ADOSH-SF – CoP 52.0 – Local Exhaust Ventilation.
(i) Employers shall ensure maintenance is performed on abrasive blasting systems as per
the preventative maintenance plan.
(j) Employers shall ensure abrasive blasting systems are tested and inspected regularly
(at a minimum annually) to ensure the system works in accordance with manufacturers
specifications.
(k) Employers shall monitor abrasive blasting operations to ensure employees are using
equipment, safety devices and personal protective equipment appropriately.

ADOSH-SF – Codes of Practice
CoP 50.0 – Abrasive Blasting and associated Protective Coating Work
Version 4.1 – 16th February 2026
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3.1.2 Employees
(a) Employees shall undertake their roles and responsibilities in accordance with the
general requirements of
ADOSH-SF – Element 1 – Roles, Responsibilities and Self-
Regulation Section 3.2.7.
(b) Employees shall report any activity or defect relating to abrasive blasting operations
which they believe is reasonably foreseeable to endanger their safety or that of other
person(s).
(c) Employees shall comply with safe work practices and standard operating procedures.
(d) Employees shall use appropriate equipment or safety devices provided by the
employer in accordance with any training or instruction received in the use of the work
equipment or device concerned.
(e) Employees shall not perform any task requiring training until they have received the
required training and it is documented.
(f) Employees shall not operate any piece of equipment that they are not familiar with
and appropriately trained on its use.
3.2 General Requirements
(a) When performing risk assessments in accordance with
ADOSH-SF – Element 2 – Risk
Management, the following shall be considered:
(i) the blast media used in the abrasive blasting operation and their impact on the
health of employee(s) and any impact they may have on the environment;
(ii) the material that is being removed along with the material being blasted and
their impact on the health of employee(s) and any impact they may have on the
environment;
(iii) the condition of the abrasive blasting equipment being used (nozzles,
compressors, hoses, couplings etc.) and if they are rated by an appropriate
International Standard for their intended use;
(iv) the type, frequency and duration of abrasive blasting operations;
(v) ergonomic risks associated with shot blasting;
(vi) the environment in which the abrasive blasting operations is to be undertaken;
(vii) the level of experience of the personnel involved in the work; and
(viii) any other identified hazards associated with the work.
(b) When using compressed gas systems, to include pressurized air, as part of the
abrasive blasting system, the requirements of
ADOSH-SF – CoP 49.0 – Compressed
Gases and Air shall be followed.
(c) All abrasive blasting operations shall be performed in blasting booths or a blasting
cabinet that meets the requirements of
ADOSH-SF – CoP 52.0 – Local Exhaust
Ventilation except:

ADOSH-SF – Codes of Practice
CoP 50.0 – Abrasive Blasting and associated Protective Coating Work
Version 4.1 – 16th February 2026
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(i) where, by reason of its shape, size or weight, an article cannot readily be moved
or cannot fit into a booth or cabinet and shall be blasted where it is located, e.g.
boilers, structural steel fabrications, ships, boats, aircraft.
(d) For abrasive blasting operations that cannot be performed inside a booth or cabinet,
a risk assessment shall be performed for the operation and alternative control
measures implemented to limit employee exposure to as low as reasonably
practicable level. At no time shall dust or hazardous material exposures exceed
exposure limits listed in relevant local and federal regulations
.
(e) Employees shall use respiratory protection at all times while performing abrasive
blasting activities.
(f) Temporary enclosures shall be used when the object or structure is unable to be
transported. Any object measuring greater than 2.5m X 2.5m X 3.0m can be
considered large in consideration with applicable local / national regulations or the
international standard. Temporary enclosures are also used for fixed structures, eg.
bridges or water tanks.
3.3 Blast Media
(a) Use of hazardous blast media shall be eliminated wherever reasonably practicable;
where alternatives are not available necessary control measures shall be
implemented.
(b) Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for blast media utilized shall be made available and
maintained at the blast location and in the site office.
(c) The blast media utilized shall be appropriate for the blasting operation.
(d) Blast media shall be disposed of in an appropriate manner, as per the requirement of
ADOSH-SF – CoP 54.0 – Waste Management.
3.4 Abrasive Blasting Operations Outside a Booth or Cabinet
(a) Where it is not reasonably practicable to do the abrasive blasting in a booth or cabinet
and it is carried out in a building or structure other than a confined space, the building
or structure shall be of open construction, or a mechanical exhaust system shall be
used to prevent the buildup of dusts or hazardous materials.
(b) Appropriate steps shall be taken to protect the abrasive blaster, other employees or
persons in the vicinity, and the environment, from hazards associated with abrasive
blasting operations. An abrasive blasting exclusion zone, with restrictions on entry,
shall be designated around the area where the abrasive blasting is being carried out.
An exclusion zone in itself will not provide appropriate protection and shall be used in
conjunction with other control measures.
(c) All abrasive blasting operations shall be conducted in an isolated location, “exclusion
zone.” An abrasive blasting process is not effectively isolated from other operations
if dust or contaminants from the abrasive blasting operation can be inhaled by any
persons engaged in work near the area. Neither is it effectively isolated from plant,
machinery or equipment if there is danger of contamination from the abrasive blasting
operation.

ADOSH-SF – Codes of Practice
CoP 50.0 – Abrasive Blasting and associated Protective Coating Work
Version 4.1 – 16th February 2026
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(d) In general, the exclusion zone shall be at least 10 meters horizontal and 4 meters
vertical clearance above and below the place where the abrasive blasting is
occurring; however, in determining the size of the exclusion zone, the following
factors shall be considered:
(i) the nature of the substance being blasted;
(ii) the blast media being used;
(iii) the work environment, including wind speed, ambient temperature and
humidity;
(iv) fire and dust explosion hazards;
(v) the location and physical conditions of the site; and
(vi) whether other people are reasonably foreseeable to be in the vicinity.
Relocation of employees not involved in abrasive blasting activities to other
parts of the workplace may be necessary.
(e) Greater vertical clearance may be required when abrasive blasting at heights as
dusts can travel with air currents and settle on surfaces below.
(f) Once an abrasive blasting exclusion zone has been established, a number of
procedures shall be implemented to control risks. These include:
(i) physical barriers and warning signs to prevent unprotected persons from
entering the exclusion zone;
(ii) restricted entry of unprotected persons into the exclusion zone for a time period
that ensures airborne concentrations of hazardous substances have reduced to
below the relevant exposure standards;
(iii) removal of hazardous substances that are not immediately needed for abrasive
blasting, to reduce unnecessary exposure and fire or explosion risks;
(iv) removal of stored wastes and solvents from within the exclusion zone to control
fire or explosion risks;
(v) removal of electrical and ignition sources, including smoking, from within the
exclusion zone to control fire and dust explosion risks; and
(vi) restriction of abrasive blasting within 20 meters of the boundary to adjacent
premises or a greater separation where sensitive property is located.
(g) Consideration shall be given to ensure dust created from abrasive blasting is
controlled in walkways, public areas and air conditioning intake vents. Persons other
than the abrasive blaster and their assistant shall not enter the exclusion zone
during a blasting operation unless equivalent personal protective equipment is worn.
A sign stating “ABRASIVE BLASTING AREA - AUTHORISED PERSONNEL ONLY” shall
be prominently displayed at the exclusion zone.

ADOSH-SF – Codes of Practice
CoP 50.0 – Abrasive Blasting and associated Protective Coating Work
Version 4.1 – 16th February 2026
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3.5 Abrasive Blasting Operations in a Workroom
(a) If the room to be used for abrasive blasting is within a building, there shall be a local
exhaust ventilation system installed to remove dusts and waste materials. Exhausted
air shall be filtered before it is ventilated to the outside atmosphere.
(b) If the blasting and spray area is part of a larger room (for example, a hangar),
employers shall enclose the blasting area and install a local exhaust ventilation
system that filters the exhaust prior to ventilating to the outside atmosphere.
(c) Before blasting, all potential sources of ignition shall be removed. Unprotected
electrical equipment shall be removed or isolated. If there has to be any electrical
equipment in the blasting and spray room, a risk assessment and hazardous area
classification shall be carried out to decide the level of protection required.
(d) Ventilation shall be provided to ensure that dust inhalation hazards to employees and
dust explosion hazards do not exist.
(e) Applicable control measures listed in other relevant sections of this document shall be
followed.
3.6 Abrasive Blasting in Confined Space
(a) Abrasive blasting operations that are conducted in confined spaces shall be performed
in accordance with the requirements of
ADOSH-SF – CoP 27.0 – Confined Spaces.
(b) Abrasive blasting operations that are conducted in confined spaces shall implement a
Permit to Work System that meets the requirements of
ADOSH-SF – CoP 21.0 – Permit
to Work Systems.
(c) Working in a confined space shall not be permitted if an explosive atmosphere can
exist due to dust created by the blasting operation.
(d) Ignition sources that could cause a dust explosion identified as a part of risk
assessment shall be eliminated prior to the commencement of abrasive blasting.
(e) Ventilation within the confined space shall be maintained until abrasive blasting
operation is completed and there is no further risk to the health of employees.
3.7 Atmospheric Monitoring / Air Sampling
(a) When performing abrasive blasting operations, the work atmosphere shall be
monitored though air sampling to assess the employee exposures to dusts and
hazardous materials:
(i) air sampling results shall be compared with exposure standards stipulated by
relevant local and federal regulations; and
(ii) if air sampling results exceed the permissible exposure limits, then control
measures shall be implemented to reduce / prevent employee exposures.

ADOSH-SF – Codes of Practice
CoP 50.0 – Abrasive Blasting and associated Protective Coating Work
Version 4.1 – 16th February 2026
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(b) If monitoring results indicate that control measures are required to reduce / prevent
employee exposures, air sampling shall be used to assess the effectiveness of the
control measures.
(c) Air sampling shall be at a frequency decided by the risk assessment and the blast
media, or material being blasted that could affect an employee’s exposure.
(d) Air sampling records shall be maintained that include:
(i) who performed the sampling;
(ii) procedures used for air sampling;
(iii) location of air sampling;
(iv) date and time of sampling;
(v) serial number of equipment used for sampling;
(vi) calibration data for sampling equipment;
(vii) analytical methods used for sampling;
(viii) laboratory used to analyze of samples;
(ix) laboratory certifications;
(x) chain of custody for the samples;
(xi) sampling results; and
(xii) report of findings and corrective actions.
(e) Laboratory analysis shall be conducted by laboratories approved by the Emirates
Standardization and Metrology Authority (ESMA).
3.8 Maintenance and Cleaning
(a) Abrasive blasting equipment shall be cleaned daily or at the end of each shift.
(b) Waste material shall be stored and disposed of in accordance with the requirements
of
ADOSH-SF – CoP 54.0 – Waste Management.
(c) Employers shall develop a maintenance program that ensures equipment is working
appropriately and provides early detection of any defect in control measures that
could result in a reduced level of protection.
(d) Abrasive blasting equipment shall be inspected prior to use on each shift. Examination
of the equipment shall include:
(i) visual inspection of equipment looking for worn equipment, damaged
equipment, integrity of joints / connections / hoses and any leaks;
(ii) personal protective equipment shall be inspected to ensure it is clean and is not
damaged; and
(iii) if a local exhaust ventilation system is used, it shall be inspected to ensure it is
working appropriately and filters are in good condition.

ADOSH-SF – Codes of Practice
CoP 50.0 – Abrasive Blasting and associated Protective Coating Work
Version 4.1 – 16th February 2026
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(e) Service records shall be maintained that include:
(i) equipment and control measures which require servicing;
(ii) nature of the servicing needed;
(iii) frequency of the servicing;
(iv) who is responsible for the servicing;
(v) documentation of defects and how they were corrected; and
(vi) performance testing and evaluation.
3.9 Occupational Health
(a) Employees shall not be allowed to eat, drink, or smoke in the vicinity of abrasive
blasting operations. No open containers of food or drink shall be stored within or close
to abrasive blasting operations where contaminants could enter the open container.
(b) Appropriate changing rooms and showers shall be provided at the worksite for
employees working in abrasive blasting operations as a major part of their daily work.
(c) Employers shall have a first aid and medical treatment program in compliance with
ADOSH-SF – CoP 4.0 – First Aid and Medical Emergency Treatment.
(d) Employers shall have a medical surveillance program in compliance with
ADOSH-SF –
CoP 5.0 – Occupational Health Screening and Medical Surveillance.
3.10 Emergency Response
(a) Emergency Response procedures compliant to
ADOSH-SF – Element 6 – Emergency
Management shall be developed for all abrasive blasting operations. Requirements for
emergencies involving abrasive blasting operations include medical emergencies,
hazardous material exposures, fire, explosions etc. as identified through the Risk
Assessment required by Sections 3.1 and 3.2 of this CoP.
(b) First aid procedures shall be provided in accordance with
ADOSH-SF – CoP 4.0 – First
Aid and Medical Emergency Treatment.

ADOSH-SF – Codes of Practice
CoP 50.0 – Abrasive Blasting and associated Protective Coating Work
Version 4.1 – 16th February 2026
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4. Record Keeping
(a) Employee medical surveillance and medical records shall be maintained in accordance
with
ADOSH-SF – CoP 5.0 – Occupational Health Screening and Medical Surveillance.
(b) All maintenance, inspection and testing records shall be maintained in accordance with
requirements of
ADOSH-SF – Element 9 – Compliance and Management Review.
(c) Employee training records shall be maintained in accordance with requirements of
ADOSH-SF – Element 9 – Compliance and Management Review.

ADOSH-SF – Codes of Practice
CoP 50.0 – Abrasive Blasting and associated Protective Coating Work
Version 4.1 – 16th February 2026
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5. References
•
OSHA ventilation standard for general industry (29 CFR 1910.94)
•
Abrasive Blasting Code of Practice 2004 Workplace Health and Safety
Queensland
•
OSHA PART 1910 – Occupational Safety and Health Standards — Subpart
G—Occupational Health and Environmental Control § 1910.94 Ventilation
•
Industrial Sector OSH Regulatory Authority (ZonesCorp) Awareness Flyer
on Abrasive Blasting & Spray Painting

ADOSH-SF – Codes of Practice
CoP 50.0 – Abrasive Blasting and associated Protective Coating Work
Version 4.1 – 16th February 2026
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6. Document Amendment Record
Version Revision Date Description of Amendment
Page/s Affected
4.0
15th July 2024
System acronym updated from OSHAD-SF
to ADOSH-SF to accurately reflect
document title
Throughout
Change from OSHAD to ADPHC
Change of Logo
Minor editorial changes throughout the
document without changing requirements.
Title of Mechanism 7.0 updated to ADOSH-
SF – Mechanism 7– Occupational Safety
and Health Practitioner and Service
Provider Registration
OSHAD-SF - Mechanism 8.0 - OSH
Practitioner Registration deleted
4.1
16th February
2026
Minor editorial changes throughout the
document without changing requirements
Throughout