No, according to specific regulations, you cannot use kiln dried sand for blasting for cleaning certain objects.
Why Kiln Dried Sand is Prohibited for Blast Cleaning
The use of kiln-dried sand (including block paving sand) is illegal for blast cleaning when cleaning specific items known as 'articles'. This ban applies to both wet and dry blasting methods.
This prohibition is rooted in UK legislation, specifically referenced under the Factories Act 1949 & 1961.
What are 'Articles' in this Context?
The term 'articles', as defined by HSE (Health and Safety Executive) guidelines mentioned in the reference, covers a broad range of metal objects.
Examples of 'articles' include:
- Small castings
- Various metal components
- Large structures like ships
Using kiln-dried sand for blasting these types of objects is strictly forbidden under the aforementioned Acts.
Summary of the Ban
Here's a quick breakdown of the key points regarding the ban on kiln-dried sand for blasting:
- Material: Kiln-dried sand (and block paving sand)
- Process: Blast cleaning
- Application: Cleaning 'articles' (primarily metal objects)
- Methods: Both wet and dry blasting
- Reason: Illegal under the Factories Act 1949 & 1961
Therefore, while sand is a common abrasive, standard kiln-dried sand is specifically excluded and banned for blast cleaning many industrial items due to historical safety regulations, likely related to health hazards from fine silica dust.
