Stringent ecological protocol means construction professionals must be selective in their search for blasting media. However, some materials can compromise operational efficiency or result in noncompliance. How do contractors find blasting media that complies with environmental regulations?
Here is what construction professionals should know for their jobsite needs.
How to Find Blasting Media That Complies With Environmental Regulations
Before acquiring compliant blasting media, construction professionals must be familiar with environmental regulations. Laws may vary based on location, so special attention is necessary for rules on water runoff and worker safety. Professionals should also consider what permits their jobsite requires.
The most eco-friendly options for regulation-compliant blasting media depend on sourcing processes. Construction professionals must consider the supply chain, costs and environmental impact. The auto industry has endured rising prices, which has impacted long-distance shipping and its already larger carbon footprint.
Here are some of the most environmentally conscious blasting materials that comply with regulations on all levels:
- Recycled glass: Crushed and recycled glass is a sustainable option for blasting media. This material does not contain heavy metals or silica, and it has convenient and irregular shapes.
- Dry ice: Dry ice is an excellent option for blasting media because it eliminates waste after the blast. Once it sublimates, the cleaning time drastically decreases.
- Corn cob: Corn cobs have a low environmental impact because it is biodegradable. Each blast does not produce harmful dust or pollutants, thus reducing worksite hazards.
- Sand: Sand is among the most preferred blasting media because it removes contaminants and generates a surface profile.
- Baking soda: Baking soda is non-toxic to animals and environmentally benign, making it a standard material for blasting media. The substance has a neutral pH and is water soluble, so the cleanup is minimal.
Best Options for Compliant Blasting Media
Here are the top nine options for compliant blasting media and where to procure them.
1. Superoxalloy Abrasives From 10X Engineered Materials
10X Engineered Materials has the safest and best-performing abrasives for construction professionals. Scientific and engineering concepts help the experts produce high-efficiency and productive blasting media for numerous applications. The company prides itself on its superoxalloy abrasives that deliver stellar exceptional surface quality and minimized material use for each operation.
The superoxalloy abrasives are an alloy of oxide minerals that the company produces through formulation and tempering. Mineral wool byproducts constitute the superalloys, making them safer and more eco-friendly than conventional materials. DynamiX is 10X Engineered Materials’ newest superoxalloy abrasive, which works best for quickly removing thick coatings. Speed and low costs make the blasting more efficient and eco-conscious.
2. METgrit and METgrain Blasting Abrasives From Chesapeake Specialty Products
Chesapeake Specialty Products leverages its series of METgrit and METgrain Blasting Abrasives to get the job done on construction sites. This compliant blasting media collection is recyclable, making surface preparation cleaner and less expensive for each project. Quality steel and optimized carbon levels generate a hard blasting material, and Chesapeake Specialty Products ensures the composition can handle tough jobs.
The Maryland-based company has prioritized strict environmental and occupational safety compliance. Using METgrit allows construction professionals to produce less dust and recycle the products once the blast is over. Whether construction professionals opt for metallic or chilled iron grit, the environmental and economic benefits are significant. Users can remove paint and rust while maintaining a sustainable profile.
3. Silica-Free Blasting Media From ESCA Blast
ESCA Blast has been in business for over 35 years, priding itself on providing non-hazardous and eco-friendly blast media. For over three decades, the company has adhered to OSHA exposure limits by producing environmentally effective blast media. Construction professionals can choose between non-destructive and aggressive blasting media.
From dry ice to baking soda, numerous blasting media options are available at ESCA Blast. Construction professionals benefit from access to a wide selection tailored to their needs, regardless of the project’s size and scope. Another critical feature of the blasting media is the lack of silica. This significantly reduces worksite health concerns since experts say silica exposure may increase the risk of diseases like silicosis and lung cancer.
4. Sustainable and Plastic Blasting Media From Composition Materials
For over 100 years, Composition Materials has offered blasting media that complies with environmental regulations. The company has served industries worldwide with sustainable options like walnut, apricot and pecan shells. Composition Materials’ top choice for blasting media is Plast-Grit, which uses recycled plastic abrasives to reduce environmental impact.
Composition Materials features a lineup of green products that include bio-based fillers and exclude harmful additives. The company is an industry leader in plastic media abrasives, ranging from polyester to acrylic and clear-cut materials. Construction teams can use these plastic materials to remove paint and rust from steel, aluminum and construction vehicles. Composition Materials also offers all-natural cosmetics for personal care formulations.
5. Green Blasting Media From Green Diamond Performance Materials
Green Diamond Performance Materials has six decades of experience in the blast media sector, boasting innovation, quality and customer support. Since its inception, the business has sourced abrasives from its extensive magnesium orthosilicate reserve in western Oregon. At the site, the blasting media experts leverage angularity and precision to heighten performance and ensure a reduced environmental impact.
The company’s lone source for world-class products makes it one of the most environmentally viable on the market. Construction teams should also consider Green Diamond’s controlled profile, which has no respirable silica and low dusting. Besides blasting media, the Oregon-based business also specializes in recycling given that the particle structure of its products does not shatter upon use.
6. Glass-Based Blasting Media From Clean Bite Glass
Construction team interested in using recycled glass should look toward Clean Bite Glass and its eco-friendly alternatives. The company exclusively uses crushed and recycled glass for its regulation-compliant blasting media. Each abrasive contains post-consumer materials, ensuring no mining is involved with any client’s purchase. From coarse to fine grades, Clean Bite Glass’ blasting products adhere to tight standards for particle sizes.
The products from Clean Bite Glass are terrific for consumer and environmental safety, as they does not contain any detectable silica. The company’s blasting media is hard and makes cutting faster and more effective, thus reducing labor costs and preventing particle embedding. Clean Bite Glass is another critical industry player for bottom lines, as it permits flexible payment options and contact-free delivery.
7. Multiple Forms of Blasting Media From SurfacePrep
SurfacePrep is one of the nation’s leading suppliers of abrasive blasting media and finishing equipment, leveraging expert technical knowledge and customer service. The industrial products business has locations around the U.S., U.K. and Canada to assist clients regardless their job site’s location. From offering abrasives to providing specialty materials, SurfacePrep has critical comprehensive services.
The variety of blasting media makes SurfacePrep a viable supplier for construction professionals. Abrasive applications let professionals use glass beads, crushed glass and aluminum oxide, among other blasting media. SurfacePrep provides crews with vibratory finishing media and non-woven abrasives to make the finishing process more efficient. Besides abrasives, SurfacePrep offers equipment for air and wheel blasting and replacement parts.
8. Plastic Blast Media From Opti-Blast
Opti-Blast stands out for its relationship with military and commercial customers. For over 25 years, the company has manufactured plastic blast media and maintained in-house operations to shorten its supply chain. Construction professionals benefit from the reduced carbon footprint and savings associated with in-house operations. Propriety blends of particles easily remove paint and ensure clean substrate surfaces.
Since 1995, Opti-Blast has created blast materials for the aviation industry, including aerospace and defense applications. Recyclable and reliable materials are among the hallmarks of the company. Opti-Blast’s products comply with Boeing, General Electric, the Department of Defense and other entities. From T-2 Urea to T-3 Melamine, these standard blasting products make the company an industry leader.
9. Eco-Friendly Blasting Media From Northern Tool
Northern Tool is a family-owned operation. The Minnesota-based company has numerous options for construction professionals using abrasive and sandblaster machines. Aluminum oxide and steel grit headline the blasting media, and walnut shells and corn cobs emphasize the company’s commitment to eco-friendly materials. Products range from 10 to 25 pounds, offering a range of sizes that fit individual needs.
One of the premier products from Northern Tool is the medium glass bead abrasive. The lead-free and lime-type glass contains no silica, aiding the environmental aspects and work environment. Each 25-pound pail quickly removes rust and is recyclable while being a low-dust abrasive. Besides abrasives, the company sells other construction equipment to assist the blasting process and ensure clean surfaces.
How to Find Blasting Media That Complies With Environmental Regulations
While building regulations vary by locality, construction companies must consider the environmental consequences of every project. Work with compliant blasting media should be a necessity for all construction companies, so it’s essential to find manufacturers and suppliers that adhere to local, state and federal laws.
Recyclable and non-toxic materials are an excellent start because they minimally impact the environment and workers. Each construction team should use the most ecologically sound materials for their needs by considering the supply chain and carbon footprint.
