Jobs that are characterized as "abatement projects" typically involve the removal of hazardous materials from the surface. These types of projects are often found in places like industrial shipyards, factories, tanks, water treatment plants, mill buildings, and generally any building or structure built before 1980.

Sponge Media is commonly used on abatement and decontamination projects as the recyclable nature of Sponge-Jet abrasive limits the high waste disposal costs associated with ordinary blasting. The three most common "hazardous materials" we encounter are: 

Lead

The two common types of lead paint found on abatement projects are white lead and red lead. White lead paint was widely used as both a corrosion inhibitor and antibacterial pigment in paints until the 1970s. Concerns over its toxicity ultimately led to the ban of its use in residential and public buildings by the CSPC in 1977. Red lead coatings are still used occasionally in the industrial, military, and marine industries, mostly on structural steel, tanks, and bridges. 

From Mill Buildings, to Lighthouses, to the United States Capitol Dome, lead paint is still found on a wide variety of project types today. Construction workers are exposed to lead at all stages of these projects, from removal to disposal. Lead primarily enters the body through inhalation and ingestion, where it passes through the lungs into the blood, quickly harming many of the body’s organ systems. This makes it critical to properly follow the Hierarchy of Controls set by OSHA when working on a lead abatement project.

Asbestos

Asbestos is commonly found in areas where lead paint exists thanks to its resistance to fire and corrosion. It has been used in products such as insulation for pipes, floor tiles, glue or mastic, and other building materials. OSHA has found that heavy exposure to asbestos occurs in the construction industry and ship repair. Exposure can happen at any time when asbestos material is disturbed during renovations, repairs, or demolition.

While there is no “safe” level of asbestos exposure for any type of asbestos fiber, there is a legal limit. Even when exposed for as little as just a few days, asbestos inhalation can cause health problems. Breathing in asbestos can cause a build-up of scar-like tissues in the lungs, causing diseases such as asbestosis, mesothelioma, or lung cancer. Therefore, when working on abatement projects that involve asbestos, regular medical monitoring of workers is required when legal limits and exposure times are exceeded. 

Hexavalent Chromium

Hexavalent Chromium, also known as Cr(VI), is used in a multitude of different materials. This includes alloy steel, corrosion-resistant materials, inks, paints, primers, and many other surface coatings. It is often used as an anti-corrosive agent to protect metals and structures. In California, Cr(VI) was identified as a Toxic Air Containment in 1986 by CARB (California Air Resources Board) as it is a known human carcinogen and has no known safe level of exposure.

Hex Chrome impacts the respiratory system, kidneys, liver, skin, and eyes through inhalation of fumes or mists, or from direct skin contact. Not only can this cause diseases such as chrome ulcers, but it has also been proven to cause respiratory cancers. Similar to lead and asbestos, these risks increase with longer exposure to the hazardous material.

OSHA’s Hierarchy of Controls

When becoming involved in an abatement project, OSHA requires that a “Hierarchy of Control” is followed. OSHA’s Hierarchy of Control is a method of identifying and ranking safeguards in order to protect workers from hazards. Often, multiple control methods will need to be combined in order to best protect the workers. They are listed here in order from most effective to least effective:

1. Elimination: This involves physically removing the hazard in order to make sure it no longer exists
2. Substitution: Changing our a material or process to reduce the hazard (Note: Substituting traditional abrasives for Sponge abrasives on a hazardous job can reduce the amount of hazardous exposure, according to OSHA)
3. Engineering Controls: Reducing exposure by preventing hazards from coming into contact with workers, while still allowing them to do their jobs effectively. 
4. Administrative Controls: This involves changing the way work is done or giving workers more information by providing them with relevant procedures, training, or warnings. For example, if it appears a worker is being exposed to too much risk, an administrative control may involve rotating workers more frequently. Signs noting the presence of lead based paint would be an example of an administrative control. 
5. PPE (Personal Protective Equipment): Including clothing and devices to protect workers, this is often thought of as the first line of protection. However, it is only to be used as support of Controls 1 through 4 shown above (when possible), not as the main safety feature. 
   (Learn more about abrasive blasting PPE here)

It is mandatory that employers and facility owners ensure this Hierarchy of Controls is followed in order to keep workers safe from hazardous materials, especially when working with lead, asbestos, and hexavalent chromium.

When working with lead, asbestos, or hexavalent chromium, understanding of “Cradle to Grave” is essential in order to keep everyone involved in the disposal process of hazardous materials safe. From the moment hazardous waste is generated (freed from substrate by abrasive blasting, grinding, or other means), until it is processed into something other than hazardous waste, there are strict regulations in place to ensure that no hazardous materials enter the environment.

Properly following both OSHA’s Hierarchy of Control and Cradle to Grave is critical during abatement projects. Always follow local, regional, and federal regulations regarding the removal or disturbance of hazardous material. Always consult with your corporate safety officials prior to the start of abatement projects.