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What This Checklist Is
This checklist is a practical self-review tool that helps businesses reflect on how abrasive blasting risks are identified and managed at work. It is commonly used during internal reviews, planning activities, or improvement discussions where surface preparation, coating removal, or cleaning tasks are carried out. The checklist is intended for owners, managers, and supervisors who want a clear way to sense-check everyday Work Health and Safety practices.
It is a practical review tool, not a compliance test and not legal advice.
How This Checklist Relates to the Code of Practice
A WHS Code of Practice describes accepted ways of managing Work Health and Safety risks in Australia. This checklist reflects the key themes of the Code by focusing on hazard identification, risk assessment, and risk control for abrasive blasting activities. Answering “Yes” and “No” helps highlight where current controls reduce exposure to hazards and where gaps or weaknesses may exist.
The checklist supports understanding of good practice without claiming legal alignment.
Why Use a Code of Practice Checklist?
Abrasive blasting involves high-energy processes that can expose workers to serious health and safety risks if not well controlled. A checklist like this helps clarify what “good practice” looks like in real work situations. It supports early identification of weak or missing controls and helps set clearer priorities for WHS improvement.
It also supports more informed discussions with workers, advisors, or inspectors about workplace safety.
Key Features
Simple Yes / No checklist format
Written in plain English
Designed for Australian WHS Codes of Practice
Suitable for small and medium businesses
How to Use This Checklist
Work through the questions honestly, based on how abrasive blasting is actually carried out rather than how it is expected to occur. The checklist is most useful when answers reflect real equipment, materials, and work conditions.
Treat “No” answers as areas needing further attention. Use the results to prioritise practical actions and revisit the checklist when blasting methods, locations, or risks change.
What Inspectors Commonly Expect to See
Inspectors generally focus on how abrasive blasting risks are identified and managed in practice, not just on written procedures. They look for evidence that hazards are recognised, risks are assessed, and controls are applied to protect workers and others nearby. Tools like this checklist support informed decision-making by showing that abrasive blasting risks are actively reviewed.
Action and understanding usually matter more than paperwork alone. Inspectors often want to see that issues identified lead to practical changes.
Notes or action lists from checklist reviews
Changes made to risk controls or work practices
Records showing issues were identified and addressed
FAQs
What types of work does abrasive blasting include?
It includes activities such as sandblasting or other abrasive methods used to clean, prepare, or strip surfaces. The checklist helps review how these activities are managed safely.
Is this checklist only for large industrial sites?
No. Abrasive blasting can occur in small workshops and on-site jobs. The checklist is suitable for businesses of different sizes.
Does completing the checklist make abrasive blasting safe?
No. The checklist helps identify strengths and gaps but does not control risks on its own. It supports review and improvement.
When should abrasive blasting risks be reviewed?
Reviews are useful when equipment, materials, or work locations change, or when concerns are raised. Many businesses also review periodically.
Articles and Further Reading
Regulation s49–s50 – Airborne Contaminants – Establishes duties to manage exposure to airborne contaminants, including dust and particulate matter generated during abrasive blasting.
Regulation s529A–s529CE – Crystalline Silica – Sets specific requirements for managing risks associated with respirable crystalline silica, which may be generated during certain blasting processes.
About the Author
About the Author
Nathan Owen
Nathan has worked in construction for 15 years, primarily in health and safety and site management. He has frontline experience including operating plant and machinery and post-graduate qualifications in health and safety.