Technical data

2.9 MECHANICAL REMOVAL OF ORGANIC FINISH
SYSTEMS.
• Reference Table 3-1 for the minimum recom-
mended PPE for paint removal operations
using hand held or motor driven abrasives
(sanding and grinding). Reference Table 2-4
for the minimum recommended PPE for abra-
sive blasting paint removal operations.
• Abrasive blasting, motor-driven wire brush
and motor-driven abrasive disc operations cre-
ate airborne particles that are hazardous to the
eyes, skin, respiratory tract. Do not stand
above, below or directly next to other workers.
Avoid being “downwind” from others using
mechanical sanders and grinders. Do not use
compressed air to remove dust.
• The dust created by either of these methods is
hazardous to the respiratory tract, and noise
produced by abrasive blasting is hazardous to
the hearing. Coveralls with full-length sleeves
and gloves with gauntlets shall be worn by
personnel performing either of these removal
methods. Protective clothing should be re-
moved prior to leaving the work area. Person-
nel using motor-driven abrasives shall wear
dust/particulate type respirators, goggles,
and/or full face shields. Personnel performing
dry abrasive blasting shall wear an abrasive
blasting airline/hood respirator meeting the
requirements of AFOSH STD 48-137 and
hearing protection. Hoods or helmets should
be cleaned prior to storage in dust-free envi-
ronment. Contact the Base Bioenvironmental
Engineer for specifics on required protective
equipment.
• Dust generated from abrasive, metal, and fin-
ish system particles during dry abrasive blast-
ing, motor-driven wire brush, or motor-driven
abrasive disc finish system removal operations
creates the potential for a dust explosion. Use
only pneumatic type motor-driven equipment.
Properly electrically ground all motor driven
equipment, abrasive blasting equipment, work
stands, and work pieces when engaged in
these operations. Avoid all sources of ignition
where these operations are in progress, and
provide adequate ventilation in the area.
• Dry abrasive blasting, motor-driven wire
brush, or motor-driven abrasive disc finish
system removal on steel and titanium alloy
surfaces may cause sparking. Perform these
operations in a well ventilated area, and take
proper fire safety precautions. If these meth-
ods are being used in a large operation involv-
ing other types of metals, remove the finish
system from the steel and titanium surfaces
first; and then proceed to the other areas.
• Low-carbon steel brushes shall not be used on
aluminum, magnesium, copper, stainless steel,
or titanium alloy surfaces as steel particles will
embed in these surfaces and later rust or cause
galvanic corrosion of these surfaces. Copper,
brass, or beryllium copper brushes shall not be
used on aluminum, magnesium, steel, stainless
steel, or titanium alloy surfaces as they will
smear on these surfaces and cause galvanic
corrosion.
• Mechanical methods shall be used only long
enough to remove the finish system and not
abrade the underlying metal surface. Speed of
removal is not the most important factor.
Removal without damage to the surface or
creating a condition which can lead to future
corrosion damage and providing a surface
suitable for finish system reapplication are the
most important factors.
TO 1-1-8
2-12