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Safety is paramount in abrasive blasting operations. Garnet, particularly GMA Garnet™, is recognized as a safer choice compared to other abrasives.
Health Risks of Slag Abrasives
Slag abrasives when used in various blasting applications, can pose serious health risks. These abrasives often contain heavy metals such as arsenic, chromium, nickel, and vanadium. Prolonged exposure to these metals can lead to severe health issues, including respiratory diseases and cancer. The dust generated during blasting with slag abrasives can be inhaled by workers, leading to long-term health complications.
Hazards of Slag eBook
Setting the standard in safety
GMA Garnet™ mitigates health risks due to its unique properties. Unlike slag abrasives, GMA Garnet™ produces minimal dust during blasting operations, significantly reducing the likelihood of blasters and those around them inhaling harmful particles.
Additionally, GMA Garnet™ has a low heavy metal content. Independent studies have revealed that GMA Garnet™ poses a 2.5 times lower safety risk compared to waste slag abrasives. This makes it a preferable choice for industries where worker safety is a critical concern.
Environmental Benefits
The ability to recycle GMA Garnet™ multiple times reduces waste from blasting operations. This not only minimizes disposal costs but also lowers environmental contamination risks associated with the disposal of used abrasives. The recyclable nature of our garnet aligns with sustainable practices, making it an eco-friendly option for companies looking to reduce their environmental footprint.
Choosing the right abrasive is crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of workers and the environment. GMA Garnet™ provides a safer, more sustainable alternative to traditional slag abrasives, with lower health risks and environmental impact. By opting for GMA Garnet™, companies can enhance their safety standards and contribute to a healthier work environment.
Worker Safety: Garnet vs. Slag Abrasives
- Slag abrasives often contain hazardous substances such as heavy metals, including lead and arsenic, which can pose serious health risks to workers through inhalation or skin contact.
- GMA Garnet™ is a natural mineral free of heavy metals and toxic substances. It produces lower dust levels during blasting, significantly reducing the risk of respiratory issues and skin irritation for workers.
- Garnet abrasives generate significantly less dust compared to slag. This reduction in dust not only minimizes respiratory risks but also improves visibility in the workplace, contributing to overall safety and efficiency.
- While all abrasive blasting operations require proper ventilation and dust control, the lower dust levels associated with garnet abrasives mean that these measures can be less intensive compared to those needed for slag abrasives. This contributes to a safer and more cost-effective working environment.
- GMA’s abrasives comply with strict regulations and guidelines set by organizations like OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) to ensure worker safety. In contrast, slag abrasives often require additional safety measures due to their hazardous content.
Garnet disposal and reprocessing
GMA Garnet™ can be recycled up to five times, reducing the need for new raw materials and minimizing waste. The reprocessing of used garnet ensures that it is effectively recycled and reused, further contributing to environmental sustainability.
GMA Americas Returns Program, launched in November 2023, allows customers to responsibly return used GMA Garnet™ for reprocessing and reuse. This program provides a cost-effective, sustainable solution to garnet disposal, reducing environmental contamination risks and supporting the circular economy.
For more information on the program visit https://gmagarnet.com/en/americas/sustainability/garnet-disposal