• What equipment must be protected (air intakes, lubricated components, moving machinery etc.)
• If a containment needs to be built for the work area.
• What will be used for ventilation (if it is needed.)

Note: Moving or removing customer’s parts and equipment will require their approval and may require their assistance.
Note: It may be cheaper / easier to remove smaller items rather than masking them.

Note: Pictures of the work area will allow for easy placement of the removed hardware when finished with the project.

Note: Any removed hardware should be stored on site in an organized way

! WARNING – When required lock out/tag out procedures must be completed prior to performing any work.

Note: If surfaces are dirty, the tape will not stick. When cleaning with a rag is not sufficient reference guidelines for Pressure Washing or Solvent Cleaning for further guidance.

Note: Tape does not stick well in colder temperatures or to cold surfaces.

Note: Tape and plastic may bond to hot equipment, always use a suitable masking
material or a suitable barrier material when necessary.

Note: Verify wind direction. Equipment should never be staged downwind of the blasting area. Although wind direction may change, stage equipment far enough
away, and (typically) upwind.

Note: Moving customers’ property will require their approval and may require their assistance.

Note: Any moved items should be stored onsite in an organized way.

! WARNING – Consult with the client or your foreman about any items that must be LOCKED OUT or could be damaged by being covered.

Note: The use of a dust collector or dust sock will minimize dust from escaping into the environment.

• Duct tape, impact resistant tape, masking tape
• Reinforced or unreinforced visquene
• Drop cloths / Tarps
• Plywood
• Rubber sheeting
• Tin or stovepipe sections
• Caps or plugs
• Inflatable “pigs”

Note: Keep in mind that unmasking is as much or more work than masking. When possible, using plastic or coverings that allow minimal use of duct tape on the surfaces will drastically increase production during the unmasking process.

Note: Tape may bond to hot surfaces on the equipment or devices, it may be necessary to apply a layer of heat resistant tape or another suitable barrier prior to
masking.

• Valve Handles
• Pipe Clamps
• Chains
• Lights

! CAUTION – Never OPEN or CLOSE Valves when removing handles
! CAUTION – Never remove any parts or devices without permission from the client

Note: When covering items, it is a good practice to run the tape past the edges and trim with a utility knife.

Note: See Troubleshooting and Tips for further guidance.

! CAUTION – Never cover any moving objects or items such as electrical motors, fans or air intakes that could hinder the operation of that equipment.

! CAUTION – If these items require covering or masking, ensure they are shut off and locked out.

• Verify all areas are covered except what is being blasted.
• Verify any vehicles, equipment, etc. are not in the blast area or downwind of the blast operation.
• Communicate with client prior to blasting.

Note: Never use WD-40 on bare metal that is to be coated.

Note: For Electrical Equipment and Pneumatic Lines, the use of garden or other hoses can be beneficial.

Note: Use plywood when possible for added protection of the surface.

Note: Apply minimum of 2 layers of plastic and duct tape when protecting surfaces from abrasive blasting material.

Note: For cold environments, duct tape may be required to cover the equipment or devices and could take up to 4 layers.

Note: For piping or pipelines, use plastic, tin, or tarps to protect the surfaces.

Note: For pipe joints with cathodic protection, use rope wound between the flange faces.

! CAUTION – Never abrasive blast Cathodic Protection.

Note: Glass or Digital Gauges require additional masking to protect from damage of the abrasive material.

Note: After completing abrasive blasting, use an air line to remove excess blasting material from the masking.

Note: Any blasting material left on the masking or equipment can affect the quality of
the paint application. Touch up masking prior to painting.

Note: Plastic caps can be ordered to protect threaded ends of piping or to cover bolts.

Note: Plugs can be used to protect insides of pipes or tubes.

Note: “Pigs” can be used to protect insides of lager pipes and drains.

Note: Impact resistant tape is very effective and will provide better protection.

Note: If pre planning is done, abrasive resistant material cut into specific shapes can be ordered and will save time and effort, as well as produce a better finished product.

Note: When any type of tape freezes, the adhesive on tape will not work properly.