Grit Blaster (Surface Preparation)

TITLE:Grit Blaster(Surface Preparation)FUNCTION:

Responsible for the application of industrial surface preparation practices associated with blast grit and application processes to agreed industry, quality standards and manufacturer’s instructions. Understanding each method of application including proprietary blast equipment, compressors, hoppers, breathing apparatus, blast hoses and nozzles as prescribed to meet the coatings application instructions and surface profiles required. The ability to recommend methods to improve overall quality, safety blasting application(s) and assist in analysing quality concerns.

REPORTS TO:                 

Nominated Supervisor (Daily)

Operations Manager (Daily)

Group HSEQ Director (Indirectly)

INTERFACES WITH:            

Train the Painter (Blasting) Trainers

Supervisors

Administrators

Stores

Client Representatives

SUPERVISES:

Blasting applications support operatives during set-up and application of the blasting operations; confined space sentry personnel and “POTMAN” feeding the hopper silos with blast grit.

“Remember” stop work if continuance of the work would result in non-compliance or if safety is being compromised. The Grit Blaster shall work closely with the Coatings QC Inspectors and Supervisors.

RESPONSIBILITIES:      

Industrial Grit “Blasters” use specialised equipment to apply grit or other abrasive materials to abrade surfaces. They commonly work with metals, GRP, and other materials that are difficult to clean by hand. Grit blasting is used to provide a surface profile that enables adhesion of coating materials to the surface, with the removal of existing paint or rust.

Grit Blaster duties include:

·       Operating high-pressure hoses to blast away layers of paint from surfaces such as steel. GRP, structures (ships, bridges etc.).

·       Inspection and use of Blast equipment, including compressors, blast pots, filters, hoses, nozzles, and pressure gauges

·       Inspecting work sites to ensure the safety of workers and property

·       Inspecting blasting operations to ensure that they are performed in accordance with safety regulations, Permit-to-Work, risk assessment systems etc.

·       Pre-inspection of equipment prior to starting work and continued monitoring and cleaning of tools and equipment to prevent clogging or other problems that could result in injury or damage to equipment.

·       Cleaning work areas before and after blasting projects to remove blast grit if required.

·       Preparing blasting equipment for use by checking for fluid levels and reporting any worn parts to your supervisor.

·       Coatings removal as instructed from Steelwork, Ships, Bridges etc. and including within confined space environments.

·       Communication: Grit Blasters shall work in teams, so communication skills are required in order to efficiently interface with others including e.g. confined space working; Potman, sentries etc. while interfacing with team members to understand their needs in terms of the scope of work and process

·       involved with each blasting operation.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Understanding and ability to of the standards and specifications being implemented in relation to surface preparation and materials to be used.

·       Ensure that necessary materials are available to meet the planned programme and identify any potential shortfalls to your supervisor.

·       Be capable of carrying out the surface preparation techniques to achieve prescribed standards and measure the cleanliness and surface profiles of completed work.

·       Will understand the operation and use of all types of blasting equipment and be aware of the potential risks involved in the use of high-pressure equipment.

·       As required provide a backup routine maintenance service for blasting equipment after use i.e. cleaning and prep for re-use of equipment.

·       Liaise with the Painting Supervisor, to ensure blasting operatives remain suitably qualified and experienced persons (SQEP) through the provision of appropriate training.

·       Appraise and mentor other individual’s training requirements when required, and on instruction provided by supervisors and through observation of works in process.

·       Support continuous improvement activities in discussion with Supervisors and QC personnel on behalf of the company objectives on improvement and development.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:

·    Experienced in industrial grit blasting and surface preparation processes.

·    Ideally experienced in Marine surface preparation applications.

·    “Train the Painter” (blasting category) or ICATS Equivalent Qualifications held.

·    Good communication skills able to coach less experienced operatives.

ACCOUNTABILITY:

Reports directly to the nominated project Coatings Supervisor and Site Operations Manager on a daily basis and has an indirect line of reporting to the HSEQ Director on quality related issues and in compliance with the Company’s ISO9001:2015 guidance.

PROFILE:

· The Grit Blaster shall be qualified to “Train the Painter” or ICATS Equivalent Qualifications held and with previous coatings industry experience, part of which shall be related to industrial blasting operational techniques in accordance with the prescribed instructions or coatings manufacturers Technical and Safety Data Sheets. This includes awareness of the site inspection regime associated with the coatings to be applied. The Paint Applicator shall be knowledgeable in relation to the responsibilities listed in this Job Description.