ABRASIVE BLASTING (SAND BLASTING ) REGULATIONS

AUTHORITY:

The following rules and regulations pertaining to abrasive blasting paint removal techniques and processes are adopted in accordance with the provisions of M.G.L., Chapter III, Section 31, 31C, and M.G.L. Chapter III, Sections 122, 123, 124, 125, 143, 144, 145, 146, and 147 for the purpose of protection of the public health.

PERMITS:

A permit is hereby required for the removal of paint by abrasive blasting (sandblasting) from any interior or exterior surface of any structure within the City of Haverhill. Such permit shall be issued by a duly appointed agent of the Board upon compliance by the applicant with the following terms, conditions and requirements of the Board:

1. The applicant shall make application for a permit in writing, or an approved form provided by the Board or its agent.

2. Such application shall include a notorized lead paint test result for 1.2 mg. of lead content per cm2 as certified by a testing laboratory approved by the Board of Health. In no case will permits be issued for wet or dry abrasive blasting of the interior or exterior surfaces of structures in the test for lead indicated the presence of lead based paint in excess of 1.2mg/cm2 on the subject surface.

3. Exterior blasting in the absence of lead is allowed only under the following conditions:

a. Such blasting operations be sufficiently shrouded and ground covered with tarpaulin to contain particulate matter from entering the ambient air space, to prevent visible emissions beyond the vertically extended property line to prevent public exposure to particulates, and to prevent deposition of particulate matter upon public and other property.

Enclosure(s) shall not be removed until all external surfaces including the ground in the vicinity, are thoroughly cleaned by an industrial vacumn cleaner of all loose material attributable to the abrasive blasting operation.

4. Interior blasting in the absence of lead paint is allowed only under the following conditions:

a. All doors, windows, or any openings to the ambient air spaced must be sealed and/or shrouded to prevent particulates from entering the ambient air space to prevent visible emissions beyond the vertically extended property line, to prevent public exposure to particulates, and to prevent deposition of particulates, matter upon public and other property.

b. All doors, joints, cracks, and other openings adjacent to occupied offices, or apartments shall be caulked or otherwise sealed to prevent dust from entering said areas.

c. All openings to the ambient air space must remain sealed and/or shrouded during clean-up of abrasive and abraded materials and use of a covered chute with water spray must be used if said materials are deposited from the building to a receptacle below to prevent particulates from entering the ambient air space.

5. The permit shall be displayed in a conspicuous location during the abrasive blasting operation. The permittee shall notify the Board of Health of the starting date of abrasive blasting operation and immediately notify the Board of Health in the event of a break in technique or site accident.

6. There shall be a complete clean-up of all removed paint, dust particles and/or abrasive materials within two (2) hours of operation shutdown every day.

PENALTIES:

7. The permittee is responsible for compliance with all conditions and terms stated herein. Whoever violates this regulation shall be punished for the first offense by a fine of not less than $100.00 nor more than $200.00

Any of the following conditions shall be prima facia evidence of violation of this regulation.

Visible emission of particulate matter beyond the vertically extended property line of the owner of the property on which abrasive blasting is permitted.

Deposition of visible amounts of particulate matter upon public or other private property. Failure to obtain permit from the Board of Health to engage in an abrasive blasting operation.

FEE:

The fee for each permit shall be $25.00