Activity 001: Blast Cabinet Setup and Pre-Operation Inspection¶

Activity ID: U10M2-ACT-001 Duration: 30 minutes Objective: Perform a complete blast cabinet setup and pre-operation inspection using the standardized checklist.

Overview¶

Students work through the full pre-operation inspection procedure for a blast cabinet, identifying and documenting the condition of each component. This builds the habit of systematic safety checks before every blasting session.

Materials & Equipment Needed¶

Blast cabinet (suction-feed type)
Pre-operation inspection checklist (provided)
Pin gauge set for nozzle measurement
Flashlight for interior inspection
Compressed air supply with regulator
Replacement protective viewing lens
Tissue paper (for airflow check)
Notepad and pen for documentation

Instructions & Procedure¶

Phase 1: External Inspection (10 minutes)¶

Walk around the blast cabinet — check for visible damage, loose panels, or disconnected ductwork
Inspect the compressed air connection: verify regulator is functional, moisture separator is drained
Check the dust collector: verify power connection, read differential pressure gauge, record reading
Test dust collector: turn on, hold tissue paper at cabinet exhaust port — tissue should be pulled firmly against opening
Inspect foot pedal and air hose for damage or kinks
Verify electrical connections: cabinet light, dust collector motor

Phase 2: Internal Inspection (10 minutes)¶

Open cabinet access door
Inspect blast gloves: flex each finger, check palm and wrist areas. Document any thin spots with marker
Check viewing window: note scratches, frosting. Install fresh protective lens if needed
Inspect cabinet interior: check for old media in dead zones, debris, or leftover workpieces
Remove blast gun nozzle: measure bore with pin gauge. Record measurement. Compare to replacement threshold.
Inspect blast hose from gun to cabinet floor — check for wear, kinks, soft spots
Verify media pickup tube is clear — blow through with low-pressure air
Check door gasket seal — close door, look for light gaps indicating seal failure

Phase 3: Operational Test (10 minutes)¶

Close cabinet, set air pressure to 50 PSI
Start dust collector
Turn on cabinet light
Insert hands into gloves, pick up blast gun
Press foot pedal briefly (2-second burst) — verify media flows
Release pedal — verify immediate shutoff
Check for dust escaping from any cabinet seam or joint
Complete inspection checklist and sign off
Record all findings on the maintenance log

Discussion Points¶

What was the condition of each component you inspected?
Did you find any items that needed immediate attention?
How would you handle finding a torn blast glove? A worn nozzle?
Why is the pre-operation inspection critical even if the last user said everything was fine?

Expected Outcomes¶

Students complete all inspection steps in the correct order
Students can identify worn components and determine if replacement is needed
Students document their findings systematically
Students demonstrate understanding of why each check matters for safety

Assessment Rubric¶

Criterion	Excellent (4)	Proficient (3)	Developing (2)	Beginning (1)
Inspection thoroughness	All items checked, documented	Most items checked	Several items missed	Incomplete inspection
Component evaluation	Correctly assessed all conditions	Minor assessment errors	Some incorrect assessments	Unable to assess conditions
Documentation quality	Complete, clear, accurate records	Adequate records	Incomplete records	No documentation
Safety awareness	Identified all hazards and deficiencies	Identified most hazards	Missed significant hazards	Limited safety awareness

Safety Considerations¶

Do not operate the cabinet if any safety deficiency is found — report it immediately
Always disconnect air supply before inspecting internal components
Wear safety glasses when inspecting cabinet interior (residual dust)
Never force a stuck foot pedal — inspect the valve mechanism
Handle nozzles carefully — ceramic and carbide nozzles are brittle and expensive

Last Updated: 2026-03-19