What safety precautions should be taken for hook-type shot blasting machines?

What safety precautions should be taken for hook-type shot blasting machines?

May 28, 2025

Hook-type shot blasting machines are a type of equipment commonly used to clean the surface of large workpieces. They are widely used in rust removal, decontamination and cleaning operations of large pieces such as castings, forgings, and steel structures. Due to the complex structure of the hook-type shot blasting machine, which involves high-speed shot blasting wheels and conveying systems, special attention must be paid to safety during operation to prevent accidents. The following are safety precautions that need to be taken during the operation of the hook-type shot blasting machine:


1. Pre-operation inspection
Equipment inspection: Before starting the hook-type shot blasting machine, the equipment should be inspected. Inspection items include but are not limited to:
Ensure that the electrical system, mechanical transmission system, shot blasting wheels and other equipment are working properly.
Check the firmness of the hook and chain to ensure that there is no wear or breakage.
Ensure that the blades of the shot blasting wheel are not damaged and the speed and direction of the shot blasting wheel are correct.
The shot material and dust removal system should be cleaned to avoid blockage and affect the operation of the system.
Safety protection devices: Ensure that all safety protection devices (such as protective covers, warning signs, etc.) are intact and in the appropriate position when working.


2. Wear personal protective equipment
When operating the shot blasting machine, the operator must wear appropriate personal protective equipment to avoid possible injuries during the operation of the shot blasting machine:
Protective glasses: prevent the shot from splashing into the eyes.
Ear plugs or earmuffs: The shot blasting machine is noisy during operation. Wearing ear plugs or earmuffs can effectively reduce the impact of noise on hearing.
Protective clothing: Wear wear-resistant and dust-proof work clothes to prevent the shot from hitting the skin.
Protective gloves: Prevent hands from being injured by equipment, shot and other objects.
Respiratory protection: Since dust may be generated during the shot blasting process, wear appropriate masks or respiratory protection equipment to avoid inhaling harmful dust.


3. Precautions during operation
Avoid standing in dangerous areas: Operators should avoid standing in the working area of ​​the hook-type shot blasting machine, especially in the direction of the shot blasting machine. The high-speed shot spray of the shot blasting machine may cause equipment damage or workpiece splashing.
It is strictly forbidden to adjust the equipment without authorization: unauthorized or untrained personnel shall not arbitrarily adjust the parameters of the equipment, such as the speed of the shot blasting machine, the flow rate of the shot material, etc., to prevent equipment failure or safety accidents caused by improper parameter settings.
Prevent mechanical failure: During operation, always pay attention to the operating status of the equipment. Once abnormal sound, vibration, etc. occur, the machine should be stopped for inspection immediately, and it shall not be forced to continue to operate.
Operators are prohibited from leaving their posts: When the hook-type shot blasting machine is running, the operator should not leave the work post without authorization. If you need to leave, you must stop the equipment and ensure that other personnel are informed.


4. Avoid overload operation
Reasonable loading of workpieces: According to the equipment specifications and design requirements, the number and weight of the workpieces should be reasonably arranged. Do not overload to avoid excessive pressure on the hook, chain, shot blasting machine and other components, which may cause equipment failure or accidents.
Evenly distribute the workpieces: Ensure that the workpieces are evenly distributed on the hook to avoid equipment tilting or hook falling off due to instability or uneven distribution of workpieces.


5. Regular cleaning and maintenance
Shot cleaning: Regularly clean the residual shot in the shot blasting machine to avoid backlog. Check whether the shot contains impurities to ensure the cleaning effect while avoiding equipment damage.
Equipment maintenance: Regularly check and maintain the key components of the shot blasting machine, such as the blades, chains, and conveying systems of the shot blasting machine. Lubricate, adjust or replace damaged parts when necessary to keep the equipment in good operating condition.
Dust removal system maintenance: Clean the dust removal equipment to ensure its normal operation to avoid excessive dust generated during the shot blasting process and affect the health of the operator.


6. Emergency shutdown during operation
Emergency stop button: During the operation of the equipment, if an emergency occurs or an abnormality is found, the operator should immediately press the emergency stop button and stop the machine quickly to reduce the risk of accidents.
Emergency handling: If a safety accident or equipment failure occurs (such as a broken hook, a stuck shot blaster, etc.), the operator should quickly take emergency measures to cut off the power supply to avoid the expansion of the accident. Before operation, relevant training should be received to master basic troubleshooting skills and emergency handling procedures.


7. Training and operating specifications
Personnel training: Operators must undergo professional training before officially taking up their posts to understand the working principle, operating procedures and safety precautions of the equipment. The training content should include equipment operation, troubleshooting, emergency handling and other aspects.
Operation specifications: Develop detailed equipment operation specifications and safety operating procedures, and ensure that all operators strictly comply with them. This includes standardized operations for each step, equipment start-up and shutdown procedures, etc.


8. Prevent shot leakage
Check the shot recovery system: The shot recovery system of the shot blasting machine needs to be checked regularly to ensure the normal operation of the system. If there is a problem with the recovery system, it may cause shot leakage, affecting the working environment and equipment efficiency.
Avoid shot contamination: After long-term use, impurities may be mixed into the shot, and the shot should be cleaned and replaced in time to keep it clean and effective.


Summary:
The safe operation of the hook-type shot blasting machine requires operators to strictly abide by the equipment's usage specifications to ensure the normal operation of the equipment and the safety of personnel. By regularly checking the equipment, loading the workpiece reasonably, wearing appropriate protective equipment and performing daily maintenance, accidents can be effectively reduced and production safety can be ensured.