A Guide from Blue Dog Blasting

At Blue Dog Blasting, we know that safety isn’t just a box to check—it’s the foundation of every productive blast operation. Whether you’re running a single pot setup or managing a full blast room, keeping your team safe should always come first. That means more than just PPE; it’s about using the right systems, staying compliant, and making smart, preventative choices every day.
In this blog, we’ll share three essential tips to help keep your blast operation safe, drawing from our experience supporting pros in the field. We’ll also highlight how our trusted lineup of RPB Safety gear, including the NOVA 3 respirator, Radex Airline Filter, GX4 CO/Gas Monitor, and proper breathing air hoses, can play a key role in maintaining a safe work environment.
While operator comfort is a critical part of safety and long-term productivity, we’ll dive deeper into that topic in a future post. For now, let’s focus on the must-know safety practices that protect your crew and keep your operation running smoothly.

 1. Don’t Mix and Match Respiratory Components – Stick with One Certified System

One of the most common—and dangerous—mistakes we see in the field is mixing components from different manufacturers when assembling a blast operator’s respirator system. It’s not unusual to find a respirator from one brand hooked up to an airline filter from another, tied together with a random aftermarket hose that was never designed for breathing air. While it might seem like a harmless workaround, this type of setup can put your operator at serious risk—and leave your operation out of compliance.
A NIOSH-approved respirator assembly, often referred to as a “hose-to-nose” system, must consist of compatible components from a single manufacturer. This includes the respirator helmet (like the RPB NOVA 3), the Radex Airline Filter, GX4 CO/Gas Monitor, and certified breathing air hose. Mixing parts from different manufacturers voids the NIOSH certification, compromises safety, and can expose your operators to contaminated air.
At Blue Dog Blasting, we recommend using RPB Safety respiratory systems to ensure full compliance, maximum protection, and peace of mind. When it comes to operator safety, there’s no room for guesswork—stick with a complete, certified solution.

2. Change Your RPB Radex Air Line Filter Every 3 Months or 400 Hours

To ensure safe and clean breathing air, replace your RPB Radex Air Line Filter every 3 months or 400 hours, whichever comes first. Recently, a customer failed a compressed air quality test due to high levels of particulates and insufficient air pressure/volume—both directly linked to a neglected filter. When filters aren’t changed on time, contaminants like oil, moisture, and particulates bypass the filter, contaminating the air and potentially leading to hazardous respiratory conditions. This can also cause low airflow, system failures, and decreased performance. Regular filter changes not only protect your operators but also ensure your equipment functions properly. 

3. Perform Regular Inspections of Your RPB Safety Respiratory Protection

Your respiratory protection system is your frontline defense—don’t skip daily inspections. All components of your RPB Safety system, including the NOVA 3 respirator, C40 Climate Control, breathing air hose, and airline filter, should be thoroughly checked before each use.
We recently visited a customer whose operator had been experiencing chest discomfort and respiratory irritation. After inspecting his setup, we discovered that his C40 Climate Control device had a damaged breathing air connection—likely caused by dropping it on the floor. Over time, a small crack formed and began allowing fine abrasive dust to infiltrate the respirator, directly exposing him to harmful airborne particles.
Incidents like this highlight how crucial it is to:

• Inspect all gear before use for cracks, wear, or blockages.
• Check helmet seals, lenses, and straps for signs of degradation.
• Examine hoses and connectors for kinks, splits, or improper fittings.

Identifying damage early helps prevent health risks like inhalation of dust or silica, which can lead to serious conditions such as silicosis or other occupational lung diseases. A few minutes of inspection can save your team from long-term complications and costly downtime.
At Blue Dog Blasting, we don’t just supply gear—we stand behind the people who use it. Keeping your blast crew safe starts with the right equipment, proper maintenance, and consistent, informed practices. By sticking with a certified respiratory system, changing your filters on time, and inspecting your gear regularly, you’re not just protecting your team—you’re protecting your operation, your reputation, and your bottom line.
We’re proud to offer trusted RPB Safety solutions that help you meet and exceed safety standards in the field. Need help setting up the right system or replacing worn parts? We’ve got your back.

Get Out There & Blast.