Exam Questions And Correct Answers

CA D38 Sandblasting Contractor Exam Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationale2026 Q&A| Instant Download Pdf

• What is the primary purpose of sandblasting in surface preparation?
• To paint the surface
• To remove rust, scale, and coatings
• To weld metal parts
• To polish the surface
• To remove rust, scale, and coatings

Rationale: Sandblasting is mainly used to clean surfaces and remove

rust, old paint, and scale to prepare for coatings or fabrication.

• Which personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential for

sandblasting operators?

• Hard hat only
• Ear plugs only
• Respiratory protection, protective clothing, gloves, and eye

protection

• Safety shoes only
• Respiratory protection, protective clothing, gloves, and eye

protection

Rationale: Sandblasting generates airborne particles and dust that

can harm the lungs, eyes, and skin, requiring comprehensive PPE.

• What is the recommended pressure range for abrasive blasting with

steel grit on steel surfaces?

• 10–30 psi
• 40–60 psi
• 80–120 psi 1 / 3

• 200–250 psi
• 80–120 psi

Rationale: This pressure range is optimal for effective cleaning and

surface profiling without damaging the substrate.

• Which type of abrasive is commonly used for sandblasting steel

surfaces?

• Aluminum oxide
• Baking soda
• Corncob
• Talc
• Aluminum oxide

Rationale: Aluminum oxide is hard, durable, and produces a uniform

surface profile suitable for steel.

• What is the main hazard associated with silica sand in sandblasting?
• Skin irritation
• Silicosis due to inhalation of crystalline silica dust
• Noise only
• Fire hazard
• Silicosis due to inhalation of crystalline silica dust

Rationale: Inhalation of respirable crystalline silica can cause

permanent lung damage, making silica a serious occupational hazard.

• Which type of respirator is typically required for sandblasting

operations?

• Half-mask air purifying respirator
• Powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) or supplied-air respirator
• Surgical mask
• Dust mask only
• Powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) or supplied-air

respirator

Rationale: High dust concentrations require supplied-air systems to

protect against silica and other abrasive dusts.

• Why is surface profile important after sandblasting?
• It determines color of the coating
• It affects adhesion of paints and coatings
• It reduces noise
• It improves electrical conductivity 2 / 3

• It affects adhesion of paints and coatings

Rationale: A proper surface profile ensures coatings mechanically

bond to the substrate, enhancing durability.

• Which method is recommended for controlling dust during outdoor

sandblasting?

• Using water or wet abrasive blasting
• Wearing gloves
• Working faster
• Blasting at night
• Using water or wet abrasive blasting

Rationale: Wet blasting reduces dust generation, improving worker

safety and compliance with environmental regulations.

• What is the maximum safe exposure time to respirable crystalline silica

without PPE?

• 15 minutes
• 1 hour
• 8 hours (per OSHA PEL limits)
• Unlimited
• 8 hours (per OSHA PEL limits)

Rationale: OSHA sets permissible exposure limits (PEL) for silica;

exposure beyond this without proper PPE increases risk of silicosis.

• What is the purpose of a blast pot in sandblasting operations?
• To store paint
• To contain and feed abrasive media under pressure
• To store water
• To weld metals
• To contain and feed abrasive media under pressure

Rationale: Blast pots hold the abrasive and provide compressed air to

propel it at the target surface.

• Which factor most affects the rate of abrasive wear in a blasting

nozzle?

• Nozzle material, abrasive hardness, and particle velocity
• Ambient temperature
• Operator weight
• Color of abrasive
• Nozzle material, abrasive hardness, and particle velocity
• / 3