South Carolina Abrasive Blasting
Contractor License Exam Practice
Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationale 2026
Q&A| Instant Download Pdf
1. Which primary purpose does abrasive blasting serve in industrial
surface preparation?
A. Increasing surface humidity
B. Removing contaminants and creating a surface profile for coating
adhesion
C. Increasing metal hardness
D. Sealing surfaces permanently
Rationale: Abrasive blasting removes rust, scale, paint, and contaminants
while creating a rough surface profile that allows coatings and protective
finishes to adhere properly.
2. What is the most common compressed air pressure range used for
abrasive blasting at the nozzle?
A. 20–40 psi
B. 40–60 psi
C. 80–100 psi
D. 150–200 psi
Rationale: Effective abrasive blasting typically requires nozzle pressures
between 80 and 100 psi to provide sufficient velocity and impact for
surface cleaning and profiling.
, 3. Which respiratory hazard is most associated with blasting silica sand?
A. Carbon monoxide poisoning
B. Silicosis
C. Skin cancer
D. Hearing loss
Rationale: Silica sand blasting produces fine crystalline silica dust, which
can cause silicosis, a serious and irreversible lung disease when inhaled.
4. What piece of equipment mixes abrasive media with compressed air in
a blasting system?
A. Moisture separator
B. Blast pot (pressure vessel)
C. Air regulator
D. Dust collector
Rationale: The blast pot is a pressurized container that stores abrasive
media and mixes it with compressed air before directing it through the
blast hose to the nozzle.
5. Which SSPC surface preparation standard corresponds to “White
Metal Blast Cleaning”?
A. SSPC-SP 3
B. SSPC-SP 6
C. SSPC-SP 10
D. SSPC-SP 5
Rationale: SSPC-SP 5 requires complete removal of visible contaminants,
rust, and coatings, leaving a uniform white metal appearance.
6. What is the primary function of a blast nozzle?
A. Store abrasive media
B. Reduce compressor pressure
C. Accelerate abrasive particles toward the surface
D. Cool the blasting air
, Rationale: The nozzle accelerates compressed air and abrasive media to
high velocity, enabling effective cleaning and surface preparation.
7. Which type of abrasive media is commonly used for steel surface
preparation due to its recyclability?
A. Walnut shells
B. Steel grit
C. Plastic beads
D. Baking soda
Rationale: Steel grit is durable and recyclable, making it suitable for
repeated use in blasting operations, especially in controlled environments.
8. Why are moisture separators used in blasting air systems?
A. To increase abrasive flow
B. To raise temperature
C. To remove moisture that can clog media and reduce efficiency
D. To increase air pressure
Rationale: Moisture in compressed air can cause abrasive clumping and
inconsistent blasting performance, so separators remove water from the
air supply.
9. Which personal protective equipment is essential for abrasive blasting
operators?
A. Welding mask only
B. Cotton gloves
C. Supplied-air blasting helmet
D. Safety vest
Rationale: A supplied-air blasting helmet protects the operator from dust
inhalation and high-velocity abrasive particles.
10. What is the main function of containment systems in abrasive
blasting projects?
A. Increase blasting speed
B. Reduce compressor load
Contractor License Exam Practice
Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationale 2026
Q&A| Instant Download Pdf
1. Which primary purpose does abrasive blasting serve in industrial
surface preparation?
A. Increasing surface humidity
B. Removing contaminants and creating a surface profile for coating
adhesion
C. Increasing metal hardness
D. Sealing surfaces permanently
Rationale: Abrasive blasting removes rust, scale, paint, and contaminants
while creating a rough surface profile that allows coatings and protective
finishes to adhere properly.
2. What is the most common compressed air pressure range used for
abrasive blasting at the nozzle?
A. 20–40 psi
B. 40–60 psi
C. 80–100 psi
D. 150–200 psi
Rationale: Effective abrasive blasting typically requires nozzle pressures
between 80 and 100 psi to provide sufficient velocity and impact for
surface cleaning and profiling.
, 3. Which respiratory hazard is most associated with blasting silica sand?
A. Carbon monoxide poisoning
B. Silicosis
C. Skin cancer
D. Hearing loss
Rationale: Silica sand blasting produces fine crystalline silica dust, which
can cause silicosis, a serious and irreversible lung disease when inhaled.
4. What piece of equipment mixes abrasive media with compressed air in
a blasting system?
A. Moisture separator
B. Blast pot (pressure vessel)
C. Air regulator
D. Dust collector
Rationale: The blast pot is a pressurized container that stores abrasive
media and mixes it with compressed air before directing it through the
blast hose to the nozzle.
5. Which SSPC surface preparation standard corresponds to “White
Metal Blast Cleaning”?
A. SSPC-SP 3
B. SSPC-SP 6
C. SSPC-SP 10
D. SSPC-SP 5
Rationale: SSPC-SP 5 requires complete removal of visible contaminants,
rust, and coatings, leaving a uniform white metal appearance.
6. What is the primary function of a blast nozzle?
A. Store abrasive media
B. Reduce compressor pressure
C. Accelerate abrasive particles toward the surface
D. Cool the blasting air
, Rationale: The nozzle accelerates compressed air and abrasive media to
high velocity, enabling effective cleaning and surface preparation.
7. Which type of abrasive media is commonly used for steel surface
preparation due to its recyclability?
A. Walnut shells
B. Steel grit
C. Plastic beads
D. Baking soda
Rationale: Steel grit is durable and recyclable, making it suitable for
repeated use in blasting operations, especially in controlled environments.
8. Why are moisture separators used in blasting air systems?
A. To increase abrasive flow
B. To raise temperature
C. To remove moisture that can clog media and reduce efficiency
D. To increase air pressure
Rationale: Moisture in compressed air can cause abrasive clumping and
inconsistent blasting performance, so separators remove water from the
air supply.
9. Which personal protective equipment is essential for abrasive blasting
operators?
A. Welding mask only
B. Cotton gloves
C. Supplied-air blasting helmet
D. Safety vest
Rationale: A supplied-air blasting helmet protects the operator from dust
inhalation and high-velocity abrasive particles.
10. What is the main function of containment systems in abrasive
blasting projects?
A. Increase blasting speed
B. Reduce compressor load
