The metalworking industry in many countries is highly developed and is characterized by different types of workmanship. This is why there are numerous risks for workers in this sector and a series of measures, such as the use of collective and personal protective devices, need to be implemented.
Biological risk in the metalworking industry
The occupational health risks in metalworking industries depend on the type of processing carried out, which includes rolling, cutting, turning, painting and sandblasting. Moreover, these jobs are usually performed in noisy environments thus exposing workers to high levels of stress. The specific risks of metalworking mainly affect workers’ respiratory system which tends to become sensitized by the use of chemical reagents, welding gas and fumes, solvents and paint acids, galvanic baths and other substances used for the various processes.
The use of acidic substances, such as hydrochloric and sulfuric acid for etching and stripping work, can cause irritation to the mucous membranes and conjunctivitis. This is why, as well as using efficient ventilation systems, it is advisable to provide workers with respiratory protective devices as well as eye protectors. Paint solvent, in addition to exposing workers to the risks mentioned above, can also damage the nervous system, the liver and the digestive system.
It should, furthermore, be taken into account that exposure to many of the chemical substances used can lead to cancer and IARC, the International Agency for Cancer Research has compiled a glossary of carcinogenic substances.
Central to most health and safety legislation is the requirement for an assessment of the risks arising from work. Employers or delegated personnel are responsible for carrying out biological risk assessments in the metalworking sector. An assessment has to take into account all the agents and reagents that are used in the workplace, as well as their toxicity and the synergies that can develop between or among them.
How to protect the respiratory system
Biological risk in the metalworking industry needs to be controlled by means of a series of mandatory legal measures. Employers are responsible for the identification and evaluation of biological respiratory hazards in the workplace, including employee exposures and identification of contaminants, and need to ensure that engineering controls, such as effective ventilation systems, have been implemented. Furthermore, employers are required to provide workers with respiratory protective devices when engineering controls are not feasible.
Among the different types of respiratory protective devices available on the market, powered air purifying respirators equipped with facepieces are the most common. These devices, equipped with blower units and filters, provide filtered air to the inside of the face piece protecting the wearer against contaminants which could irritate the mucous membranes and the eyes. Respirator selection should take a number factors into account, including length of exposure. Employers also need to ensure that the respirators provided are comfortable and are not a cause of risk themselves.
As already mentioned, effective engineering controls, such as collective protection devices, are not always feasible and it thus becomes necessary to use respiratory protective devices such as the ones manufactured by Kasco srl.
Aug 20 2018
Biological risk in the metalworking industry: Which precautions to be taken?
Biological risk in the metalworking industry
The occupational health risks in metalworking industries depend on the type of processing carried out, which includes rolling, cutting, turning, painting and sandblasting. Moreover, these jobs are usually performed in noisy environments thus exposing workers to high levels of stress. The specific risks of metalworking mainly affect workers’ respiratory system which tends to become sensitized by the use of chemical reagents, welding gas and fumes, solvents and paint acids, galvanic baths and other substances used for the various processes.
The use of acidic substances, such as hydrochloric and sulfuric acid for etching and stripping work, can cause irritation to the mucous membranes and conjunctivitis. This is why, as well as using efficient ventilation systems, it is advisable to provide workers with respiratory protective devices as well as eye protectors. Paint solvent, in addition to exposing workers to the risks mentioned above, can also damage the nervous system, the liver and the digestive system.
It should, furthermore, be taken into account that exposure to many of the chemical substances used can lead to cancer and IARC, the International Agency for Cancer Research has compiled a glossary of carcinogenic substances.
Central to most health and safety legislation is the requirement for an assessment of the risks arising from work. Employers or delegated personnel are responsible for carrying out biological risk assessments in the metalworking sector. An assessment has to take into account all the agents and reagents that are used in the workplace, as well as their toxicity and the synergies that can develop between or among them.
How to protect the respiratory system
Biological risk in the metalworking industry needs to be controlled by means of a series of mandatory legal measures. Employers are responsible for the identification and evaluation of biological respiratory hazards in the workplace, including employee exposures and identification of contaminants, and need to ensure that engineering controls, such as effective ventilation systems, have been implemented. Furthermore, employers are required to provide workers with respiratory protective devices when engineering controls are not feasible.
Among the different types of respiratory protective devices available on the market, powered air purifying respirators equipped with facepieces are the most common. These devices, equipped with blower units and filters, provide filtered air to the inside of the face piece protecting the wearer against contaminants which could irritate the mucous membranes and the eyes. Respirator selection should take a number factors into account, including length of exposure. Employers also need to ensure that the respirators provided are comfortable and are not a cause of risk themselves.
As already mentioned, effective engineering controls, such as collective protection devices, are not always feasible and it thus becomes necessary to use respiratory protective devices such as the ones manufactured by Kasco srl.
By Kasco Srl • Blog •