Due to the dangers workers are exposed to in the iron and steel industries, category III personal protective equipment (PPE) are to be worn on the job. Employers are obliged to apply the prescribed health and safety regulations and provide all the necessary tools to minimize environmental risk.
Metal Processing and Steel Working Industries-general profile
The metal smelting and refining industry processes metal ores and scrap metal to obtain mineral or metal matrix composite materials (i.e. compounds obtained by mixing two or more elements different to each other), while the steel sector deals specifically with the production of ferrous metals (iron and steel). The end products of metal and steel working industries are used to manufacture machine components, machinery, instruments and tools which are needed by other industries as well as by the other different sectors of the economy.
Risks to the respiratory system of iron and steel industry workers
The processing of metals in the iron and steel industry is well-known and classified as one of the highest occupational health hazards. This classification takes into account both the effects of the substances used for processing and those actually released during the different production phases. In fact, metals release substances harmful for humans throughout the production process. More specifically, risk factors are due to the blending of compounds, the use of quartz dust and metal ores, the release of iron oxide fumes and of gases and vapours such as CO, HCN, hydrogen sulphide, benzene, IPA, as well as the release of asbestos fibres and talc.
The harmful substances and fibres released into the environment are breathed by the workers and settle in the respiratory system.
In the steel industry, the greatest risk comes from the blast furnaces used for the melting and casting of cast iron. Blast furnace workers are exposed to percentages of dust concentrations higher than those detectable in other areas of the foundry because they need to work close to the furnaces. Furthermore, the dioxins produced by the furnaces are present both in the fumes and vapours released and in the scrap material.
All lung diseases caused by the inhalation and prolonged exposure to pollutants in the environment are classified as “pneumoconiosis”.
While all those which affect the lung mucous membranes are referred to as “bronchopathies”. Among the most common and better known diseases of the respiratory system, of a fibrotic or carcinogenic nature, are the following:
- acute or chronic bronchitis;
- obstructive chronic bronchopathy;
- tracheobronchitis;
- siderosis;
- pulmonary talcosis;
- lung edema;
- silicosis (rarer)
Because of the dangers workers are exposed to in the iron and steel industry, category III personal protective equipment (PPE) are to be worn on the job. Employers are obliged to apply the prescribed health and safety regulations and provide all the necessary tools to minimize environmental risk.
The preparation and protection of surfaces, the abatement of particles and fibres, and the disposal of toxic waste are just a few of the preventive measures to be taken The key, however, is to identify the right control measures in order to protect workers. These can be found in the occupational health and safety regulations and standards which also specify the type of personal protective equipment to be worn by workers depending on the job to be done.
From what we have learned so far, we can deduce that particular attention needs be paid to the worker’s respiratory system. It is, therefore, strongly advisable to wear a powered air purifying respirator complete with full face mask, which provides filtered air directly to the mask, such as the Zenith1 M3 respirator manufactured by Kasco srl
.
Sep 18 2017
Composite material processing in metal and steel working industries: – how to protect oneself
Metal Processing and Steel Working Industries-general profile
The metal smelting and refining industry processes metal ores and scrap metal to obtain mineral or metal matrix composite materials (i.e. compounds obtained by mixing two or more elements different to each other), while the steel sector deals specifically with the production of ferrous metals (iron and steel). The end products of metal and steel working industries are used to manufacture machine components, machinery, instruments and tools which are needed by other industries as well as by the other different sectors of the economy.
Risks to the respiratory system of iron and steel industry workers
The processing of metals in the iron and steel industry is well-known and classified as one of the highest occupational health hazards. This classification takes into account both the effects of the substances used for processing and those actually released during the different production phases. In fact, metals release substances harmful for humans throughout the production process. More specifically, risk factors are due to the blending of compounds, the use of quartz dust and metal ores, the release of iron oxide fumes and of gases and vapours such as CO, HCN, hydrogen sulphide, benzene, IPA, as well as the release of asbestos fibres and talc.
In the steel industry, the greatest risk comes from the blast furnaces used for the melting and casting of cast iron. Blast furnace workers are exposed to percentages of dust concentrations higher than those detectable in other areas of the foundry because they need to work close to the furnaces. Furthermore, the dioxins produced by the furnaces are present both in the fumes and vapours released and in the scrap material.
All lung diseases caused by the inhalation and prolonged exposure to pollutants in the environment are classified as “pneumoconiosis”.
While all those which affect the lung mucous membranes are referred to as “bronchopathies”. Among the most common and better known diseases of the respiratory system, of a fibrotic or carcinogenic nature, are the following:
Because of the dangers workers are exposed to in the iron and steel industry, category III personal protective equipment (PPE) are to be worn on the job. Employers are obliged to apply the prescribed health and safety regulations and provide all the necessary tools to minimize environmental risk.
The preparation and protection of surfaces, the abatement of particles and fibres, and the disposal of toxic waste are just a few of the preventive measures to be taken The key, however, is to identify the right control measures in order to protect workers. These can be found in the occupational health and safety regulations and standards which also specify the type of personal protective equipment to be worn by workers depending on the job to be done.
From what we have learned so far, we can deduce that particular attention needs be paid to the worker’s respiratory system. It is, therefore, strongly advisable to wear a powered air purifying respirator complete with full face mask, which provides filtered air directly to the mask, such as the Zenith1 M3 respirator manufactured by Kasco srl
.
By Kasco Srl • Blog •