Processing in foundries produces metal objects known as castings thanks to the melting and casting of metals in special moulds. In fact, metal casting has been used by humankind for thousands of years and is still widely used today in modern furnaces of different types such as electric arc furnaces, induction furnaces, cupolas and crucible furnaces. There are multiple metal casting processes among which permanent mould casting, gravity casting or die casting which is characterized by forcing molten metal under high pressure into a mold cavity. However, working in foundries poses many occupational health risks and it is necessary to take extensive preventive measures.
Risks of foundry work
One cannot fail to take the health hazards posed by foundry work into account. The job of a foundryman, for example, includes loading coke for coke-fired furnaces and this process releases huge amounts of harmful particles and fumes into the atmosphere making the workplace and its surroundings a very hazardous place.
For this reason simple-blast furnaces and hot-blast cupolas fuelled by coke should be replaced by electrically powered furnaces, However, there are also other health hazards in foundries and these include the noise and the electrosmog which is generated because the electrically powered furnaces used for melting metals are similar to huge microwave ovens. The presence of harmful dust particles represents another high risk factor for the health of workers in this sector.
Foundry health hazards usually originate from the melting process, noise, excessive heat, worker carelessness, fire, and, in particular, harmful dust particles.
Respiratory hazards
The main respiratory hazard derives from breathing harmful particles and other substances produced when processing metal which can seriously damage the respiratory system causing cancer and other occupational diseases. More specifically, cancer, silicosis, chronic respiratory inflammation, chronic bronchitis and the obstruction of the airway may occur.
The first sign that something is wrong is stress discomfort and breathing difficulty caused by a reduction of the air entering the lungs.
Hence the processing of cast iron, aluminium and metal alloys in foundries produces not only harmful fumes and dust particles but also radiation in general and radioactive contamination in scrap metal as well.
In recent years, foundries have improved their structure and, with the support of competent physicians and risk assessment consultants, have innovated their organizations by increasing the occupational health and safety level for the protection of their workers on one hand, while on the other hand, they have installed appropriate suction and vacuum systems.
Nevertheless, there are still situations where respiratory protective devices need to be worn for the protection against harmful substances.
These devices come in two main categories: air purifying respirators with filters and self-contained breathing apparatus. The latter are to be worn when the oxygen percentage in the atmosphere is under 17%, or when the concentration of the hazardous substances present in the atmosphere exceeds the limits set for air purifying respirators. In all other cases, either powered and/or non powered air purifying respirators are to be used for protection against particles, fumes, vapours and/or gases.
The Kompat88 respirator manufactured by Kasco, due to its compact design, is the respirator model recommended for use in foundries.
Sep 13 2017
What are the risks for people working in foundries with molten metal and alloys
Risks of foundry work
One cannot fail to take the health hazards posed by foundry work into account. The job of a foundryman, for example, includes loading coke for coke-fired furnaces and this process releases huge amounts of harmful particles and fumes into the atmosphere making the workplace and its surroundings a very hazardous place.
For this reason simple-blast furnaces and hot-blast cupolas fuelled by coke should be replaced by electrically powered furnaces, However, there are also other health hazards in foundries and these include the noise and the electrosmog which is generated because the electrically powered furnaces used for melting metals are similar to huge microwave ovens. The presence of harmful dust particles represents another high risk factor for the health of workers in this sector.
Foundry health hazards usually originate from the melting process, noise, excessive heat, worker carelessness, fire, and, in particular, harmful dust particles.
Respiratory hazards
The main respiratory hazard derives from breathing harmful particles and other substances produced when processing metal which can seriously damage the respiratory system causing cancer and other occupational diseases. More specifically, cancer, silicosis, chronic respiratory inflammation, chronic bronchitis and the obstruction of the airway may occur.
The first sign that something is wrong is stress discomfort and breathing difficulty caused by a reduction of the air entering the lungs.
Hence the processing of cast iron, aluminium and metal alloys in foundries produces not only harmful fumes and dust particles but also radiation in general and radioactive contamination in scrap metal as well.
In recent years, foundries have improved their structure and, with the support of competent physicians and risk assessment consultants, have innovated their organizations by increasing the occupational health and safety level for the protection of their workers on one hand, while on the other hand, they have installed appropriate suction and vacuum systems.
Nevertheless, there are still situations where respiratory protective devices need to be worn for the protection against harmful substances.
These devices come in two main categories: air purifying respirators with filters and self-contained breathing apparatus. The latter are to be worn when the oxygen percentage in the atmosphere is under 17%, or when the concentration of the hazardous substances present in the atmosphere exceeds the limits set for air purifying respirators. In all other cases, either powered and/or non powered air purifying respirators are to be used for protection against particles, fumes, vapours and/or gases.
The Kompat88 respirator manufactured by Kasco, due to its compact design, is the respirator model recommended for use in foundries.
By Kasco Srl • Blog •