What are the Health Risks to Foundry Workers?
7 Most Common Health Risks When Working in a Foundry
A foundry worker’s health is at risk both during and outside of work. The health risks faced by foundry workers are directly and indirectly affected by the nature of their work. Foundries are dangerous settings to work in, so being aware of possible health risks and ways to avoid them will help protect yourself.
Here are the seven most common health risks:
1. Molten Metal Explosions
Steam explosions occur when molten metal is in contact with moisture, either by introducing moisture into molten metal or by pouring molten metal onto materials containing moisture.
Chemical explosions can occur by introducing reactive chemical substances to molten metal directly or as a contaminant in charge material, causing gas pressure build-up within the molten metal.
2. Burns
Burns are unsurprisingly a major source of injury generally caused by touching hot surfaces, radiation or accidental splashes of molten metal.
3. Heat Stress
The effects of working in extreme heat conditions range from discomfort or heat rash to heat exhaustion or heat stroke which can be fatal.
A worker can suffer long-term heat stress by being unaware of the impacts of working in an extreme environment. Heat stress affects concentration, perception, and decision-making, which can negatively affect behaviour and judgment.
Other factors besides furnace heat contribute to the body overheating for example:
⦿ Excessive or unsafe clothing
⦿ Unsuitable personal protective equipment (PPE)
⦿ Job factors including strenuous work, sustained work, and inadequate recovery time
⦿ Seasonal factors including high air temperature and relative humidity, or low air movement
⦿ Fatigue
4. Light Radiation
Intense ultraviolet and infrared radiation from molten metal in furnaces can cause eye disorders and skin burns. This often occurs from ongoing pouring and welding operations.
5. Hazardous Radiation
Foundry workers may be exposed to hazards and risks from a range of hazardous chemicals.
6. Physical Hazards
Physical hazards are properties of chemicals created from chemical reactions. They can present a risk through incorrect handling or use and can often cause injury to people or damage to property. Examples include chemicals that are flammable, corrosive, explosive, or have oxidising properties.
One of the biggest potential hazards in foundries is physical hazards posed by some hazardous chemicals. Fires and explosions at foundries have caused deaths and substantial property damage.
7. Health Hazards
Health hazards are properties of a chemical that can potentially cause adverse health effects. Exposure occurs by inhaling, skin contact or ingesting the chemical.
Inhalation of gases, vapours, fumes, and dust will have lasting respiratory effects if proper protective gear is not worn.
Just like in other work environments, slips, trips, and falls are likely to happen, causing permanent injury, pain, strains or sprains. Machinery and equipment in the foundry can cause physical injuries and health effects too. These are caused by entanglement or crushing, vibration, or noise.
BE PREPARED
Elliotts has a wide range of both primary and secondary layer protective clothing. Each of our products are designed to the highest of standards and there is something suitable for everyone.
CONTACT US
For over 50 years, Elliotts has been innovating and designing new products to meet the needs of our customers. If you'd like to learn about our safety products or need some expert advice on which safety gear to get for your needs, feel free to contact us. We would love to assist you! Call us on 07 3265 2944 or email our Sales Team at sales@elliotts.net to protect you and your workers.
