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Types of Foundry Protective Clothing

 

 

Proper Protective Clothing For Foundry Work

 

 

Protective clothing used for foundry work can be categorised into two types: Primary Protective Clothing and Secondary Protective Clothing.

 

 

Aluminised Foundry Protective Jacket

PRIMARY PROTECTIVE CLOTHING

 

Primary protective clothing is used for specific hazardous tasks, and then removed. Foundry work such as charging, taping and pouring molten metal can expose workers to dangerous thermal hazards and burn injuries and primary protective clothing is the first line of defence against molten metal splash and other foundry hazards. It is the outer layer of a personal protective equipment (PPE) system. Garments such as jackets, coats, hoods, full-body approach suits, pants, coveralls, leggings, overshoes and spats can be combined to obtain the level of protection needed for the task at hand. The garments should be made from a range of specific fabrics depending on the particular hazards. There are various fabrics available many are aluminized, however, there are some non-aluminized options available.

 

Aluminised

 

Aluminised fabrics are a combination of a base fabric finished with an aluminised film or coating. They are specifically designed for protective clothing used in environments that pose serious ire risk or safety hazards associated with hot works or radiant heat sources and molten metal splash.

 

Non - Aluminised

 

There are several fabrics available that are specifically designed to provide protection from molten metal splash. Fabrics include CarbonX Repel and WeldWool.

 

 

Tecasafe Fire Retardant Coverall

 

SECONDARY PROTECTIVE CLOTHING

 

Secondary protective clothing is all-day or everyday clothing and is the last line of defence for the body should the primary protective clothing fails. Ideally, the clothing should be flame-resistant and the selection criteria should be based on primarily protection followed by comfort and then value. Historically heavy cotton fabrics (non-flame resistant) have been the minimum standard, however there are now various FR Fabrics available including high performance specialty blends for specific applications. There are two types of fire-resistant (FR) fabrics used in Secondary Protective Clothing:

 

Treated FR Fabrics

 

Treated FR fabrics are created by applying a flame-retardant chemical finish to a fabric or by adding a chemical treatment to the fibres before they are woven or knitted into the fabric. The chemicals form a strong bond with the polymer chain that is difficult to remove by washing when the recommended laundering instructions are followed accurately.

 

Inherent FR Fabrics

 

Inherent FR fabrics are made of fibres in which the FR properties are naturally part of the polymer backbone and can never be worn away or washed out. The actual structure of the fibre itself is non-flammable; therefore, the flame resistance is permanent.

 

Clothing Design

 

Clothing should be designed to withstand exposure to flame and shed molten metal quickly and effectively. Badly fitted garments can create folds that catch and hold the metal, making them less protective. The design of garment is also important, for example pockets and flaps create catch points, metal buttons heat up from radiant heat and reflective tape can stop the fabric breathing and cause sweat and burn marks if not placed well on a garment.

 

PRIMARY PPE

for molten metal work,

in addition to secondary PPE

SECONDARY PPE

for general foundry work

 

 

 

 

HEAD

 

Use helmets where there is potential for items to fall from a height or where work takes

place above head height, for example on a mezzanine. Industrial safety helmets should be

considered. Where tasks result in dust or particulates, a head covering should be considered.

Ellgard Gold Visor and Hard HatAluminised Foundry Helmet Cover

 

EARS

 

The choice of hearing protection should consider level of occupational noise, the wearer, for

example personal characteristics, comfort, communication requirements, and compatibility

with the job and workplace. Guidance on hearing protectors is provided in AS/NZS 1269.3

Acoustics: Hearing Conservation



EYES AND

FACE

Face shields with neck protection.Foundry Face Shield and Aluminised Neck Flap

Industrial safety glasses with side shields

are the minimum.

Specialty Safety Glasses

 

 

RESPIRATORY

The type of respirator selected should consider: the operator and physiological and

psychological factors - facial hair should not be allowed; the task and how the job is done,

duration, frequency; and the substance - type of contaminant, concentration. Guidance can

be sourced from suppliers of respiratory protective equipment and AS/NZS 1716 Respiratory

protective devices.




 
 
 

 

PRIMARY PPE

for molten metal work,

in addition to secondary PPE

SECONDARY PPE

for general foundry work

 


TRUNKS AND ARMS

A jacket of leather or otherAluminised Foundry Jacket

suitably resistant material

must be worn outside

other clothing. It must

be free of features, for

example cuffs and pockets

may trap molten metal. It

must be worn properly and

fastened every time.

Long-sleeved shirt madeFR Workwear - Classic Fire Resistant Long-Sleeved Shirt

from flame-resistant fabric,

for example wool, heavy

cotton drill. Garments

should fasten at the neck

and wrists to prevent

molten metal splashes,

dust, chemicals and other

substances from entering

through the collar and cuffs.

HANDS

Heat-resistant Kevlar or heavy leather

gauntlets covering the lower part of arm.

Gloves selected should take into account

the: hazard, for example burns, abrasion,

chemicals and cuts; work environment;

and the wearer, for example fit, comfort

and dexterity. Guidance on the selection,

use and maintenance of protective gloves

is provided in AS/NZS 2161.1 Industrial

Safety Gloves and Mittens

 

LEGS

Where risk of molten

metal spills or splashesAluminised Foundry Trousers

exists, trousers of

leather or other suitably

resistant materials must

be worn. The trousers

should cover the top

of the footwear and

be free of features,

for example cuffs and

pockets could trap

molten metal.

Heat-resistant trousers.


Seatless Aluminised Foundry Trousers

FEET

Workers should always wear safety footwear in the workplace, unless there are sound

medical reasons, for example if wearing safety footwear would injure the wearer. In such

cases, the reason for such an opinion should be given and the most effective alternative

protective equipment sought.

 

 

Foundry Protection Clothing - References