Coating lines

• Author: International Labour Organization
• Pages: 60-61

60

MEISI05-R-2005-02-0159-1-En.doc

11. Coating lines

11.1. Hazard description

11.1.1. Coating lines apply different types of materials to the surface of steel. They

include, but are not limited to, zinc, zinc alloy, tin, chromium and plastic, in the form of

liquids, powders, solids or molten metals which are subsequently cured or sintered by

heating, or in the form of fabricated sheets which are laminated to the metal surface with

an adhesive. Some of the plasticizers are skin sensitizers. Metal fumes, for example,

chromium and zinc may be toxic.

11.1.2. Many coating lines have annealing furnaces, heated solutions in cleaning

sections, electrolytic or hot-dip sections and robots that handle the coils being loaded on to

and off the line as well as the related strapping functions.

11.1.3. There are usually many coil storage fields near coating lines. The edges of the

coils are usually sharp.

11.2. Assessment of risk

11.2.1. The use of furnaces, open flames, ovens, heated solutions and molten metals

presents the risk of excessive heat exposure, which is compounded in hot humid climates

and, particularly, by protective garments and gear.

11.2.2. Zinc pots may be heated electro-magnetically by induction. Strong magnetic

fields may exist in these areas.

11.3. Control strategies

11.3.1. Guards, railings, enclosures and signs should be used to protect production

and maintenance personnel from dangers such as chemical baths, hot surfaces and molten

metal.

11.3.2. Worker education and training is essential both when new to the job or when

there have been changes in the equipment or the process.

11.3.3. Workers should be provided with the appropriate PPE.

11.3.4. Care must be taken when entering a coil field or when just walking by a coil.

Only authorized people should enter the coil fields.

11.3.5. Material safety data sheets should be provided for each of the hazardous

chemicals to explain the chemical and physical hazards, in languages and at educational

levels that ensure they will be understood by the workers.

11.3.6. Workers and supervisors should be trained in the recognition of heat stress

symptoms.

11.3.7. Areas which have strong electromagnetic fields should have warning signs

posted and persons with a pacemaker or metal implant should avoid them.