Handling molten metal, dross or slag

• Pages: 119-123

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7. Handling molten metal, dross or slag

Handling molten metal, dross or slag

7.1. Hazard description

7.1.1. Hot dross processing is used to separate metals

from hot slag by rotating the mixture in a refractory-lined

barrel and extracting the metal through a hole in the base.

7.1.2. In non-ferrous metals foundries, metal is heated

to its molten state, poured and cast using different moulds

and processes. Skin and eye contact with splashes of molten

metal results in varying-thickness skin burns and eye dam-

age. There is also a range of physical, safety, chemical and

biological hazards for different types of casting processes

(see table 7.1).

7.2. Assessment of risk

7.2.1. The likelihood of skin and eye injury in the

handling of molten metal depends on an assessment of the

different stages in the process. This includes the integrity,

stability and use of the furnace and transport ladles, the na-

ture and use of vehicle/crane transport, and the systems in

place for pouring molten metal.

7.3. Control strategies

7.3.1. Training

7.3.1.1. Personnel handling molten metal should have

been trained in the proper procedures to adopt, and the rel-

evant safety and health precautions, including use of appro-

priate personal protective equipment (PPE).

7.3.1.2. Completion of training should be documented,

and training repeated as necessary.