Iron and steel foundries

• Author: International Labour Organization
• Pages: 54-57

54

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

9. Iron and steel foundries

9.1. General

9.1.1. Many of the specific hazards found in iron and steel making are also found in

foundries. These include:

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lighting furnaces;

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dust and fibres;

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carbon monoxide;

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steam explosions;

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crystalline silica dust from shakeout and fettling;

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handling molten metal, dross and slag (see section 7.7 for more details).

9.1.2. Each furnace should have operating instructions giving data about operation,

maintenance, possible faults and actions to be taken in the event of faults. The employer

should ensure that operators are aware of the contents of these instructions.

9.1.3. The danger arising from the presence of hot metal is common to most

foundries. Hazards may also be specific to particular foundry processes. For example, the

use of magnesium presents flare risks not encountered in other metal-founding industries.

9.2. Safety specifications for hand-tilted

transport ladles

9.2.1. Hand-tilted transport ladles should have an integral locking device to prevent

accidental tipping. Large transport ladles (>500kg) should have a self-restraining

anti-tipping device.

9.2.2. Casting ladles with rigid ladle bails should have safety devices to prevent the

bails from swinging or overturning. The ladle bails should be insulated against radiant

heat.

9.2.3. Ladles that are transported by forklift truck should have fittings to ensure their

stability in forklift devices.

9.2.4. Ladles should not be suspended from a crane or other lifting device during

filling unless there are specially designed installations to isolate the workers from potential

spillage.

9.2.5. Ladles should not be overfilled.

9.2.6. Locking devices on casting and transport ladles should be engaged prior to

filling to prevent accidental spillage; they should only be released immediately before

tipping the ladles.

9.2.7. Only appropriate lubricants should be used for locking devices and self-

restraining drives.