Iron and steel-making

• Author: International Labour Organization
• Pages: 48-52

48

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

7. Iron and steel-making

7.1. General

7.1.1. The iron and steel industry uses a range of furnaces. For iron-making

operations, the essential feature is the blast furnace. For steel-making operations, there are

three types of furnaces: the open-hearth furnace, the basic-oxygen process converter and

the electric arc furnace.

7.1.2. Furnaces may cause glare that can injure the eyes unless suitable eye

protection is provided and worn. Manual operations, such as furnace bricklaying, and

hand-arm vibration from using pneumatic tools and grinders may cause ergonomic

problems.

7.1.3. Only authorized persons should be allowed near furnaces.

7.1.4. There should be suitable and sufficient general and local exhaust ventilation

with dust- and fume-collecting devices incorporated into the design of the exhaust

ventilation systems.

7.1.5. The effectiveness and adequacy of general and local exhaust-ventilation

systems to remove fumes and gases from the furnace area should be tested regularly.

Collection bags for dusts should be replaced when indicated.

7.1.6. Ultraviolet (UV) and/or infrared light-resistant goggles or face shields should

be provided where there is a requirement for the authorized visual inspection of furnaces.

7.1.7. Continuous detectors should be installed to provide early warning of raised

levels of dangerous gases.

7.1.8. Positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus should be available to

enable rapid rescue in the event of a build-up of dangerous gases. The breathing apparatus

should be checked and maintained regularly, and should only be used by people who have

been trained to do so.

7.1.9. People working in and around the furnace and oven areas should be provided

with suitable PPE to protect them against molten metal burns, noise, and physical and

chemical hazards (see also Chapter 5). PPE should be to molten metal standard for casters

and others exposed to molten metal. Specific PPE should include, but not be limited to:

(a) molten metal resistant jackets and trousers;

(b) face shields or vented goggles;

(c) molten metal resistant gloves;

(d) safety footwear insulated against heat;

(e) respiratory protective equipment;

(f) protective helmets;

(g) hearing protection; and

(h) eye protection.