Prevention and protection specific to non-ferrous metals production processes

• Pages: 59-113

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5. Prevention and protection specific to

non-ferrous metals production processes

Specific prevention and protection

5.1. Hazards and health effects

5.1.1. The choice and implementation of specific meas-

ures for preventing workplace injury and ill health in the

workforce of the non-ferrous metals industries depend on

the recognition of the principal hazards, and the anticipated

injury and illness. Below are the most common causes of in-

jury and illness in the non-ferrous metals industries:

(i) slips, trips and falls on the same level;

(ii) unguarded machinery;

(iii) falls from height;

(iv) falling objects;

(v) exposure to asbestos;

(vi) exposure to mineral wools and fibres;

(vii) contact with hot metal;

(viii) fire and explosion;

(ix) extreme temperatures;

(x) radiation (non-ionizing, ionizing);

(xi) noise and vibration;

(xii) working in confined spaces;

(xiii) inhalable agents (gases, vapours, dusts and fumes);

(xiv) moving machinery and on-site transport;

(xv) skin contact with chemicals (irritants (acids, alkalis),

solvents and sensitizers);

(xvi) exposure to controlled and uncontrolled energy

sources;

Safety and health in the non-ferrous metals industries

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(xvii) electrical burns and electrocution;

(xviii)manual handling and repetitive work;

(xix) exposure to pathogens (e.g. legionella).

5.2. Physical hazards

5.2.1. Noise

1

5.2.1.1. Hazard description

5.2.1.1.1. Exposure to noise levels exceeding those set

by the competent authorities may result in occupational

deafness. Exposure to high noise levels may also interfere

with speech communication and may result in nervous

fatigue.

5.2.1.2. Assessment of risk

5.2.1.2.1. The level of noise and/or duration of exposure

should not exceed the limits established by the competent

authority or other internationally recognized standards. The

assessment should, as appropriate, consider:

(i) the risk of hearing impairment;

(ii) the degree of interference to speech communications

essential for safety purposes; and

(iii) the risk of nervous fatigue, with due consideration to

the mental and physical workload and other non-

auditory hazards or effects.

5.2.1.2.2. In order to prevent adverse effects of noise

on workers, employers should:

1

This section is drawn from Chapter 9 of the ILO code of practice

Ambient

factors in the workplace

(Geneva, 2001).

Specific prevention and protection

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(i) identify the sources of noise and the tasks that give rise

to exposure;

(ii) seek the advice of the competent authority and/or the

occupational health service about exposure limits and

other standards to be applied;

(iii) seek the advice of the supplier of processes and equip-

ment about expected noise emission; and

(iv) if this advice is incomplete or otherwise of doubtful

value, arrange for measurements by people who are

able to undertake these in accordance with current na-

tional and/or internationally recognized standards.

5.2.1.2.3. Noise measurements should be used to:

(i) quantify the level and duration of exposure of workers

and compare it with exposure limits, as established by

the competent authority or internationally recognized

standards to be applied (see also Appendix A, section 8);

(ii) identify and characterize the sources of noise and the

exposed workers;

(iii) create a noise map for the determination of risk areas;

(iv) assess the need both for engineering noise prevention

and control, and for other appropriate measures and

their effective implementation; and

(v) evaluate the effectiveness of existing noise prevention

and control measures.

5.2.1.3. Control strategies

5.2.1.3.1 General

5.2.1.3.1.1. Based on the assessment of the exposure to

noise in the working environment, the employer should