Heat
The furnaces and molten metal in a foundry create a hot working environment.
Dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke are some of the health effects foundry workers can experience from exposure to excessive heat. Workers may also develop eye cataracts from infrared and ultraviolet radiation which can be emitted when pouring white hot metal.
Removing unnecessary sources of radiant heat and changing the work environment will help reduce heat in work areas. Some solutions include:
- using insulation and shielding to reduce radiant heat emissions from hot surfaces and plant
- using local ventilation, spot coolers, blowers, fans, air-conditioning and flues to reduce the air temperature
- automating and mechanising as many tasks as possible
- putting in place administrative measures, including rescheduling hot work, giving regular work breaks in cool areas, job sharing and rotation, and acclimatisation
- providing access to clean, cool fresh water
- using personal protective equipment such as eye wear, heat reflective clothing, gloves and footwear
To find out more about how to work safely in heat, check working in heat section of the Foundry Industry Code of Practice 2004.
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