Foundry health hazards and solutions
The main hazards in the foundry industry include:
Heat
The furnaces and molten metal in a foundry create a hot working environment
Hazardous substances and dangerous goods
Hazardous substances can enter the body through inhalation, skin contact or by mouth
Gases, vapours, dust and fumes
Exposure to gases and vapours can result in various adverse health effects, such as respiratory irritation, asthma and watery eyes
Manual tasks
Workers lifting loads, working in a fixed position or doing repetitive work can, suddenly or over time, damage their upper and lower back and shoulders
Noise and vibration
Noise and vibration often occur together in a foundry environment
Molten metal
Workers who work with or near molten metal could come into contact with metal splashes and electromagnetic radiation
Plant, machinery and electricity
Wood cutting and finishing machines, mechanical handling devices and grinders are some of the plant and machinery used in foundries
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