Identification and assessment of hazards caused by dangerous and harmful agents in cast-iron founding and development of preventive guidelines

Project manager: Ivan Makhniashvili M.Sc.

Project summary:

Chemical substances in workplace air were measured in 5 cast-iron founding enterprises. Carbon monoxide posed the greatest hazard among the chemical substances studied. This compound is emitted when cast iron is melted, transported, when cast forms are filled in with molten metal and when casts are struck out of forms and cores. In most cases the admissible concentration of carbon monoxide was exceeded or it was close to being exceeded. The measurements related to an assessment of the occupational exposure of workers employed in cast iron foundries to total and respirable dust confirmed that air borne particles in foundries is among the greatest hazards. Dust concentration should be monitored at all times.The measurements of noise indicate that audible noise exceeded MAI at 31 out of the 50 workstations studied, whereas infrasound noise - at 9 workstations.The measurements of mechanical vibration showed that hand-arm vibration poses a greater hazard than whole-body vibration.Measuring mechanical factors made it possible to identify hazards, which can be their effect. It was shown that the following hazards can be present at workstations in foundries: crushing, cuts, blows, burns, ejection of pressurized liquid, puncture, drawing in or getting caught, abrasion, wear or rubs.

Unit: Department of Chemical and Aerosol Hazards

Duration: 01.06.2002 – 30.11.2004