Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Safety in Plating Shops-1
Safety in Plating Shops-1
Ammonia solution sp. gr. 0.g.gp - 70 ales the appr priate safety provisions and the growing use of automatic and
'*?* 'S •/w Anni-automatie equipment is lessening the neod for operadors to come into
S°diu ' Chlorid• — ‘ - — - 14.0 3 2o,/gu close contaet with the prooessing solutions.
Amm0llitlm Chloride — — jd,p l 2oz/gi ckapter, information on safeiy precnutioni and ftrst aid treatment
Ammonium cetate — — — — 14.0 is given on ihe rono i»
TAsaguüpsmotsssuppGcdshoddtnoorporetsagproprmtisafotykehss«
tu all wet work arees the fi or should ho acid aad alkali proof a•d clv
Yeifl tio•
In shopi where elmtroplating and other chemical treatments
taken effective vmtiletio6 ahoutd be provided. (See also page
1027).
S*WNY PRRC*UTiONS iN THE PL*TiMG sH0P 1027
During cold weather incoming fresh air should be warm (if possible) to The regular periodic examination of all equipment, structures and tanks
avoid condensation. should include checks to ensure that there are no faults in the protective
Where fianamable gases, e.g. hydrogc n, are evolved, ventilation must coatings and linings and that corrosion or chemical attack does not occur.
be so effective that the low'er 1 i mit of explosion of the gas n i xture is not Where it is necessary for maintenance work to be undertaken over process
reached. tanks, the appropriate precautions should be taken to avoid the possibility
Fume extraction is generally applied to all heated tan ks to control steam. of a fall occurring.
On tan ks where fume or spray is evolved fume extraction should be pro›’ideu
or z'here appropriate a spray suppressant employed. Checks on Fume Eatraction Systems
In order to maintain the effectiveness of the fume extraction system it is
VorLing Heights of Tant;s important that regular inspection and maintenance are undertaken.
The tops of tan kS must be of a safe lie igla t above the floor or adjacent
»'*tl kw a› , i I not other w' ise protected to prevent an yonc from falling in. Inspection Schedule
I u the U . K . factories Act, a laeigl i t of 36 inches is specified, in the German Side Ducks—inspect weekly
safety regulations the heigh t specified is 700 mm. Slots at tank tops should be kept clear of crystallised salts etc. Where
inspection covers are fitted, these should be removed at regular intervals and
the ducts cleaned where necessary.
Where adjustable baffles have been fitted these should be checked to ensure
that they have not moved from their original settings and that the required
amount of extraction is being obtained.
S]ip joints and flanges and inspection plates should be checked for leakage.
bans—inspect weekly
Visual inspection of the fan interior and impeller should be made by
means of inspection plate provided and the fan cleaned as necessary. Vee rope
drives on fan should be checked for wear and tension as advised in the
appropriate instruction booklets.
Condensate drain outlets—inspect weekl y.
Outlets on side ducts, trunking, fans cowls etc. should always be kept
clear to allow the condensate free drainage.
Equipment operating at voltages in excess of 42 volts above earth poten- Protective clothing
tial, which includes electrical contacts or connections which are not covered When solutions are being prepared and chemical additions made, and in
with insulating materials and are within reanh, must be protected against all cases where manual processing is being undertaken, the appropriate
accidental contact. The covers and wire guards cfc. employed must be proof protective clothing should be worn.
against mechanical damage and firmly secured.
Acid Spillage
In the event or «i‹i i mug* the acid may be diluted and washed away qjt
Tke stream of' water should be directed at the edges or the spillage and
not on the oentre. This is particularly important when dealing with concen-
trated sulphuric acid or sulphuric acid/•itric acid mixtur, which „,ay
develop heat upon dilution.
Where nitric acid containing solutions are used special care must be taken
tOavOid the inhalation of nitrous fumes. Nitrous gases (brown
are highly dangerous. Even inhaling smali amounts can
to the respiratory tract ••p•ciaJJy the tuass. 9/i1 aitric acid the effect of
P°' *i*8isddayOdupto 12 ormo,ehou,s
In the event of spi Ilage of nitric acid, the acid must NOT be soaked up
With Sawdust, straw, rags etc. as the use of these materials would result in a
considérable evolution of nîtrous gascs and represent a fire risk. Use sand
or ‹LY eArth to soak up gpiMage.
1032 9*PsTY PRBC*UT|0NS IN TCP PL*T1NG $mOa
CYANIDES
Cxanide colutions are extensively used in the plating industry. In view ammphemaoddicm htbcpWsbQQtbetsmM1Qu&ntde o[hyFogmn
of th eir extremely poisonous nature suitable precautions must be taken. cyanide gas may be ovolved. Opened drums of cyanide must not be left in
Attention is drawn to H.M. Stationery Office Cautionary Notice S.H.W.38S. the plating shop, but kept in a locked store.
Details are given of the precautions necessary when handling cyanides, and.
in addition, the First Aid treatment required in the event of cyanide Cyanide must not be handled with the naked hand but with dry rubber
poisoning. This notice must be prominently displayed where cyanides are gloves, iron tongs or scoops. Separate containers and measums should be
used or stored. See also paga 1039. kept for these materials and it is important that they be washed our and
dried immediately after use.
SPEED IS ESSENTIAL
I. Remove patient to fresh air and keep him warm and at rest.
2. Contaminated clothing must be removed or cut away and any solid cyanide
removed from the skin by gentle brushing. Skin and eyes should lhen
be washed copiously with water to remove all cyanide. jt i$ jyppttyt for the safety of rescuers that they be trained in the use of and wear
appropriate respiratory protective equipment whenever the presence of gaseous
3. Break
Administer oxygen. cyanide is suspected.
4. a capsule of Amyt Nitrite* into a handkerchief and let him inhale Rescuers should wear self-containcd °r air-line breathing apparatus meeting the
the vapour for I5 to 30 seconds. Repeat every 2 to 3 minutes until capsule standards of BS 4667: 1971 Part 1. 2 or 3. First aiders should also wear breathing
exhausted. A second capsule may be used. pparatus during the mrnoval of clothing splashed with hydrogen •ranide liquid
5. If patient is not breathing, start artificial respiration — the mouth to mouth untij there is no longer any risk of their inhaling the vapour, unless splashing is alight
and the patient has been removed to fresh air when a canister respirator fitted with
method should not be used because of the danger to the first aider of TypcDo,SHCxnucmeeGngtRc1andadsofBS2091:l969maYtmwom.
absorbing cyanide i'rom the patient’s breath. (Sylvester’s method page 1042.)
6. Continue to administer onygen. Note to Medical Practitioner:
7. If a doctor is not. immediately available, transport patient to hospital as
soon as possible. The cyanide antidote kit should be sent with the patient. Medicat treatment is a matter of clinical judgement for the doctor in indidualc8ses
3jyp tp}J yipg are given as guidelines and should only he carried put t›y a qualified
medical practitioner.
ir when all circumstance arc considered, the doctor accepts the case
Treatment if Cyanide has been Swallowed cyanide poisoning mad thst it has failed to respond to I\rst
In the unlikely event that cyanide compounds are swallowed, about a tumbler- is recomiriended:
ful of a mixture of solutions A and B (ryuo/ volumes of ) may be of value if 1. Continue to administer ozy8en.
taken within a few minutes. 2. IN ‹he patient i$ upp nscious or lapsing into unconsciousness, inject slowly lover
about 3 to 4 minutes) by the intravenous route, one ampoule containing 300 mg
Solution A•.’ I 58g BP ferrous sulphate crystals (FeSO 7H O) and 3g BP dicobalt edctate in 20 ml glucose solution (Kelocyanor). Rapid intravenous
injgqtiona f cobalt salts am likely to cause severe anaphylactic reactions anA
citric acid crystals dissolved in 1 litre of cold distilled water. cardiac arrhythmias. dicosait edetate, then 50 ml
lsolttiqi y @4; bag anhydrous sodium carbonate (Na9COt) dissolved ie 1 litre If theze is little immediate response to intravw•.bus
of distilled water. of 50 % sodium thiosulphate solution should be given by slow' intravenous in-
jection (over about 5 to 6 minutes).
The ferrous sulphate solution must be stored away from direct sunlight and Ir itie patient does not return to consciousness within l0 minutes, the proc dur s
must be renewed at least every three months. The sodium carbonate solution dg iyd ip para 2 and 3 above should be mpfâted.
will keep indefinitely. gq tpgq is a substantial hazard from the manufacture or ust of Ty nide
cpmpounds and where medical treatment is procurablo suicktr, th* m°ans for add'
*Warning: Amyl nitrite is highly inflammable and there must be no source of igni- tering these injections should be kept available.
tion present during its use. Amyl Nitrite capsules should be stored at temperatures RmuGaGon W$ containing ampoules of these solutions are available com-
below l5°C for maximum shelf life. (Rxpiry date given by the supplier). At temprm-
turns above 13°C, shelf life canoot be guaraatood and capsule should be replaced The aboye fury-carnation on czayiide poise its is taken Ir•m H.M. St• ri•nery Oh icr
at leaet every six zaonths. Caytionar y Notice S.H.IF.385.
1840 S*FeTY PRECAUTIONS iN THP P1*TING SHOP
Oxygen/air is the most effective method of resuscitation in cases of poison- (2) MouWToMonhRespiraoy Re,u1afon
ing, electric shock etc. and it is recommended that suitable equipment be
provided in situations where thtre is any foreseeable risk. This method is recommended for use in case of electrical shock ; it must
not however be used when poisons have been taken by mouth in solid or
Oxygen should be used where respiration or heart action is impaired or liquid form.
has ceased to function. Examples of such situations are:
drowning
passing, e.g. by carbon-monoxide
poisoning, e.g. with cyanide
heart attack and circulatory collapse, i.e. cardiac failure
stoppage of heart beat and severe crush injuries Fig. 2 Fig. 3
Fig. I
respiratory troubles, i.e. bronchitis and severe asthmatic attacks Treatment
chest and brain injuries 1. Place casualty on his back.
shock due to electrical and other accidents 2. Clear his mouth and nose quickly by wiping with a handkerchief, and his
throat using index and middle finger of your hand. Approach casualty
Reference to the use of oxygen in case of cyanide poisoning is made on from either side. Pull up lower jaw with one hand and with other hand
page 1038 and in the event of electric shock on page 1036. ti It head as far back as possible. This fully stretches the front of neck giving
a free and unrestricted air passage. (see fig. 1).
If the patient is found to be unconscious there may be signs or as n xiv Open your mouth wide and place as tightly as possible over patient’s
i.e. a blueness or cyanosis of the I ips, ear tips and nail beñs. In this situation open mouth. At the same time pinch his nostrils shut with the hand which
oxygen must be given on tht spot as an emergency treatment. is holding the head backwards. (see fig. 2).
A Brook-Airway, • if readily available, mo*' be used when administering
&fore giving oxygen treatment or other resuscitation clear airways by mouth to mouth resuscitation in order to eliminate the need for dirert
placing the patient onto his back with support under the shoulders and tilting contact between the mouth of the first aider and that of the patient.
head back. Remove any obstruction in the air passages e.g. dentures, debris, 4. Blow air hard into patient’s mouth about every i'our or five seconds removing
foreign bodies and vomit. one’s mouth after each blow, until patient’s chest ig seen to rig pppt •
eously and then fall on the air return.
The onygen resuscitation equipment must be used in accordance with the
instructions provided, to give a fortified oxygen air mixture in the evtnt of 5. If his chest does not rise and there is no sound aI breathing resume blowing
weak breathing or positive pmssurc resuscitation if breathing is irregular rhythmically every four or five seconds and continue until the casualty
or has ceased. starts breathing.
1042 SA F z T Y P R e CA U T I O N S i N T++ z P c xT ING s iiOP
SAfETY PRECAUT1DNS IN THE PLATTNG SHOP 1043
6. From time to time check the head position and make sure his tongue is
not blcicking his throat. P R OTE C TION OF THE S4f IN
7. If the chest still fails to rise and fall then turn victim on his side ana slap Where industrial dérmnti/ii develops, this is often due to neglect on
him sharply between the shoulder blades (see fig. 31 cleaning out foreign the part of the operator to wash off immediately any chemicals, in thi form
matter from mouth and throat as in fig. 1 and resume blowing (paragraphs of either solution or salts, from the skin. Personal cleanliness is of the utmost
4 and 5). importance, and it is important to note that cotton waste or rag, if used to
8. Keep casualty warm, after he has revived treat him as a stretcher case, wipe off oils, etc., from the skin, should not be kept in the trouser pocket.
however well he feels. Chemicals liable to cause dermatitis include alkalis, chromic acid,
9. If necessary continue respiratory resuscitation by applying oxygen mask. ehromates and dichromates, nicked salts, formaldehyde. Solvents such ai
paraffin and trichloroethylene remove the natural grease from the skin and
(3) Sylvester Respiratory Resuscitation thus render it more liable to damage by other substances.
This method is recommended where poisons may have been taken by Where dermatitis occurs, medical aid should be sought.
mouth in solid or liquid form and particularly in case of cyanide poisoning. Protective Clothing
Protective clothing is effective in reducing skin contact. This must be
kept in good condition, being cleaned and washed regularly. (See also
1. Lay casual ty on his back on a firm surface. page 1 029.)
2. Raise his shoulders on a folded jacket or in some other way (fig. 1). Barrier Creams
As an additional precaution against dermatitis, the use of a barrier cream
is recommended. These are useful aids for the prevention of dermatitis, and
in particular nickel itch, chrome sores and cyanide sores.
A range of barrier creams is available to meet varying work conditions,
for example. fiozo/ex No. 8 hcirrirr crc›am' provides protection of thg skin in
wet conditions, and is particularly useful for those handling acids, alkalis and
general chemicals. It is applied to the hands before work.
lt is important that barrier creams be used only as a protective aid and
that the greatest care be taken to avoid contact between corrosive chemicals
and the skin.
Skin Cleaners
The use of barrier creams before work will generally dispense with the
need to use skin cleaners other than soap.
Where materials other than soap are used, it is imponani that these
should be as weak as possible, consistent with effective cleaning, and that
they be completely removed from the skin by washing with soap and water.
For the removal of gross dirt and grease a number of effective proprietary
hand cleaners are available; the Department of Employment in its handbook
of industrial dermatitis recommends the use of any skin cleaners which contain
10 per cent sulphonated castor oil as a constituent. These should be used as
directed on the container.
The Sylvester rrie thou o)“ Respirator f' Resuscitut i’on. Chroinlc Acid arid Acid Cfiromates
Chronic Acid Mist Test Set“ (6) A sumcient number of triangular ban-
dages of unbleached calico, the longest
This test set provides all the a pparatus and reagents necessary for carrying side of which measures not less I han
out the regular tests for chromic acid in the atmosphere required under the 1295 mm (5 I inches) and each of the
Chromium Plating (Amendment ) Regulations 1973. other sides not less than 915 mm (36
inches). 4
The current threshold limit is 0.1 ing CrO3 per cubic metre.
U.K. regulations requirc a regular test, at least once every 14 days of
the atmosphere above electrolytic chromic acid tanks in order to ensure (7) A sufficient supply of adhesive plaster.
that the spray evolved is below the I hreshold limit.
(8) A sufficient supply of a bsor bent sterilised
co I ton wool in half ounce packets.
(9) t A suficient su pply of approved eye
ointment in a container of an approved
This is a not uncommon condition of I he skin caused by nickel salts type and size.
resulting in an irritating rash usually affecting hands and arms. Such a rash
usually occurs in a person who may have become sensitised to nickel at some (l0) A sufficient number of sterilised eye-
time in the past, and they usually give a past history of such sensitization to pads in separate sealed packets. 8
nickel plated metal articles, for example watch straps, metal necklaces, or in
the past meta] suspenders or bra straps with metal pieces. (II) QA rubber bandage or pressure bandage.
When there is a past history of nicked sensitivity it is wise to move the person
away from contact with nickel in any form, otherwise a severe sensitivity (12) Safety pins.
reaction may occur. If on the other hand there is no such obvious history then
follow the usual precautions as outlined on page 1 043 — Protection of the Sk in. ‘ Obtainable from H.M. Stat ioyer y O ffice.
pressure bandages for first aid purposes and the Health and Safety Executive
therefore dace not insist upon the inclusion of thece items in first-aid boxes.”
sarriv zezcavilows x ixe Ps*nxo sxoP lg›47
B. Recommended Additional Items for Factory First-Ald Eoxes (4) Two tubular steeJ chairs.
(1) One cotton wool dispenser. (5) One couch 1.8 m x 0.6 m (6 ft x 2 It), with tubular steel frame for
(2) Packets of cotton wool for the dispenser. rest room.
(3) 250 ml ( 10 oz) rubber or 8lass stoppered bottle containing one per cent (6) One stretcher, plus one pair trestles for stretcher.
Cetrimide B.P. or suitable impregnated swabs. See page 1033. (7) Four blankets.
(4) 50 ml t2 oz) Gallipot (small container). (8) Two hot water bottles.
(s) Bottle oF plaster remover.
(6) Splinter forceps. (9) Assorted Splints (three sets) or infiatab Ie splints.
(7) Paracetamo 1 tablets. (10) One bin for soiled dressings.
(8) Ten tulle gras dressings (Parafhn gauze dressing B.P.C.), size 10 cm (11) One or two mail brushes.
x 10 cm (4 in x 4 in). (12) Two plastic tumblers.
(9) Tablets of soap or soap dispenser. 113) One x two pint jug,
(10) Paper handkerchieFs or tear-off paper towels.
( 14) One teaspoon.
(11) Tie-on labels for casualties.
(15) Thtoe 150 mm (6 in) kidney dishes.
C. Recommended Additiorial Items for Platiog Shop First-Aid Boues (16) Three 2(D nlm (8 in) bowls.
Drinking fountain and eye wash bottle easily accessible from areas of risk. (17) Two 125 mm (5 in) scissors (blunt nosed with chain).
Eye wash bottle should contain sterlle normal saline. See page 1035. (18) One eye bath.
Burn dressings, i.e., tulle gras dressings (Paramn 8auze dressing B.P.C.). (19) One dressing forceps, medium pointed 1i 0 mm (4j in).
Barrier cream suitable for the work undertaken. EEC HAZARD WARNING SYMBOLS
Chronüuœ Platlog The range oF hazard symbols which are employed in the labelling and
A sufficient supply of assorted sizes of waterproof adhesive wound dressing packaging of all chemical substances are illustrated below. They are all, with
and of waterproof adhesive plasters (requirement of Chromium Plating the possible Inception or' the St. Andrew’s Cross device, already familiar but
Regulations, 1931). less well known may be the basis of the classification employed.
Chrome Ointment — One part lanolin, three parts soft parafhn to be applied Toxie
up each nostril prior to work and at break times. Available as Paralanol
see page 1043. Materials are toxic if when inhaled or taken internally or
Calcium Edetate Chrome Ulcer Ointment — for application to han&. See if they penetrate the skin may involve serious. acute or
page 1044 for details and supplier. (P-or nasal ulceration a topical cortico chronic health risks and even death.
steroid preparation is usually advised.)
Oxy8en Resuscitation equipment. See pa8c t048 for details and supplier. Materials are corrosive if on cñntact with living tissues
Cyanide Antidote Kit. Sin amyt nitrite ampoules plus pads. Dicobalt
edetate ampoules for intravenous injection by medical practitioner or under
Ü
a medical practitioner’s direction. See page 1039 for details and supplier. these are destroyed.
Where hydrofluoric acid or acid fluorides are employed the following should
be available: Materials are considured harmful if in the abovc circum-
Hydrofiuoric Acid Burns Jelly. Sec page 1034 for details and supplier. stances they involve limitéd health risks and irritant if
Calcium Gluconate Gel. through immediate, prolonged or repeated contact with the
Sterile 10 per œnt Calcium Gluconate. skin or mucous membrane can cause inflammation.
3ppropriote O icial Cautionory Notices muse be di.cpla yed.
Explosive
n. rmsi noon — nccos msnzo Eoua• Substances and preparations which may explode under
(1) Basin with hot and cold water. the effect of flame or whicb are more sensitive to shocks or
(2) Five hand towels. friction than nitrobemne are classified as Explosive.
(3) Glass topped trolley or a plastic topped table.