Electroplating & Metal Finishing
Plating and finishing shops coat metal with chrome, nickel, zinc, gold and other layers, or clean and anodize it. Parts are dipped in tanks of strong acids, bases and toxic metal solutions with electric current running through them.
- Platers
- Metal Finishing
- Manufacturing
Hazards
- Corrosive acids and bases that burn skin and eyes. See Corrosives.
- Toxic metals: hexavalent chromium (a lung carcinogen), nickel (allergic and cancer risk) and cadmium. See Hexavalent Chromium and Cadmium.
- Cyanide solutions, which release deadly hydrogen cyanide gas if mixed with acid.
- Mist and fume from bubbling tanks. Chrome plating produces an acid mist that must be captured.
- Hydrogen gas from the tanks, which can ignite.
- Electrical hazards from rectifiers and bus bars near wet floors.
- Slips on wet floors and splash while moving racks.
Controls
- Local exhaust ventilation at each tank, designed for the mist. Check that airflow works. See Ventilation.
- Keep incompatible chemicals apart: acids away from cyanide, oxidizers away from fuels. See Chemical Storage.
- Use covers, mist suppressants and tank rims that reduce splashes. Keep tanks labeled.
- Install eyewash and showers within reach, test them weekly and keep the path clear. See Eyewash & Showers.
- Use lockout for rectifiers and pumps during maintenance.
- Train workers on Safety Data Sheets. See Hazard Communication.
PPE
- Splash goggles and a face shield, chemical-resistant apron, gloves and boots matched to the chemicals. See Chemical Protective Clothing.
- Respirators when exposure exceeds limits; follow monitoring and medical programs.
Hygiene and health
- No eating, drinking or smoking in the work area
- Wash hands and face before breaks, and shower and change before going home
- Report nosebleeds, nasal sores, skin rashes or breathing problems early
- Take part in medical surveillance when offered
Standards & references
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