Risks associated with metalworking

Metals are precious materials that have many uses in our daily lives, but they can also present risks to health and the environment. The risks associated with metals vary depending on the form in which they occur and the use made of them.

Table of Contents:

• Explosion
• Toxicity
• Fire
• Ecology

First, there are explosion risks. Metals can be very reactive and cause explosions when they come into contact with other chemical substances or through their simple fusion. Metals such as lithium and sodium, used in manufacturing industries such as batteries, alloys, rubber, certain glasses or greases, can be particularly dangerous if handled inappropriately.

Another high-risk environment is the automotive sector, indeed, during steel manufacturing, you have to melt the metal at very high temperatures, which can give rise to projectiles of more than 1500°C. At this temperature, even when wearing appropriate PPE, it becomes very complicated if the worker is hit. You must therefore be extra vigilant.

Furthermore, many metals are toxic to the human body. Exposure to so-called "heavy" metals such as lead, mercury and cadmium can cause serious damage to health, such as neurological disorders, kidney disorders and cancers. Workers in the metallurgical industry are particularly exposed to these risks, but people living near metal extraction or processing sites may also be exposed. Indeed, recurring exposure to metals or metallic compounds in the form of fumes or particles leads to respiratory pathologies that can prove to be chronic.

You must therefore be very careful if you work in contact with these metals and wear adequate respiratory protection.

The third cause of accidents caused by metals is fires. Indeed, metals can ignite easily and fires can spread quickly in factories and warehouses where they are stored or processed. Whether in the form of batteries or in foundries, metals can quickly become uncontrollable. Furthermore, it is not only at work that the risk of fire from metals can occur. In everyday life, a tangle of old electrical cables can become the starting point of a fire, especially if they are stripped and the metal wires come into contact. Moreover, if an electrical installation is located outside, in contact with water, this can create a short circuit and trigger a fire. Make sure that your installation is not damaged and if it must be exposed to rain or water, that it is properly sealed.

Finally, mining and metal extraction can have significant impacts on the environment. Metal discharges into rivers and lakes can cause significant damage to wildlife and flora, and mine waste can cause damage to soil and groundwater, for several years.

It is important to take these risks into account when using metals and to implement preventive measures to minimize risks to our health, that of workers and the environment. Employers and employees must be aware of the risks associated with metals and know how to manage them safely. Check with your management for PPE appropriate to your situation. VET SÉCURITÉ offers you respiratory PPE, anti-explosion and heat-resistant equipment to protect you as best as possible during your work. Also find a wide selection of work clothing and safety shoes.