Electro-plating Industries
A hazardous process listed in the First Schedule to the Factories Act 1948 (s.2(cb)).
Typical industries: Chrome/nickel/cadmium/zinc plating and anodising shops.
Principal hazards
- Chromic acid mists (hexavalent chromium)
- Nickel, cadmium and cyanide bath chemicals
- Strong acids and alkalis
- Hydrogen evolution; acid mists
Health effects
Cr(VI) - nasal ulceration/perforation, dermatitis and lung/sinus cancer; nickel sensitisation; cadmium toxicity; cyanide poisoning (especially if mixed with acid - HCN); acid burns.
Key engineering controls
Push-pull/lateral LEV at tank lips, fume suppressants/mist eliminators; strict separation of cyanide and acid baths; surface tension control; air monitoring for Cr(VI)/Ni; emergency showers/eyewash; cyanide antidote provision.
PPE
- Acid-gas / chromic-mist respirators
- Long PVC/neoprene gloves, aprons and boots
- Face shields/goggles
- Cyanide-area cyanide first-aid PPE
- Chemical-resistant clothing
This page is a statutory / occupational-health reference for factory Occupational Health Centres. It is not medical or legal advice. Verify against the current bare Act, Rules and your State amendments before acting.