Ferrous Metallurgical Industries (Integrated Iron and Steel; Ferro Alloys; Special Steels)
A hazardous process listed in the First Schedule to the Factories Act 1948 (s.2(cb)).
Typical industries: Integrated steel plants, ferro-alloy smelters, special/alloy steel works.
Principal hazards
- Molten metal and radiant/convective heat
- Iron oxide & metal fume (welding/casting)
- Silica and refractory dust
- Carbon monoxide from blast furnaces/coke gas
- Manganese, chromium, nickel fume from ferro-alloys/special steels
- Noise and infrared radiation
Health effects
Heat stress/heat stroke, metal-fume fever, siderosis and pneumoconiosis, manganism (CNS), CO poisoning/asphyxia, noise-induced hearing loss, cataract and skin burns.
Key engineering controls
Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) and fume hoods over furnaces/casting bays; general dilution ventilation and roof extraction; heat shielding, water-cooled screens, spot cooling and acclimatisation/work-rest regimes; CO monitoring and gas detection; enclosure/automation of tapping and ladle handling; noise enclosures.
PPE
- Aluminised/heat-reflective aprons and gauntlets
- Infrared/shade goggles or face shields
- FFP3 / supplied-air respirators for fume
- Hearing protection
- Safety boots with metatarsal guards
- Flame-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.