Non-ferrous Metallurgical Industries (Primary Metallurgical Industries, namely zinc, lead, copper, manganese and aluminium)
A hazardous process listed in the First Schedule to the Factories Act 1948 (s.2(cb)).
Typical industries: Zinc/lead/copper smelters and refineries, aluminium smelters (Hall-Heroult), manganese processing.
Principal hazards
- Lead fume and dust
- Cadmium, arsenic and sulphur dioxide (smelting)
- Fluoride emissions and coal-tar-pitch volatiles (aluminium pot lines)
- Manganese fume
- Heat and molten metal
Health effects
Lead poisoning (anaemia, neuropathy, nephropathy, reproductive harm), fluorosis, cadmium nephrotoxicity and lung disease, manganism, SO2 respiratory irritation, occupational asthma, possible lung/bladder cancer (PAH/arsenic).
Key engineering controls
Enclosed/automated smelting and tapping with LEV; wet methods and HEPA vacuuming to control lead dust; SO2 scrubbing and fluoride capture; biological monitoring (blood lead/urinary cadmium); strict housekeeping, no eating/smoking in process areas, separate clean facilities.
PPE
- Powered air-purifying respirators (PAPR) or supplied-air for lead/cadmium
- Disposable coveralls (laundered on site)
- Chemical gloves
- SO2/acid-gas cartridge respirators
- Eye protection
- Safety footwear
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.