Safety and health in the ironand steel industry

Dr. Abdulrahman Abudawood

most common causes ofinjury and illness in the iron and steel industry(i) slips, trips and falls on the same

level;(ii) falls from height;(iii) unguarded machinery;(iv) falling objects;(v) engulfment;(vi) working in confined spaces;(vii) moving machinery, on-site

transport, forklifts andcranes;(viii) exposure to controlled and

uncontrolled energy sources;(ix) exposure to asbestos;(x) exposure to mineral wools and

fibres;(xi) inhalable agents (gases, vapours,

dusts and fumes);(xii) skin contact with chemicals

(irritants (acids, alkalis), solvents and sensitizers);

(xiii) contact with hot metal;(xiv) fire and explosion;(xv) extreme temperatures;(xvi) radiation (non-ionizing, ionizing);(xvii) noise and vibration;(xviii) electrical burns and electric shock;(xix) manual handling and repetitive work;(xx) exposure to pathogens (e.g. legionella);(xxi) failures due to automation;(xxii) ergonomics;(xxiii) lack of OSH training;(xxiv) poor work organization;(xxv) inadequate accident prevention and inspection;(xxvi) inadequate emergency first-aid and rescue facilities;(xxvii) lack of medical facilities and social protection.

refrances

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Physical hazards

NoiseVibrationHeat and cold stress Ionizing radiationNon-ionizing radiation

Chemical hazards

Coke oven contain cancer-causing polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, along with toxic gases and vapours such as

benzene, hydrogen sulphide, carbon monoxide and ammonia.

Workers in the coal preparation plant are exposed to coal dust, which can cause lung damage.

Benzene

Short-term (acute) inhalation causes depression of the central nervous system, marked by drowsiness, dizziness, headache, nausea, loss of coordination, confusion and unconsciousness. Long-term exposure

to benzene reduces the number of red and white blood cells and damages bone marrow. Benzene is carcinogenic.

Carbon monoxide

Inhalation of carbon monoxide causes symptoms including headache, weakness, dizziness, nausea, fainting, increased heartbeat, irregular heartbeat, loss of consciousness and death.

Ammonia

Short-term (acute) inhalation causes severe irritation of the respiratory tract. Skin contact results in burns, blistering and, possibly, permanent scarring of the skin. Eye contact causes irritation and, possibly, corrosive injury.

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