What is the Steelworks Industry?
Steelworks is the manufacturing of steel in industrial plants. It may be integrated steel works carrying out all steps of steelmaking from smelting iron to the desired steel product, but may also be a plant where steel semi-finished casting products are made from molten pig iron or from scrap.
Metal Production & Treatment
Gases release during metal production and treatment can increase risk to individuals health.
An individual that works in a Sinter Plant could be at risk of chemical exposures such as sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide.
An individual that operates Blast Furnaces could be at risk of chemical exposures due to the production of a high amount of toxic and flammable gases.
An individual that operates Electric Arc Furnace could be at risk of chemical exposures such as hydrogen and nitrogen because the Furnace is designed to produce steel of a certain quality and non-alloy steels.
An individual that does Metal Casting could be at risk of chemical exposures such as sulphur and carbon.
An individual that does Secondary Processing could be at risk of oxygen depletion as well as the release of sulphur and carbon.
The release and presence of the gases mentioned above combined with potential dust and hot works make a potentially dangerous environment for individual workers. Areas of concern are all levels of the buildings and enclosed areas where these gases can accumulate.
As a result we would recommend all workers wear Portable Gas Monitors at all times and areas of expected high exposure must be equipped with Fixed Gas Detection system.
Hazards are most likely to be found in furnace areas, pits, and underground walk ways due to the conditions these present and confined space you will find them in.
Welding & Metal Fabrication
Welding and cutting operations are common to drilling and servicing operations. Injuries and illnesses can be caused by welding, cutting, brazing, or grinding activities, which can result in exposure to welding fumes and weld shielding gases, cutting torch fumes and gases (including CO), UV light, sparks, noise, or skin injury.
Welding processes are classified into two groups: fusion welding, which is heat alone, and pressure welding, which uses heat and pressure. All of these forms of welding produce visible smoke that contains harmful metal fumes and gas.
Welding fumes contain a variety of metals, including aluminium, arsenic, beryllium, lead and manganese. Argon, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and hydrogen fluoride gases often are produced during welding.
Portable Gas Monitors
Portable Gas Monitors are used for the detection of flammable gases, oxygen depletion and an extensive range of toxic gases meeting the safety monitoring requirements of a broad range of different industries.
These units units are fully portable, usually worn on the clothing or clipped on a belt.
Area Monitors
Area Gas Monitors are primarily designed for personnel group protection, area monitoring and providing a virtual perimeter of protection. Used in harsh environments like offshore platforms to desert conditions Area Monitors need to be rugged and robust.
"I think I may need Safety Instrumentation Monitoring, but I don’t know anything about it!"
You don’t need to understand Safety Instrumentation Monitoring to be safe at work! If you are unsure whether you need a monitor, please call one of the team on the below number.
Call The Team: 01489 326031
You cannot create the need for Safety Instrumentation, the need is either there or isn’t – that why the best way to make sure you are keeping yourself and your own team as safe as possible is to give one of our experienced team members a call! You can speak to us about your site and our team will be able to advise you based off extensive working knowledge, existing and pre-existing clients/projects and industry specific hazards. Our team remain informed in the world of Safety Instrumentation so that we can provide up to date advice in line with best practices. This means whenever you speak to our team you know you are receiving updated support from people who care.
"Our work should enrich our lives, not cost them" - Alex Graft (Managing Director)