Chemical burns
Recognition
Chemical burns are common in aluminum refineries. Majority of the chemical burns involve sodium hydroxide or caustic soda which is present throughout many processes of primary aluminum manufacturing. In Australia, refinery workers have reported the incidence of chemical splashes as 4.06 per 200,000 work hours [1]. Another major possible source of deadly chemical burns may be red mud lakes, a by-product of aluminum processing. The red mud sludge produced during the Bayer Process is highly caustic and contains large concentrations of heavy metals. [2] Although not specifically responsible for occupational injuries or fatalities in the context of one of the largest red mud lake spillage in Hungary, proper management of red mud reservoirs is nonetheless important.
Evaluation
The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety lists a Short-Term Exposure Limit (STEL) and Ceiling (C) or maximum limit of 2 mg/m3 for sodium hydroxide as the respirable fraction. Although no specific limits are listed for dermal absorption as it may depend on the concentration of the solution of sodium hydroxide, it is best to limit direct dermal contact with the substance as even dilute solutions may cause irritation. [3]
Controls
The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety also provides controls for preventing caustic burns in the workplace. [3]
Engineering Controls
The area where aluminum is refined and sodium hydroxide is produced must have local exhaust ventilation and well as an enclosure. Process enclosure can limit caustic soda release into the workplace. A corrosion-resistant general ventilation system can be implemented. The exhaust cane directed outside, bearing in mind environmental circumstances.
Personal Protective Equipment
Safety goggles with a full face shield are recommended for workers. Gloves, aprons, and boots that rubber-based, except very thin rubber, may all be appropriate skin protection measures.
References
- ↑ Donoghue, A. M., Frisch, N., & Olney, D. (2014). Bauxite Mining and Alumina Refining: Process Description and Occupational Health Risks. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 56(5 Suppl), S12–S17. http://doi.org/10.1097/JOM.0000000000000001>.
- ↑ Press, A. (2010). Hungary declares a state of emergency after sludge disaster. Retrieved March 28, 2017, from "https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/oct/05/hungary-sludge-disaster-state-of-emergency">.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Government of Canada, Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. (2017). Sodium Hydroxide : OSH Answers. Retrieved March 28, 2017, from "http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/chemicals/chem_profiles/sodium_hydroxide.html">.