Scrap metals are produced from residential and industrial areas in different shapes, volumes, weights, etc. The primary sources are the manufacturing and fabrication sector, where metal is used as the raw material for the end products. Although these scrap pieces used to be disposed of in the early years, industries aren’t allowed to do so.
According to the new laws and regulations, the scrap elements need to be utilized for something productive and to keep the environment clean. However, it is not easy to deal with scrap metals, especially if they are chemically and biologically harmful. For example, the scraps of plutonium and uranium from nuclear plants and research centers must be handled with care to prevent radiation exposure.
Owing to this, we will talk about some safety tips everyone dealing with scrap metals needs to be careful about.
The right equipment needs to be used
The first and foremost thing to be done while dealing with scrap metals is using the right equipment. For example, large tongs should be used to separate scrapes from iron from the dumping ground. Similarly, chemically insulated gloves must be used if it is lead or any other such heavy solid metal.
Gloves and helmets are the two most important materials that every worker in the scrap metal recycling industry needs to wear on the worksite. Using the right equipment helps lower the risks and exposure to harmful chemicals or radiation. As a result, the workers won’t have to suffer from any long-term health effects.
Loading and unloading processes should be supervised
The scrap metal companies need to implement appropriate processes for the loading and to unload the scrap metals. Experienced and skilled professionals should supervise the operations so that the laborers working with the loading and unloading the objects don’t end up being injured.
Furthermore, suppose the scrap metal is radioactive or can harm others on exposure. In that case, the supervisors can direct the human workforce in appropriate handling while loading them into the trucks or unloading them at the concerned destination.
Different collection methods to be implemented for different metals
Not all metals can be collected similarly. For example, a giant crane is used with its end having a large magnet to collect iron scraps or any other metal scraps exhibiting magnetic properties. The metal scraps get attracted and stick to the magnet’s base. It becomes much easier for industries to sort metal scraps, especially from dumpsters.
Similarly, different methods must be implemented when metals like lead, barium, radium, and others need to be collected. The technique used is such that the people involved in the task won’t get exposed to the radioactive metals by any means.
Extra precaution for radioactive scrap metals
When people need to collect radioactive scrap metals, several precautions need to be implemented to reduce exposure to the radioactive rays. Apart from this, the precautions also ensure the radiation doesn’t get released into the atmosphere, which can harm any living object within a certain radius.
Some of the significant precautions to be implemented while collecting or handling radioactive scrap metals are:
- The radioactive scrap metals must be stored within lead containers to prevent harmful radiation from escaping into the atmosphere.
- People dealing with these objects need to wear a special suit having lead lining on the surface. This way they won’t get exposed to the radiation and can remain safe.
- Everyone must wear masks with no opening to ensure the rays, if present in the air, cannot penetrate the suit and harm them.
Risk management while handling lifting machine
It has become imperative for all industries handling scrap metals to implement appropriate risk management strategies while using lifting machine units like cranes. For example, the ground needs to be spacious enough to allow proper maneuvering of the vehicles or machine unit maneuvering without any accident. The operators using the equipment units should have the license and certification for the same.
Conclusion
This article gives you a guide on various safety and preventive ways to implement while dealing with scrap metals. Without these practices, not only will the workers be harmed, but the nearby population will also be exposed to several fatal consequences. This is why every company needs to pay attention to the collection, transportation, loading, unloading, and utilization techniques of scrap metals.