Welcome Guest! The IOSH forums are a free resource to both members and non-members. Login or register to use them

Postings made by forum users are personal opinions. IOSH is not responsible for the content or accuracy of any of the information contained in forum postings. Please carefully consider any advice you receive.

Notification

Icon
Error

Options
Go to last post Go to first unread
Par.Dhonsi  
#1 Posted : 13 September 2019 09:10:10(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Par.Dhonsi

Short overview:

Currently, the preparation of glavanised materials is taking place by linishing the galv spikes and drips from the workpieces using angle grinders with the correct pads.

The operators are exceeding exposure levels where we are carrying out relevant controls to reduce it ie sourcing new equipment with vibration cancelling accessories etc.

My question:

Is there any way that galvanised steel can be prepared without the use of angle grinders? Ie is there a tool that can be used to slice off the zinc spikes or get rid the zinc drips? There must be a non-powered tool that helps with this? 

Any help would be appreciated.

descarte8  
#2 Posted : 13 September 2019 14:05:09(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
descarte8

There are often alternatives, however they need to be practical, cost and time effective and not introduce more and higher risks.  For example we eliminated the grinding/buffing after welding needed to remove weld stain by using phosphoric acid, using hydrofluorric acid however would have been introducing a greater risk that preventing.

Whilst it is difficult to picture your exact process, some options to consider could be diamond wire cutting, ultra-high pressure water, laser / plasma cutting etc.  But more philosophically is it possbile to reduce or eliminate the amount of linishing needed by changing the preceding step(s), could you even change the way the materials or tools are held, for example fixing the workpeices and using a mounted (like a pedistal drill) machine to hold the powertool, seperating (mostly) the operator from the source of vibration?

chris42  
#3 Posted : 13 September 2019 15:56:35(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
chris42

How big are these spikes to give us an idea ?

If large could a hacksaw be used or if small a tin snips be used to remove the majority then just grind the last bit. This will at least reduce use. Also zinc bits cut off can go back in melting pot.

Dave5705  
#4 Posted : 15 September 2019 06:46:01(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Dave5705

What pieces are you galving? Are they something we would recognise by name or can you describe them?

Users browsing this topic
You cannot post new topics in this forum.
You cannot reply to topics in this forum.
You cannot delete your posts in this forum.
You cannot edit your posts in this forum.
You cannot create polls in this forum.
You cannot vote in polls in this forum.