The Key Safety Challenges of the Metal Recycling Process

09 August 2021

The process of metal recycling has been continuously appreciated by a lot of industries due to its accompanying benefits. One of the most notable benefits of metal recycling is that it can effectively reduce the number of scrap metals in landfills. The process of metal recycling can likewise conserve energy and save raw metal materials. It can even meet the demands of various industries right away.

Despite the benefits associated with the metal recycling process, there are still some safety challenges that the professionals who conduct the recycling may face. Some of the safety challenges that the metal recycling process may encounter are as follows:

Chemical Exposure

Scrap metals often come from different machines, tools, and products. And since a lot of these metals are combined and fused with lead-containing paint or radioactive metals, the recycling centres often have to separate them first. The separation process of scrap metals can be easily done through shredding, blasting, roasting, or melting. However, one harmful effect of these activities is that they can generate contaminants into the workplace, which can then affect the health of the workers. Fortunately, chemical exposure can be reduced by maximising local exhaust ventilation and dust collection systems.

Dust Explosions

Another safety challenge that the metal recycling process can generate is dust explosion. A dust explosion typically happens whenever fine dust particles within an enclosed workplace would combust rapidly in the air. The dust particles often come from grinding scrap metals. Without preventing dust explosions, they can easily damage nearby structures and equipment as well as injure people. Some elements that can help prevent dust explosions from happening are spark detection systems, automatic suppression systems, and deflagration venting components.

Machine Hazards

The recycling process is normally carried out with the help of machines likes balers, shears, pulleys, rotating belts, and grinders. Since most of these machines have moving parts, they must all be protected and surrounded by machine guarding systems so they can avoid harming everyone on site. Without these systems, some scrap metals that are being processed may accidentally come out and harm nearby workers. Workers might even get crushed and flattened if the machines are not protected fully.

Despite the presence of these safety challenges, the recycling industry can still carry out its processes as tools and practices are now available to avoid them from happening. Additionally, the benefits of the recycling process outweigh the possible dangers recycling centres may encounter along the way.

If you have some more questions about metal recycling processes, you can contact us at Victorian Metal Traders. We are the leading scrap metal recycling company based in Victoria, Australia. Over the years, we have established an excellent reputation and long-lasting business relationship with our clients. Our core value is centred on our belief and a strong commitment to sustainability, care for the environment, and the health of all the communities that we do business with. We continuously strive to achieve the best possible practices and we take serious efforts to be a good responsible environmental partner.

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