Safety and health in the non-ferrous metals industries

This code of practice provides practical guidelines for ensuring that the safety and health of all those involved in non-ferrous metals production, in large and small enterprises, are afforded the highest priority.

This code, which deals with the production of metal in bulk, focuses on foundries and on the production of primary non-ferrous metals, including from recycled material. It does not deal with mining, nor does it address the fabrication of commercial products made from non-ferrous metals. The code begins by setting out the general principles of prevention and protection, including the duties of regulatory authorities, employers and workers. This first part covers a range of topics, including risk assessment, risk management, training, and workplace and health surveillance. The main part of the code identifies and examines a range of physical hazards that are commonly encountered during the production of non-ferrous metals. These include noise, vibration, heat stress, radiation, confined spaces, dust and chemicals. Separate chapters deal with furnaces, molten metal and recycling.