Plastic Industry Safety
According to the United States Department of Labor, the plastics industry employs over 1.1 million workers in the United States. The safety concerns in the plastics industry ranges from the manufacture of the raw materials to the actual processing of the plastics.
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Health Hazards
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When plastic is heated in the manufacturing process, fumes can be produced which may severely irritate the lungs, eyes and nasal mucosa of anyone who is exposed to them. Sometimes the effects are chronic and irreversible.
Fume Control
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There are a host of safety measures that can be taken to ensure that accidental exposure to these toxic fumes does not occur. Measures to reduce risks include regular maintenance of the processing plant and adhering to the recommended temperatures. Incorrect melt temperatures can result in fume production especially when a new material is being used.
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Fire Prevention
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Some of the materials used in the plastics industry are highly flammable and present a fire hazard. Expandable polystyrene (EPS) bead, for example, contains an extremely flammable gas that is given off from the material during storage or transportation. Many factory fires have been caused by the accidental ignition of leaking gas. Safety precautions around EPS bead includes not smoking anywhere near where the substance is being stored or used. Heaters used temporarily in winter should be checked because they pose a risk of igniting the EPS bead.
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References
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