During the chrome plating and polishing of metals, acid emissions are released. To reduce the risk of inhalation, Cromatura Cassanese installed extractor hoods above the chroming tanks as well as in the area for polishing the metals.

The task

Cromatura Cassanese is a company that galvanizes and finishes metals for its customers.

The task focused upon more specifically is that of the worker responsible for chrome plating the items.

The risk

The worker charged with chrome plating the metal items was affected by the emissions of the potentially carcinogenic chemicals coming form the chrome-plating baths.

The solution and the method

An analysis of the risks was conducted with an external accident-prevention service. The risk was identified following an audit conducted by a specialized technician with the aid of checklists specific to the chemical industry.
To eliminate the risk from prolonged exposure to potentially carcinogenic chemical agents, the company replaced the obsolete production line, which could no longer be modified and updated, by a new galvanization installation. This new installation not only allows several processes in one single operation but also has an extractor hood installed above the chrome-plating baths. This action clearly reduced the daily exposure of employees to chemical agents produced during the chrome-plating process. In addition, with the collaboration of an industrial doctor and suppliers, less dangerous substitution chemicals have been sought.

In addition to this collective protection, the employees have also received appropriate individual protection equipment.

Moreover, the medical consultations of the employees have been increased as well as the diagnostic examinations.

In addition, the company organized for the employees an awareness raising, information, and training campaign on the use and handling of dangerous chemical compounds.

The effectiveness of the results

Although it is impossible to eliminate completely all risk in a high-risk activity like chrome plating, it is still possible to reduce it considerably by applying the measures described above. The work done to improve the working conditions in the company can be transferred to other companies in the sector.

The participation of the workers

The employees have been closely involved in the analysis and the evaluation of the risk. According to the manager, this participation was facilitated by the fact that it was a small family enterprise in which the average age is young and in which the level of education of the workers is in harmony with the tasks to be performed. It was not difficult to have the new measures adopted by the workers, measures that could have constituted true obstacles for others in the course of routine activity. The workers were informed at meetings that took place in the presence of the risk-evaluation technician and of the doctor in charge. At the end of each meeting, the participants received a vade mecum that summarized all the subjects dealt with.

The costs and benefits

The solution has reduced the number of work-incapacity days and the complaints. It has also permitted an improvement of the organization of the work, the communication procedures, and the quality of the products.