Molten metal splash is the most persistent and deadly threat to workers in smelting, casting — any job involving liquid metal. Accidents occur when liquid metal contacts water or other moisture. The water vaporizes, expanding to thousands of times its normal volume. Thousands of pounds of liquid metal can be displaced in a fraction of a second — a significant hazard. Molten metal temperatures often exceed 3000° F, necessitating a multi-pronged approach to ensure worker safety and OSHA compliance.
Implement work practice improvements that eliminate moisture and other hazards from the manufacturing process. Engineering out every possible hazard can be difficult; the next best line of defense is personal protective apparel.