Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

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Passivation contamination

 

Hi,

I work in a steel processing centre and on my machine I run coils that have been passivated. On my line we have a wash section that contains a detergent to remove oil, when the tank is cleaned out there is alot of sludge at the bottom of the tank which is removed manually with shovels. My question is could there be contamination from the passivation chemicals and are there health risks from skin absorption as you get very dirty from the sludge. If anyone could help with this question it would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,

B. Smith
- Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

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The term 'passivated' isn't definitive enough to know what you are describing. Stainless steel is 'passivated' with various chemicals, whereas the passivation layer on a galvanized or a zinc electroplated coil is something different entirely. Your employer needs to let you know what you are working with.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
 

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In the United States, a company is legally obligated to inform their workers of the chemical hazards they face on the job. I can not imagine that Canadian law is very different. Go to your management and formally request chemical safety information. Any competent manager will take the request seriously and give you the information you need.

Tim Neveau
Rochester Hills, Michigan