In
2012, the die casting industry averaged 4.4 lost workdays due to injury/illness
per 1000 hours worked. Operating a die casting machine is a dangerous job for
employees. In fact, the injury rates for the die casting industry are around
two times as high as other private industries.
Die
cast facility safety standards are set by the NADCA (North
American Die Casting Association). Die casting facilities install and maintain
safety equipment to protect machine operators from injury.
Die
casting machine operation is very dangerous because of the risk of burns from
spewing or erupting molten metal in the direction of the machine operator. Metal
alloys are heated to extremely high temperatures during the die casting
process. The die casting process also involves moving machinery which can lead
to operators becoming pinned or cut by the moving parts. Movement danger
includes, but is not limited to, movement of the die clamp, movement of the
core puller and movement of the tool clamp.
There
are a myriad of other safety risks involved with operating die casting
machines, including damage to hearing due to noise, electrocution and
inhalation of dangerous vapors or fumes. Sprains, strains and abrasions can also occur
from equipment placed at improper heights. Dust explosions and fires are also a
danger to die casting industry workers.
The
safety inspection for a die casting facility is conducted on a machine by
machine basis. Safety orders vary between cold-chamber and hot-chamber die casting machines. Additionally, die
casting machine operators undergo extensive safety training in operating safe
practices. Operators are required to wear a helmet, safety glasses and side
shields. Full face shields are used during more dangerous parts of the die casting
process.
