Die Casting Industry Safety Standards

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.