Hazardous Substances Doncaster

Hazardous Substances Assessment in Doncaster

In August 2024, our team visited a scrap metal recycling facility in Rossington to check the employees' exposure to hazardous substances. The site was open air, with workers handling metals like copper, nickel, and zinc across different areas, including the yard, screening line, and operating heavy machinery.

During the assessment, air monitoring was conducted to measure the levels of these substances and assess the workers’ exposure. While the levels of most metals, like copper and zinc, were within safe limits, the exposure to nickel was flagged as significant, especially for yard and screening line operatives. Nickel can be harmful, as it’s a known carcinogen and can affect respiratory health.

The report recommended several safety improvements. One key suggestion was job rotation to limit how long workers are exposed to higher-risk tasks. It also advised using respiratory protective equipment (RPE) more consistently, especially when dealing with nickel. Additionally, housekeeping practices like avoiding dry sweeping and using dust suppression methods were highlighted to control dust exposure.

Overall, the report emphasised the importance of continuous monitoring and adapting safety practices to ensure workers' long-term health, especially when dealing with hazardous substances like nickel.