Dipping and Coating Operations

 Overview
In dipping and coating operations, employees need protection in addition to good ventilation systems. Examples of dipping and coating operations include:

• Electroplating
• Anodizing
• Dyeing
• Dipping
• Tanning
• Bleaching
• Degreasing
• Stripping
• Digesting
• Paint dipping
• Pickling
• Quenching
• Cleaning
• Roll coating
• Flow coating
• Curtain coating

How can I protect myself?
In order to protect yourself adequately, you need to know what the hazards are, what type of protection to use, and what emergency procedures you may need to follow.
Know the location of hazards
• Processes which use dip tanks, including the equipment and substances used.
• Operational hazards of dip tanks such as chemical hazards, wet floors, and equipment failures.

Personal protective equipment
• Foot protection using rubber boots.
• Gloves that are selected for the type of liquid used in the process. The length of the glove should be long enough to prevent liquid from entering the glove.
• Chemical goggles whenever splashing of chemicals may occur. A face shield may need to be added in some situations.
• Respirators - Used to reduce exposure and/or provide adequate oxygen. Respirator use must be according to OSHA’s standard on Respiratory Protection.
• Other types of PPE that would be necessary for a particular process including aprons, coats, jackets, sleeves, or other garments made of rubber or materials impervious to liquids.

Emergency procedures
• Permit-Required Confined Space - Entries into the tank must follow the applicable procedures outlined in OSHA’s regulation on Permit-Required Confined Spaces. A permit system, authorized entrants, attendants, and rescue equipment may be needed before anyone is allowed to enter a tank.
• First-aid - Employees must know the first-aid procedures that are appropriate to the dipping or coating hazards.

This information is provided by Assurance Agency https:www.assuranceagency.com