The Working Environment in Blast Furnace
Introduction
A blast furnace is a type of metallurgical furnace used for smelting to produce industrial metals, generally pig iron, but also others such as lead or copper. Blast furnaces operate on the otherwise known as a comparative advantage difference between the chemical potential of the hot exhaust gas and the heat content of the excess air of the scrubber and a number of other parts. The working environment inside of a blast furnace is vastly different from that of other furnaces, and can be a dangerous place to work.
Outline of Working Environment
One of the more important aspects of a blast furnace is its high temperature. The average temperature inside a blast furnace can reach up to 1,650°C (3,000°F). This makes it a very dangerous place to work, as it is too hot to be able to stay inside the furnace for an extended period of time. Because of this, the workers must always wear protective clothing, such as heat-resistant gloves, jackets and hats.
Another aspect of the blast furnace working environment is the presence of harmful gases. The blast furnace can produce high levels of carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide and sulfur oxide. These gases are highly toxic, and inhalation of them can be detrimental to the health of any person exposed to them. Because of this, workers must wear masks at all times when working inside the furnace in order to protect themselves from this toxic air.
Furthermore, the blast furnace is a hot, noisy and dirty environment. The noise levels within the furnace can reach up to 90 dB, making it difficult for workers to concentrate and reducing their hearing. Additionally, the heat and the chemicals present in the air act as an abrasive, making the surfaces of the furnace and its components very rugged.
Finally, the blast furnace produces a lot of slag. As the raw materials are heated, the dirt and grime on them turns into slag, which is then removed from the furnace. This slag is sharp, and as it is often moved with cranes or machines, can pose a threat of injury to workers in the vicinity.
Safety Measures
Due to the dangerous nature of the furnaces, safety must always be a priority. Firstly, all workers must understand the risks that they face, and the safety measures they must take in order to protect themselves. Training courses should be given in order to ensure that all workers understand the dangers and the necessary safety measures.
Additionally, the workers should always wear protective clothing. Heat-resistant gloves, jackets and hats must be worn in order to protect against heat and sparks, as well as against harmful gases. Furthermore, a full-face mask and hearing protection must also be worn in order to protect against the noise and the air.
Finally, the surroundings of a blast furnace must also be kept clean and tidy in order to reduce the risk of accidents. All debris and slag must be regularly removed and disposed of in order to ensure a safe working environment.
Conclusion
The working environment in a blast furnace is a dangerous place, with high temperatures, harmful gases, debris and slag all presenting risks to the workers. To ensure the safety of the workers, it is important to understand the risks and to take the necessary measures to minimize them. Through the correct training, protective equipment and an awareness of the environment, risks can be reduced, allowing workers to work safely.
