1. Nickel Risk Assessment The impact on Plating Activities
To what level of operation will this impact on the business of
Nickel Plating
Dr Paul Lansdell
Institute of metal Finishing

2. Nickel Risk Assessment The impact on Plating Activities
The effects of the current and proposed legislation on the day to day operation of a Nickel plating facility.
Either Rack, Barrel or processes
Equally applicable to :-
Bright Nickel
Semi Bright Nickel
Micro porous Nickel
Satin Nickel
Electroless nickel
Dr Paul Lansdell
Institute of metal Finishing

3. Nickel Risk Assessment The impact on Plating Activities
Exposure at tank side during plating
Lip Extraction
Agitation
Air or Pumped
Splashing during draining
Dr Paul Lansdell
Institute of metal Finishing

4. Nickel Risk Assessment The impact on Plating Activities
This leads onto the problems associated with keeping the extraction system clean and functioning.
With salts precipitating out the cleaning process is laborious, but steam cleaning with the high risk of aerosols is now going to be a significant problem.
Dr Paul Lansdell
Institute of metal Finishing

5. Nickel Risk Assessment The impact on Plating Activities
Solution make up
Handling chemical solids
High inhalation of dust risk
Weighing out
Adding to tank
Skin contact when handling chemicals
Eco rinse cycle
Clean up drag out and use as top up
Use liquid additions
pH control splashing concerns
Dr Paul Lansdell
Institute of metal Finishing

6. Nickel Risk Assessment The impact on Plating Activities
Filter maintenance
Minimal dust/solids issues
High risk of aerosols when venting filter
Splash problems when removing or inserting cartridges
Cleaning of reusable cartridges will produce more nickel contaminated solution
Dr Paul Lansdell
Institute of metal Finishing

7. Nickel Risk Assessment The impact on Plating Activities
Pellet additions to cages
Aerosol or splash risk during this operation, small but sufficient to warrant review of how this process is carried out.
Dr Paul Lansdell
Institute of metal Finishing

8. Nickel Risk Assessment The impact on Plating Activities
Anode maintenance
Leave bags to drain over tank
Beware if they dry out additional dust risk
Bag removal is high contact risk if still wet
Anode cages once exposed need to be cleaned, if pellets removed difficult to clean and save for re use.
Steam clean in cage, high risk of inhalation
Splashes and aerosol risk when removing
Immersion of bare cage produces handling issues
All processes generate contaminated liquid
Dr Paul Lansdell
Institute of metal Finishing

9. Nickel Risk Assessment The impact on Plating Activities
Tank emptying and refilling
Control of discharge
Removal of last liquids
Clean down prior to entry
Return of solution
Dr Paul Lansdell
Institute of metal Finishing

10. Nickel Risk Assessment The impact on Plating Activities
Tank Top Cleaning
Removal of salt build up by any means will pose a risk
Steam cleaning
Hand brushing
Air line
Hot water washing
Dr Paul Lansdell
Institute of metal Finishing

11. Nickel Risk Assessment The impact on Plating Activities
Laboratory Functions
Hull cell testing
Wet analysis
Density checks
Dr Paul Lansdell
Institute of metal Finishing

12. Nickel Risk Assessment The impact on Plating Activities
Maintenance
Even if operators are fully aware of the new issues, the maintenance staff may not be.
Make arrangements for all equipment removed for repair are fully cleaned.
If working tank side ensure area cleaned prior to work starting.
Dr Paul Lansdell
Institute of metal Finishing

13. Nickel Risk Assessment The impact on Plating Activities
Spill Handling procedures
Remember that once the daily operation and maintenance activities have been considered there is always the unforeseen occurrence that needs dealing with in a safe manner.
Dr Paul Lansdell
Institute of metal Finishing