Keeping electroplating workers healthy

Workers involved in electroplating are potentially exposed to a range of hazardous chemicals including hexavalent chromium, nickel salts, cadmium, halogeno-platinum compounds, acids, alkalis, solvents and cyanide. The potential health effects of such exposure include cancer, severe respiratory damage, dermatitis, liver and kidney disease and neurological impairment.

Workplace monitoring can provide reassurance that exposures are properly controlled to levels below the relevant workplace exposure limits that are enforced by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

The IOM laboratory provides a cost-effective UKAS-accredited analytical service to support workplace monitoring in the electroplating industry. We undertake analysis for all of the substances highlighted by the HSE in their guidance note “Monitoring requirements in the electroplating industry, including electrolytic chromium processes” (available at http://www.hse.gov.uk/PUBNS/eis3.pdf). The IOM also provides services in occupational hygiene monitoring and can help employers in the electroplating industry to control exposures to acceptable levels.