Hazardous Of Ferrosilicon

In the IMDG (International Maritime Dangerous Goods) Code, the definition of Si ≥ 30% of ferrosilicon as a dangerous good, No. UN1408. ferrosilicon is an alloy of silicon and iron, it is mainly used in the steel-making and casting process, the raw material is quartzite, coke, and steel scrap, through the high-temperature smelting of the electric furnace, so that the raw material melts, and the formation of ferrosilicon liquid, and finally casting molding.

The hazards of ferrosilicon mainly come from the effects on the human body. Most of the workers in unregulated ferrosilicon manufacturers suffer from silicosis, mainly because the process of producing ferrosilicon produces a large amount of dust and harmful substances containing traces of silicon elements. When workers inhale the dust containing silicon, it will block the alveoli, causing breathing difficulties for the human body and eventually forming silicosis.

Improper storage of ferrosilicon can also be harmful to humans. When ferrosilicon is damp, it will react chemically with the water and produce PH3 gas, which will cause a poisoning reaction when inhaled, mainly as damage to the respiratory system, with symptoms such as weakness, nausea, headache, and dizziness in mild cases, and fever, abdominal pain, abdominal distension, vomiting, thirst and shock in heavy cases. Not only that, when ferrosilicon is damp, it will also produce a large amount of flammable gas, and there is a greater possibility of explosion in steel making, endangering the personal safety of staff.

How To Prevent The Hazards Of Ferrosilicon?

Ferro-silicon manufacturers should do a good job of dust control measures, staff needs to wear KN95-level dust masks and avoid contact with large amounts of ferrosilicon dust and harmful substances, and standardize the preservation and disposal of waste. In the process of storing ferrosilicon, the warehouse should be kept dry, avoid storing ferrosilicon near water sources, create a good ventilation system in the warehouse, and prohibit staff from smoking in the warehouse.