Industry Focus: The Molten Metal Industry

Welcome to the first in a new series of blog articles aimed at exploring the different types of workwear and the role it play in protecting workers in the many different industries Wearwell supports.

In this edition, we explore the Molten Metal Industry and discover what workwear best suits this potentially hostile environment

What Is The Molten Metal Industry?

The molten metal industry involves casting metal into shapes by melting the metal into a liquid, pouring the metal in a mould, and removing the mould material after the metal has solidified.
The most common metals processed in the molten metal industry are aluminium and cast iron.
Working with molten metal is both taxing and dangerous work, nevertheless, the task of casting metal can be made much safer if the correct workwear is employed.
Here are some key considerations that we think you need to know when selecting the right workwear for Foundrymen:

Heat

An obvious start to any list of foundry hazards, nevertheless a hazard that should not be underestimated.
High temperatures are an everyday hazard for a foundryman, with furnaces reaching between 500 and 1,600+ degrees, it is vital that the correct workwear regulates the wearer’s temperature, preventing heat exhaustion, heat cramps and dehydration.

Flame

Flames require three elements; heat, fuel and oxygen all of which are in abundance in a molten metal factory. Remove any one of these factors and the flames are effectively extinguished. Failing to deal with flames can lead to serious injury and even death. That’s is why it is important that workers are protected from head to toe ensuring complete bodily coverage when working with molten metal.

Molten Metal Splash

The hazard of molten metal splashes is present in the foundry and also during welding, cutting and grinding. Molten metal splashes can stick to the surface of a protective garment and conduct heat through the fabric which can lead to serious burn injuries and/or ignition of the garment. A workers protective clothing should repel or “shed” the heat source totally.

Our workwear

Wearwells range of high-quality garments offers a high level of wearer comfort, an important factor which can help to reduce stress levels when operating in a hazardous environment and are carefully designed to meet exacting UK and EU safety standards.
There are few options when it comes to choosing the best fabric to protect against molten metal. The two most common and most effective are Wool and Portal – an inherent flame-retardant fabric made using a blend of cotton and modified acrylic.
Wool is naturally fire-resistant, keeps you cool or warm depending upon the environment, easily absorbs and releases moisture, and is strong and durable.
Protal is a very lightweight fabric with a soft, natural touch and appearance. Available in all colours, including Hi-visibility. When a flame comes into contact with a Protal fabric, tiny amounts of inert, non-burning gases push the oxygen away from the surface to stop the burning process. As soon as the flaming stops and the source is removed, gas production stops and a charred barrier remains – no melting, no dripping and no material sticking to the skin. The charring action and protected integrity of the fabric gives the wearer valuable time to react appropriately.
Below is a short list of some of our most popular molten metal workwear. Not sure which fabric is best for your environment? why not contact us to discuss more.

• Tecwear Zinc Splash Jacket
  The Tecwear Zinc splash jacket has been manufactured using the latest Protal based inherently flame retardant fabric.
  Specifically designed for protection against molten metal Zinc splash, this industrially launderable Zinc splash jacket offers a lightweight, durable, shrink resistant solution, meeting the highest molten Zinc standards.
  This garment conforms to ISO 11612:2015 A2, B1, C1, D2 & E3 and ISO 11611:2015 Class 2.
  Click here to find out more

• Tecwear Zinc Splash Trouser
  This Tecwear Zinc splash trouser has been manufactured using the latest Protal based inherently flame retardant fabric.
  Specifically designed for protection against molten metal Zinc splash, this industrially launderable Zinc splash trouser, offers a lightweight, durable, shrink resistant solution, meeting the highest molten Zinc standards.
  This garment conforms to ISO 11612:2015 A2, B1, D2 & E3 and ISO 11611:2015 Class 2.
  Click here to find out more

• Tecwear Aluminium Splash Jacket
  A Protal based inherently flame-retardant aluminium splash jacket by Tecwear has been designed specifically for the protection against molten metal aluminium splash.
  Industrially launderable, wet washable with the shrinkage rate of a normal industrial fabric, this aluminium splash jacket offers a lightweight, durable, shrink resistant solution, achieving the highest molten iron standards.
  This garment conforms to ISO 11612:2015 A2, B1, C1, D3, E3 & F1 and ISO 11611:2015 Class 2 A1 & A2.
  Click here to find out more

• Tecwear Aluminium Splash Trouser
  These Protal based inherently flame-retardant aluminium splash trouser by Tecwear has been designed specifically for the protection against molten aluminium.
  Industrially launderable, wet washable with the shrinkage rate of a normal industrial fabric, these aluminium splash trousers offer a lightweight, durable, shrink resistant solution, achieving the highest molten iron standards.
  This garment conforms to ISO 11612:2015 A2, B1, C1, D3, E3 & F1 and ISO 11611:2015 Class 2 A1 & A2.
  Click here to find out more

• Tecwear Iron Splash Jacket
  A Protal based inherently flame-retardant Iron splash jacket by Tecwear has been designed specifically for the protection against molten metal iron splash.
  Industrially launderable, wet washable with the shrinkage rate of a normal industrial fabric, this Iron splash jacket offers a lightweight, durable, shrink resistant solution, achieving the highest molten iron standards.
  This garment conforms to ISO 11612:2015 A2, B1, C1, D3, E3 & F1 and ISO 11611:2015 Class 2 A1 & A2.
  Click here to find out more

• Tecwear Iron Splash Trousers
  These Protal based inherently flame retardant Iron splash trousers by Tecwear have been designed specifically for the protection against molten metal iron splash.
  Industrially launderable, wet washable with the shrinkage rate of a normal industrial fabric, these Iron splash trouser offer a lightweight, durable, shrink resistant solution, achieving the highest molten iron standards.
  This garment conforms to ISO 11612:2015 A2, B1, C1, D3, E3 & F1 and ISO 11611:2015 Class 2 A1 & A2.
  Click here to find out more