Safety practices in foundry:

SMAN ENGINEERS, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Safety Practice	Explanation
1. Even trace amounts of MOISTURE and MOLTEN METAL don't mix	Steam explosions caused by the mixture of moisture and molten metal can be fatal in foundries.
2. NEVER put water on a metal fire	Putting water on a metal fire can lead to a dangerous explosion.
3. Have a DRY pile of sand and a shovel ready to put out fires or to control metal spills	Having a dry pile of sand and a shovel readily available helps in extinguishing fires and controlling metal spills.
4. Have a sand bed under all areas	A sand bed of at least 3 inches thick helps in containing metal spills and protecting flooring.
5. Never pour over wet ground	Even trace amounts of moisture can cause explosions, so pouring over wet ground should be avoided.
6. Molten metal spilled on concrete will cause the concrete to explode	Using a thick sand bed over concrete helps prevent concrete explosions when molten metal is spilled.
7. Always use clean metal as feedstock	Using clean metal as feedstock is important to avoid toxic combustion residues from lubricants and paints.
8. Always operate in a well-ventilated area	Fumes and dusts from foundry chemicals, processes, and metals can be toxic, so operating in a well-ventilated area is crucial.
9. Use a NIOSH rated dust mask	Using a NIOSH rated dust mask helps protect against hazardous or cancer-causing dusts from sand, parting dusts, and chemicals.
10. Wear safety gear	Wearing appropriate safety gear, including leather shoes, fireproof apron, foot and leg protection, proper gloves, wire mesh face shield, safety glasses, and a cotton baseball hat.
11. Never use a damaged or dropped crucible	Using a damaged crucible can pose significant risks, and it's better to avoid the potential dangers associated with it.
12. Always charge crucibles when cold	Adding metal to a hot crucible can be dangerous, especially if there is moisture on the metal, as it can cause an explosive reaction.
13. Spilled molten metal can travel for a great distance	Operating in a clear work area helps prevent accidents caused by spilled molten metal, which can travel a significant distance.
14. Use long-handled pliers (or tongs) and a rod	Long-handled pliers and a rod are essential tools for adding materials to the crucible, adjusting coals, mixing the crucible contents, and moving dross to the side before pouring.
15. Think about what you are doing at all times	Always focus on the task at hand, plan and rehearse each step, and remain attentive to ensure safety.
16. Educate yourself beforehand and prioritize safety	Prioritize safety by educating yourself about the potential risks and hazards in the foundry environment and always taking necessary precautions to ensure the safety of yourself and others.