Occupational safety and health
Nickel and Its Compounds Work
Nickel and Its Compounds Work

Nickel is a common metal widely used in the production of stainless steel, electroplating, batteries, alloys, and other industries. Its compounds, such as nickel salts, are also utilized in various industrial processes, including chemical manufacturing and metallurgy. Work involving nickel and its compounds in occupational settings refers to tasks that may involve the production, handling, use, storage, or transportation of nickel or its compounds. Such work may expose workers to nickel or its compounds, leading to health risks. Therefore, it is essential to implement appropriate control measures and protective actions to ensure safety and health in the workplace.

Health Hazards

Acute:
Metal fumes can irritate the respiratory tract (coughing, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, chest tightness), cause metal fume fever, asthma, and pneumonia.
Allergic dermatitis.
Eye and mucous membrane irritation.

Chronic:
Contact and allergic dermatitis, nickel itch.
Asthma, bronchitis, rhinitis, sinusitis, and pneumoconiosis.
Lung cancer, nasal cancer, and sinus cancer.

Suggestions:
Level 1 Management: No specific regulations.
Level 2-4 Management:
Consider health conditions unsuitable for this type of work, such as respiratory diseases (e.g., asthma, chronic bronchitis, chronic sinusitis, pneumoconiosis, or lung cancer) and nickel exposure-related contact or allergic dermatitis, as well as health protection for pregnant workers.