What Is Electroplating?

Electroplating is a chemical or electrochemical process of surface treatment. A metallic layer is

deposited on the base material. Common plating metals include: cadmium, chromium, copper,
gold, nickel, silver and their alloys. This information bulletin focuses on chrome plating.

Why Is Electroplating Important?

Electroplating is used for components and equipment in all fields of technology to:
a. protect the material against corrosion
b. improve the surface properties
c. achieve optimum decorative effects

What is dangerous about this job?

Electroplaters are exposed to a multitude of hazardous chemicals, which may cause poisoning,
chemical burns, damage to the respiratory system, allergies, etc. Electroplaters may be injured by
falls on wet floors, may suffer cuts and pricks from sharp tools or jigs, and burns from hot liquids.
Other common hazards include electric shock, fire and explosions, injuries caused by falling
bodies, eye damage by flying particles, entanglement in moving machinery, high noise levels, etc.

How Are The Metal Parts Cleaned Prior To Chrome Plating?

Before plating, most metal surfaces are cleaned in a degreaser, conditioned for the plating process
in a series of acid and caustic baths and then rinsed to remove remaining bath liquids.

What Are The Sources Of Exposure In Chrome Plating?

The main source of exposure is to tank contents (for example, mists, gases, vapors) that become
airborne due to tank agitation, tank temperature, dipping of parts, parts moving along on hanging
conveyors as well as batch changing activities and tank recharging.

What Are The Hazards Of Acid Baths?

Acid baths are widely used in electroplating. The most common of these acids are hydrochloric,
nitric, nitric-hydrofluoric and sulfuric acids. Also, in what is called a “bright dip,” nitric and
sulfuric acids are combined to give a shiny, mirror-like surface to metals and alloys such as
cadmium, copper, nickel and silver.
Direct contact with these acids can result in:

• severe skin burns

• repeated skin contact will cause scarring and open, ulcerated wounds which are slow to heal

• burns on the eye can result in impaired vision and even blindness

Among the acids, concentrated sulfuric acid causes unusually severe burns and eye damage.
Hydrofluoric acid in contact with skin destroys tissue. It penetrates deep where it can destroy soft
tissues and bone, and cause electrolyte imbalance (particularly with calcium).

These acids can release vapors, gases and mists which can cause serious damage to the eyes,
nose, throat and lungs. The extent of vapors and mists depends on the temperature of the bath and
air Circulation in the room. Vapors and mists released by acid baths can dissolve in the moist
tissue of the eyes, nose, and throat And lungs, and cause irritation and burns of the tissues. At
relatively low vapor levels, the vapors dissolve before they get deep into the lungs, and the
irritation is felt in the upper respiratory system, the nose and throat, and on the eyes. If such
exposures persist, the irritation and burning give rise to nosebleeds and sinus problems in the case
of hydrogen fluoride exposure (can be a by-product of fluoroboric acid which is used in some
plating baths). Hydrogen fluoride vapors also cause digestive symptoms, including nausea,
vomiting, abdominal cramps and diarrhea.
Also, chronic (long-term) exposure can discolor damage and even dissolve the surface enamel of
the teeth. In particular, hydrogen chloride, fluorine and nitric acid vapors can discolor the teeth,
and both sulfuric and hydrochloric vapors can also cause erosion of the enamel in exposed teeth.
In case of sudden, extreme over-exposure, these vapors can reach deep into the lungs and cause
severe lung reactions and even death, usually from pulmonary edema (build-up of fluid in the
lungs).

How Can Acid Bath Hazards Be Controlled?

A number of effective control measures can be taken to reduce the dangers of acid baths.
These include:

• good local exhaust ventilation to remove mists, vapors and gases above the tanks; experience
has shown that bright-dip baths of nitric and sulfuric acids need closer fitting hoods and more
effective exhaust than other types of acid baths; the rinse baths may need ventilation as well;

• mist reducing agents and foam blankets on the surface can reduce misting;

• baths should be covered when not in use;

• chemicals should be added to the baths carefully to reduce splashing;

• full protective clothing should be provided and worn at all times, including full face shield,
chemical-type goggles, rubber gloves, boots and aprons;

• eating, drinking and smoking near tanks should be prohibited;

• emergency wash facilities, including shower and eyewash station should be located nearby.

What Are The Hazards Of Caustic Baths?

Acid and caustic baths complement each other. Acid baths are best for removing scale, rust and
oxide coatings from metals, caustic (or alkaline) baths for removing oil, soils, buffing compounds
and paints. The most common caustics are sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide (also
called caustic soda and caustic potash, respectively). Most caustic baths also contain a variety of
special purpose additives. Many baths use electrodes and pass electric current through the fluid to
improve the cleaning effects. These electrodes also release gas bubbles, which increases the mist
above the tank. Caustics in concentrated solutions are even more corrosive to the skin and eyes
than acids.

Direct contact with caustics can result in:

• deep, painful burns to the skin

• destroying the eye tissue if splashed into the eyes

Like acids, caustic vapors, mists and sprays irritate the eyes, nose, throat and lungs. Persistent
vapor exposure can cause a hole to form in the cartilage between the nostrils of the nose (called a
“perforated septum”). Lower mist levels can cause dermatitis. Also, like acids, very high
Vapor exposures can cause pulmonary edema and death.

What Are The Air Contaminants Produced In The Electroplating Process?

Chromium metal is electroplated from a chromic acid bath. Hexavalent chromium causes lung
cancer in humans. Evaluations by the California Department of Health Services, the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency, and the U.S. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease
Registry indicate that the risk of lung cancer to exposed workers is extremely high. Also mists
from chromium plating solutions cause burns on the moist tissues of the eyes, nose and throat.
These can cause scarring of the cornea of the eye and of the nose and throat, with frequent
nosebleeds. After many years of exposure, burns in the nostrils are especially slow to heal and
may develop into open, oozing sores (ulcers). Eventually, some workers develop a hole in the
cartilage that separates the two nostrils (“perforated septum”).

Finally, nickel plating can release nickel sulfate fumes. Nickel compounds are highly potent skin
Sensitizers and frequently cause a chronic skin condition called “nickel itch”. Nickel compounds
Can also irritate the eyes, nose and throat.

Nickel fumes have been proven to cause nasal and sinus cancers among nickel refinery workers.
In electroplating operations, the nickel compounds are different than those encountered in a
Nickel refinery, however, nickel vapors in plating shops should be treated with great caution and
Unnecessary exposure avoided.

How Are Hazards Controlled In Chrome Plating?

Bath additives are available to reduce the surface tension of the electrolyte and, therefore, to
reduce misting. Additives are available to provide thick foam that traps mist released from the
bath. These agents are best used for tanks that operate continuously. A layer of plastic chips,
beads or balls on the surface of the bath will also trap the mist allowing it to drain back into the
bath.
How Are Hazards Controlled In Chrome Plating?

Three exhaust hoods that are commonly installed for open-surface tanks in plating shops. All are
identified as lateral exhaust hoods since they bring the air across the surface of the tank to the
hood opening. Providing partial and total enclosures along with these hoods is frequently
possible, providing excellent control of air contaminants at modest flow rates. In addition to
proper design and installation of good local exhaust ventilation, adequate replacement air,
backflow dampers on combustion devices to prevent carbon monoxide contamination of the
workplace and suitable air cleaning, must be provided.

The effectiveness of exhaust ventilation may be evaluated by air sampling at the workplace and
direct ventilation measurements at the bath. Because of severe corrosion of the duct work,
periodic checks of the exhaust systems in plating shops are necessary. Airflow rates from each
tank should be determined and compared with the recommended exhaust rate. Qualitative
assessment of ventilation is possible using smoke tubes or other tracers. The effects of room
drafts on the local exhaust ventilation should be identified. Ventilation efficiency may be
improved by using partitions to minimize the draft effects.

An extensive review of the usefulness of various control technologies including local exhaust
ventilation, mist control additives, plastic chips and foam blankets has been conducted by NIOSH
(1985). Chips and mists suppressants were adequate for certain baths, but for hard chrome plating
and other critical control situations, these measures should be used with local exhaust ventilation.
The single most important feature affecting worker exposure was whether a cover was in use on
the tanks. In one case study the use of a cover resulted in a reduction of air concentrations by a
factor of 20. In several cases recommended minimum exhaust rates were found to be too high,
resulting in wasted energy. Also, the study indicated that push-pull ventilation was an effective
approach for tanks over 4 feet in width.

The educated use of protective equipment by electroplaters is extremely important for preventing
contact with various sensitizers and corrosive materials encountered in the plating shop. Know
what to wear and when! Minimum protective clothing should include:

• rubber gloves

• aprons (should come below the top of boots)

• boots

• chemical handler’s goggles and face shields

• respirators

If respirators are required it is important that an appropriate respirator be chosen to ensure

adequate protection. Workers should also be trained on the respirator’s capabilities and
limitations. Instruction should also include the care and maintenance of the respirators.

The following should also be available in the workplace:

• A shower and eyewash station serviced with tempered water

• All personnel should have a change of clothing available

• Trained “first responders” (those trained in emergencies and decontamination)

A wide range of chemicals handled in an open fashion does present a major dermatitis hazard to
the platter and skin contact should be avoided. Nickel is a skin sensitizer and may cause “nickel
itch”, developing into a rash with skin ulcerations. If solutions are splashed on work clothing it
should be removed, the skin should be washed and the worker should change into clean garments.

The hands should be washed frequently and eating, drinking and smoking should be prohibited in
the work area.

How to Protect Yourself In Case Of Accident!

Some guideline which are strictly followed within any electroplating shop in case of any accident

• Know where the eyewash fountains are in the event of splashes of chemicals into the eyes.

• Know where the emergency showers are.

• Know who to call if help is needed.

• Make sure electrical control panel padlocks are used for electrical lockout.

• Make sure location of emergency stop cables is known.

Due to the nature of the contaminants found in electroplating, first-aid instruction is essential.
The first-aid principles and treatments of greatest importance to the plating industry are as
follows:

• Act immediately

• Call Emergency

• Restore breathing and maintain circulation

• Never administer liquids to an unconscious person

• If the eyes are chemically affected, immediately flush with plenty of water for at least 15
minutes

• If any skin surface is affected or the person’s clothing saturated, get the worker to a source of
running water immediately (emergency shower, water hose). Dilute the chemical with large
amounts of water. Flush clothing thoroughly before attempting to remove it.

• Stop bleeding if serious

Hazards related to this job
Specific preventive measures can be seen by clicking on the respective in the third column of the table.

Accident hazards  Falls on floors made slippery by aqueous solutions or solvents 1

 Blows by falling heavy articles, including from overhead 1

conveyers

 Electric shock caused by contact with faulty electrical 2

equipment, cables, etc.

 Burns by splashes of hot plating baths, solvents and other 3, 4

liquids, by steam or hot vapors, by contact with hot surfaces
(e.g., annealing ovens), etc.

 Cuts and pricks by sharp tools, sharp edges of articles to be

plated, dendritic deposits on jigs, etc.

 Injuries (especially of eyes) caused by flying particles, in 5

particular in rotating brush- cleaning or wheel grinding

 Fire and explosions due to the presence of flammable solvents

used in surface cleaning, metal dust (e.g., aluminum), or
hydrogen evolved in the plating processes

 Vigorous chemical reactions caused by uncontrolled mixing of 4

chemicals (e.g., if water is mixed with concentrated sulfuric
acid)

 Acute poisoning by various chemicals used in plating and 4,6

surface preparation (for a list, see Note 1); a particular hazard
is caused by the possible release of an extremely poisonous gas
- hydrogen cyanide - if acids are added to various alkaline
plating solutions or electrolytic degreasing baths which contain
cyanide salts

 Poisoning by phosgene, which may be formed if chlorinated 6

solvents or their vapors are heated in contact with a hot surface
or a flame, or if a worker smokes in the presence of such
solvents

 Chemical burns by corrosive liquids 4

  Damage to eyes by splashes of liquids, in particular if metal 5
articles fall into the plating baths from a jig

Physical hazards  Exposure to excessive noise levels from mechanical

equipment, in particular in barrel-plating or cleaning operation

 Exposure to adverse environmental factors (high temperature

and humidity)

 Exposure to infrared radiation from drying equipment

Chemical hazards  Exposure to organic solvents and various cleaning 6

formulations, and to their vapors

 Exposure to potentially hazardous metal dusts generated by 6

mechanical operations (buffing, brush cleaning, etc.), or by gas
evolution and sprays from plating and surface preparation
baths

 Chronic poisoning by inhalation or ingestion of many of the 7

chemicals used in Plating shops

 Dermatoses caused by exposure of the skin to cleaning 7

formulations, acid and alkaline solutions, organic solvents, etc.

 Irritation of mucous membranes (in particular of the

respiratory tract) by acid or alkaline vapors or aerosols, and
other chemicals

 Latex allergy caused by the use of latex gloves 8

Biological hazards  No biological hazards specific for Electroplaters have been

identified

Ergonomic,  Musculo-skeletal injuries related to awkward working postures

psychosocial and (including frequent bending when inserting or removing jigs
organizational from the plating baths)
factors
 Overexertion while handling heavy and/or bulky loads, such as 9
batches of articles to be plated, jigs carrying metal parts for
plating, containers of chemicals, etc.

 Discomfort and psychological problems related to prolonged

wear of protective clothing (including heavy boots, aprons and
 other impermeable pieces), and to fears (sometimes acute)
caused by awareness of the dangerous aspects of the work

Preventive measures

1 Use safety shoes or boots with non-slip soles, and/or safety helmet

2 Check electrical equipment for safety before use. Take faulty or suspect electrical equipment
to a qualified electricity technician for testing and repair

3 Wear personal protective equipment and chemical resistant clothing to avoid exposure of skin
or eyes to corrosive solids, liquids, gases or vapors

4 Obey all safety instructions regarding the storage, transport, handling or pouring of
chemicals, or the disposal of spent plating baths; do NOT mix chemical without the
supervision of a qualified chemist or safety professional;

5 Wear safety goggles in all cases where the eyes may be exposed to dust, flying particles, or
splashes of harmful liquids

6 Wear respirator when exposed to harmful aerosols, dusts, gases or vapors

7 Take extreme care when handling highly corrosive agents such as hydrofluoric acid, chromic
acid (chromium trioxide), concentrated nitric acid, etc.; use safer substitutes whenever
possible

8 Use non-latex gloves if a sensitivity to latex has been diagnosed

9 Learn and use safe lifting and moving techniques for heavy or awkward loads; use
mechanical aids to assist in lifting