An Introduction to Atmosphere Furnace Safety

摘要

Heat treating is a dangerous occupation. Furnaces are inevitably hot and the treatment atmospheres employ a wide range of potentially dangerous gases. This article outlines the potential hazards associated with the use of furnaces, particularly when atmospheres are used that have risks of explosions, burning, toxic effects and asphyxiation. It suggests ways in which those risks can be minimised and reviews the guidance provided by some relevant safety standards. A heat treating shop is a dangerous place. Many of its dangers are shared with the engineering environment in general but some are unique. It is those unique aspects that are considered here. Furnaces are dangerous in themselves because they are hot, but even when cold they can form hazardous enclosed spaces. Heat treating atmospheres employ a wide range of gases. All are potentially dangerous, since part of their purpose is usually to exclude oxygen, the "breath of life". In addition, some gases are flammable and can form explosive mixtures with air, others are toxic and some are both.