Activities relating to Magnesium
(DGUV Information 209-090)
Information
 | DGUV Deutsche Gesetzliche Unfallversicherung Spitzenverband |
|---|
Stand der Vorschrift: Juni 2020
| Contents and keywords | Abschnitt |
|---|---|
| Introduction | |
| Magnesium-related hazards | 1 |
| Chips | 1.1 |
| Dust | 1.2 |
| Sludge | 1.3 |
| Molten metals | 1.4 |
| Blasting | 1.5 |
| Casting | 1.6 |
| Sand casting | 1.6.1 |
| Die casting | 1.6.2 |
| Processes and protective measures | 2 |
| Metal cutting machines: machine tools (e. g. machining centres, turning, milling, drilling and grinding machines) | 2.1 |
| Dry processing, single-part production (except for grinding machines) | 2.1.1 |
| Dry processing in serial production and grinding, brushing, polishing | 2.1.2 |
| Machining with water-miscible metalworking fluids | 2.1.3 |
| Machining with non water-miscible MWF | 2.1.4 |
| Conventional wet processing | 2.1.4.1 |
| Minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) | 2.1.4.2 |
| Machining with hand-held grinding machines | 2.1.5 |
| Molten metals | 2.2 |
| Die casting | 2.3 |
| Sand casting | 2.4 |
| Further casting processes | 2.5 |
| Blasting | 2.6 |
| Personal protective equipment/work clothes | 3 |
| Instruction | 4 |
| Fire protection and First Aid | 5 |
| Storage of magnesium chips and magnesium residues | 6 |
| Operating instructions | 7 |
| Identification of applied substances and magnesium | 8 |
| Checklists for instruction topics for activities relating to magnesium | Annex 1 |
| Operating instructions | Annex 2 |
| Cleaning and maintenance schedules | Annex 3 |
| Bibliography | Annex 4 |
| Picture credits |
Introduction
Magnesium components are mainly used in the lightweight construction, e. g. in the automotive industry. The advantages of magnesium which are characterized by its low specific density are of particular relevance in this sector. Activities relating to magnesium, however, include significant fire and explosion hazards which require the provision of adequate protective measures.
The present DGUV Information is addressed to employers who produce or machine magnesium components. It describes protective measures against fire and explosion hazards and provides guidance for the use of suitable personal protective equipment.
Furthermore, it supports employers in the required coordination with the manufacturer when purchasing machines for machining magnesium materials or magnesium alloys with a magnesium content of > 80 wt % (weight percent) (see DIN EN 12421 and EN 1753).
This brochure provides guidance which can also be taken into account by the manufacturer when placing a machine on the market in order to meet the requirements of the Machinery Directive in terms of fire and explosion protection (see MD Annex 1 No. 1.5.6 and 1.5.7). For the time being, there is no specific standard available which is applicable to machines intended for the machining of magnesium materials.
The products mentioned and shown in the present DGUV Information are merely examples. Their citation in this DGUV Information does not represent a recommendation. Other suitable products are available on the market as well.