Galvanic processes include a so-called “pickling” step where pieces under treatment are polished: this processing makes use of acids. Another process where hazardous substances are used is the degreasing one, where not only pieces under treatment but also production equipment are degreased: trichloroethylene is basically used here.

GASES INVOLVED

Cyanhydric acid (HCN) substance useful in pickling
Hydrochloric acid (HCL) substance useful in pickling
Sulphuric acid (H2SO4) substance useful in pickling
Nitric acid (HNO3) substance useful in pickling
Trichloroethylene (C2HCl3) substance useful in degreasing both pieces under treatment and production equipment

EXPECTED RISKS

HCN: at room temperature it is a colourless, volatile liquid whose vapours have a typical smell of bitter almonds. It is an extremely toxic compound: 300 ppm vapours of cyanhydric acid.