This code covers foundry work that predominantly involves the casting of molten metal into a mould. It can be done manually (static casting) or automatically (injection, die or continuous casting). A typical process includes preparing a mould casting, melting and pouring metal into the mould, and removing and finishing the casting.

Because of the diverse and hazardous nature of the work environment, foundries present a range of risks, including:

• explosion and burns from molten metal
• respiratory disorders from exposure to gases, vapours, fumes and dusts
• effects on skin from contact with corrosive chemicals
• eye injuries from light radiation, metal fragments or chemical splashes
• heat stress, heat stroke and fatigue from hot working conditions
• slips, trips and falls
• joint and muscle sprains and strains
• mechanical hazards from machinery and equipment (such as entanglement or crushing)
• non-mechanical hazards from machinery and equipment (such as vibration and noise).

The code provides practical guidance on foundry specific hazards but also refers to other hazards related to foundry work. Risk controls set out in the boxes throughout the code are considered to be one means of meeting a duty holder’s obligations so far as is reasonably practicable. If the risk controls are not appropriate to the particular circumstances in a foundry, a duty holder is expected to implement equally effective controls by applying the approach shown in paragraphs 13–16. Where hazards are subject to specific regulation (eg hazardous substances), the specific regulation should be relied on for compliance to be achieved.