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Safety concern about grinding anodize coating

We anodize some parts for a customer (Type III with a dichromate seal) who after receiving the finished part performs some hand grinding on a small area before installing into an assembly. They are concerned about the hazards of the grinding operation. Aside from the general hazard from metallic dusts, is there a special hazard due to the fact that the anodizing has a dichromate seal? If so, what minimum precaution should they take?

Jon Barrows, MSF, EHSSC
GOAD Company

Independence, Missouri

2006

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I would assume a particulate filter to protect from the dichromate dust would be ample. a simple filter mask with a 5-10 micron rating should be more than adequate.

The aluminum oxide finish is harmful for short term and long term exposure see this link for details

http://www.state.nj.us/health/eoh/rtkweb/2891.pdf

Ryan Cook
Toccoa, Georgia
2006