In 2018, we have undertaken several actions to improve various aspects related to the company’s day-to-day operations. In this regard, we want to highlight our commitment to improving the facilities at our Castrosua plant in Santiago de Compostela and our Carsa plant in Villagarcía.
With the aim of ensuring the safest working conditions in the factory, a series of works were carried out in recent months, primarily focused on collective protection. These include, for example, the conditioning and insulation of various sections of the factories.
In this context, we have placed special emphasis on installing extraction systems in the most sensitive areas. Below, we will detail what this improvement entails and also present another initiative that represents significant progress in risk prevention at Grupo Castrosua.
Extraction systems to minimize the risk of exposure to potentially harmful particles
This improvement focuses on tasks that generate particles that can be harmful to our colleagues after prolonged exposure. At Castrosua, actions were taken in the welding, polyester, finishing, and assembly areas. At Carsa, interventions were made in the assembly, painting, and sheet metal work areas. The renovation was commissioned to Barin, a company specializing in industrial extraction.
Welding work
Establishing optimal ventilation is crucial during welding work, as it helps to avoid the risks of prolonged exposure to fumes generated by welding operations.
Thus, industrial ventilation systems were installed, which continuously and effectively remove fumes. Furthermore, they control the concentration level of these fumes, allowing for work in much cleaner atmospheres and reducing the dirt created by welding dust. This ventilation system operates in two ways: the Push Pull system and the Diluter system.
From left to right: Push Pull System, Diluter System, extraction table, front extraction panel, and gas extraction reels[/caption]
The Push Pull system is a general filtration method that prevents the accumulation of welding fumes. In this system, a duct extracts air, filters it, and expels it through a fan, creating a continuous airflow.
On the other hand, the Diluter system eliminates fume concentration and the visible layer of welding smoke by pushing air and creating a low-speed return flow towards the filtration unit.
Polyester
Extraction systems were also installed in the polyester area, consisting of an extraction table and a front panel for dry extraction and filtration.
This increases workplace hygiene and allows for a much cleaner working environment. Both installations have self-cleaning systems, activated by a cyclic programmer that detects the dust load in the filter and initiates the cleaning sequence.
Finishing
To prevent the accumulation of toxic gases from vehicle engine combustion, seven new gas extraction points have been established. This brings the total number of extraction points with the new system at the Castrosua factory to ten.
From left to right: Wood polishing areas, part of the wood sanding extraction system, and sanding area.[/caption]
Assembly and finishing
At both the Castrosua and Carsa plants, the lifelines for working at height have been extended and replaced.
As additional measures, tasks that involved risks associated with the products used have been isolated to avoid or limit exposure to these products as much as possible.
At Carsa, among the works carried out, the area for polishing operations has been isolated, and a new extraction system has been installed. Part of this system has sufficient capacity to prevent the generation of dust clouds from this operation.
Isolation of the paint section area and extraction connections in the paint section.[/caption]
Painting
The connection points to the new extraction system in the paint section have been expanded. Dust concentration in the section has been considerably minimized, and the paint section has been completely isolated.
Defibrillators: early intervention that saves lives
To be prepared for potential emergencies, defibrillators have been installed at both the Castrosua and Carsa plants. These devices are designed to reverse the effects of cardiac arrest.
According to the Spanish Heart Foundation, “Every year, 30,000 cases of sudden cardiac arrest occur in Spain. Many lives could be saved if a defibrillator were available nearby and used promptly and correctly.” Therefore, in such cases, speed is an essential factor in increasing survival rates: “If this type of defibrillator is used within 3 minutes of cardiac arrest, survival increases by 73%, and if used within 5 minutes, the chances increase to 50%.”
These are some of the improvements implemented in our facilities this year. Looking ahead, we will continue to pay close attention to new measures within our reach to ensure the safest working process for everyone at Grupo Castrosua.
