1.How should personnel operations and training be managed?
Strictly adhere to the correct glove wearing guidelines:
Clean, dedicated nitrile or PU-coated gloves must be used. These gloves are non-slip, durable, and do not shed fibers or chemicals.
The use of dirty cotton gloves, yarn gloves, or ordinary work gloves is strictly prohibited. These will attract sweat and dirt, which will transfer directly to the steel plate surface.
Glove management: Establish a glove requisition and replacement system to ensure gloves are always kept clean and dry. Replace gloves immediately if they become dirty or damaged.
Implement the "no-hands-touch" principle:
Train all relevant personnel (from hoisting workers, coilers, and shearers to inspectors and packaging workers) to understand the dangers of fingerprints: salt, grease, and moisture in sweat can directly corrode the steel plate and compromise surface cleanliness.
Establish clear operating procedures: Clearly state in the work instructions that "Under no circumstances should bare hands touch the steel plate surface."
Create visual warning signs and post them in prominent locations on the production line and in the warehouse.
Standardized Sampling and Inspection Procedures:
Clean gloves must be worn during sampling and inspection.
If marking is required, use a chlorine-free and acid-free professional marker and mark only on the edges of the steel plate or non-critical areas.
After inspection, if temporary storage is necessary, place clean kraft paper or rust-proof paper between the steel plate and the work surface.
2.How can the process and equipment be optimized?
Uncoiling and Threading Process:
At the entrances of the uncoiler and straightener, cleaning rollers (such as dust-removing rollers) or high-pressure air blowing devices can be installed to remove initial dust from the steel plate surface.
Optimize the threading process by using tools (such as guide hooks and clamps) to replace direct hand contact with the strip steel whenever possible.
Inter-process Transfer and Handling:
Using vacuum suction cups for handling and flipping steel plates/workpieces is the best way to avoid direct contact.
If hooks or clamps must be used, ensure that their contact points are smooth, rust-free, and padded with soft protective covers (such as plastic or rubber).
At contact points such as rollers and workpieces on the production line, ensure they are clean, free of oil, and operate smoothly to prevent scratches and contamination.
3.How should materials and storage be managed?
Procurement Requirements: Clearly specify surface protection requirements to the steel mill or supplier. Cold-rolled coils with pre-applied protective films (film-coated coils) can be procured, as this is the most effective physical isolation method. Alternatively, request the use of high-quality paper backing or rust-preventive oil for factory packaging.
Warehouse Storage:
The warehouse should be kept dry, well-ventilated, and clean, with controlled temperature and humidity to prevent condensation (condensation exacerbates fingerprint corrosion).
Steel coils should be stored upright on wooden pallets to avoid compression.
Original packaging (such as steel sleeves, end plates, and rust-preventive paper) should be preserved until just before production begins.
Temporary Storage in the Workshop:
If sheared or stamped sheet metal needs to be stacked, clean release paper (neutral or rust-preventive paper) must be placed between each sheet.
Sheet metal should be stored in dedicated racks or pallets, avoiding direct placement on the floor or dirty work surfaces.
4.How to handle and clean in an emergency?
Specialized Cleaning Agent: Use volatile, fast-drying hydrocarbon solvents or specialized metal surface cleaners. Never use solvents such as gasoline or alcohol, which may leave residue or affect subsequent coatings.
Correct Method: Wear clean gloves, apply a small amount of cleaning agent to a lint-free soft cloth (such as a lens cloth or microfiber cloth), and gently wipe in one direction. Immediately wipe dry with another dry cloth.
Note: Cleaning can only remove grease and some salt; it cannot reverse any micro-corrosion that may have already occurred. Therefore, prevention remains key.
5.How to establish a "clean surface" management system?
Awareness and Training First: Make sure everyone knows "why you can't touch it with your hands."
Standard Gloves and Tools: Provide sufficient, qualified gloves and non-contact tools such as vacuum lifters.
Enforced Process Constraints: Set up checkpoints in key processes (such as unwinding, inspection, and packaging).
Environmental and Material Assurance: Create "contactless" conditions from procuring film rolls to using padding paper in the workshop.