Nickel health monitoring

Nickel (CAS 7440-02-0) is a hard, silver-white metal that is a naturally occurring element in the earth’s crust and small amounts are found in food, water, air and soil.

The major uses of nickel are:

• electroplating
• industrial plating
• as an insulating agent
• as a catalyst
• in mineral oil lubricant
• in welding and soldering
• in the manufacturing of stainless steel and alloys

Examples of work activities involving nickel that require special attention when assessing exposure include:

• nickel refining
• manufacturing, welding and hot cutting of stainless steels and nickel alloys
• nickel plating and electroplating
• packing of nickel powders and alloys
• maintenance of plant and equipment used in nickel processes
• This guide provides information for those registered medical practitioners engaged by a PCBU to carry out or supervise health monitoring for workers. This guidance should be read in conjunction with the following:

• Health monitoring guide for registered medical practitioners
• Health monitoring guides for hazardous chemicals
• Health monitoring guide for workers
• Health monitoring guide for persons conducting business or undertakings (PCBUs)