Introduction to Dipping, Coating, & Cleaning Operations

A dip tank is a container holding a liquid other than water that is used for dipping or coating. Objects are usually dipped or coated to add a protective layer or to enhance the outside of objects with characteristics, such as higher temperature tolerance. Objects can be coated by being submerged in a tank or suspended in a vapor emitted from the tank.

Major processes where dipping and coating are used to coat, clean, alter, or change an object are:

• Paint dipping
• Electroplating
• Pickling
• Quenching
• Tanning
• Degreasing
• Stripping
• Cleaning
• Roll coating
• Flow coating
• Curtain coating

Dipping, coating, and cleaning have the potential to raise risk factors for workers to experience hazards, such as:

• Chemical burns
• Fire
• Explosion
• Toxic vapors
• Equipment failure
• Splashes or drips

There are risks associated with the chemicals used in dip tanks that carry out these processes. Certain chemicals are flammable, some examples include:

• Acetone
• Corrosives
• Chronic toxins
• Methylene chloride

To reduce these risks, carry out dipping, coating, and cleaning operations according to regulations set by OSHA. Dipping, coating, and cleaning operations involve many safety processes, as follows:

• Using safely constructed equipment
• Using proper ventilation
• Using PPE
• Following first aid procedures
• Adhering to procedural controls

It is important to follow specific procedures for each process associated with dipping, coating, and cleaning operations to minimize the potential risks to workers.

To learn more about Dipping, Coating & Cleaning Operations visit our Dipping, Coating & Cleaning Operations Online Training web page.