Tracking source of cyanide contamination
Our facility uses a production powder coating system that consists of a 3-stage wash process prior to applying and curing the powder on the substrate. Recently, during a routine check of the storage tanks for each stage of the wash, traces of cyanide beyond acceptable levels were detected. I am trying to back-track our processes to determine the origin of the cyanide contamination.
I have reviewed the MSDS sheets of all the chemicals and products we use for cleaning/treating the metal surfaces prior to paint and have not found anything that contains cyanide. So... I am now looking for other possible sources of cyanide finding its way into the wash tanks.
Here's a brief overview of the substrates we paint:
ASTM A1008 Cold rolled sheet.
ASTM A1011 CS Hot rolled pickled & oiled sheet
ASTM A36 angle and bar
5052 sheet
3003 sheet
Do any of these substrates pose the risk of cyanide contamination?