Health monitoring guide for nickel

This guide helps doctors monitor the health of workers exposed to nickel.  

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

The main uses of nickel are: 

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

Examples of work activities involving nickel include: 

• nickel refining 
• making, welding and cutting stainless steel and nickel alloys 
• nickel plating and electroplating 
• packing nickel powders and alloys 
• maintaining plant and equipment for nickel processes. 

There are also health monitoring guides for: 

• persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) 
• registered medical practitioners 
• hazardous chemicals.