Rule 95
SCHEDULE XX
HANDLING AND MANIPULATION OF CORROSIVE SUBSTANCES
1. Definitions :--- For the purpose of this schedule :---
(a) “Corrosive operation” - means an operation of manufacturing, stering, handling, processing, packing, or using any corrosive substance in a factory ;
(b) “Corrosive substance” includes sulphuric acid, nitiric acid, Hydrochloric acid hydroflouric acid, carbolic acid, phosphoric acid, liquid bromine, ammonia, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide and any mixture thereof, and any other substance which the State Government may, by notification in the Andhra Pradesh Gazette, specify to be a corrosive substance.
2. Flooring :--- The floor of every work-room of a factory in which corrosive operation is carried on shall be made of impervious corrosive and fire resistant material and shall be so constructed as to prevent collection or accumulation of any corrosive substance. The surface of such flooring shall be glazed or smooth and cleaned as often as in necessary and maintained in a sound condition.
3. Protection Equipment :---
(a) The occupier shall provide for the use of all persons employed in any corrosive operation suitable protective wear for hands and feet, suitable aprons, face shields, chemical safety goggles, and respirators, the equipment shall be maintained in good order and shall be kept in a clean and hygienic condition by suitably treating them to get rid of the ill effects of any absorbed chemicals and by disinfecting. The occupier shall also provide suitable protective creams and other preparations wherever necessary for the protection of the persons engaged in corrosive operations.
(b) The protective equipment and preparations provided shall invariably be used by the persons employed in any corrosive operation.
(c) The occupier shall provide and maintain suitable accommodation for the storage of the protective equipment.
4. Water facilities :--- Where any corrosive operation is carried on, there shall be provided as close to the place of such operation as possible a source of clean water at a height 210 cms., from a pipe of 1.25 cm. diameter and fitted with a quick acting valve so that in case of injury to the worker by any corrosive substance, the injured part can be thoroughly flooded with water. Whenever necessary, in order in ensure continuous water supply, a storage tank having a minimum length, breadth and height of 210 cms. and 60 cms. respectively or of such dimensions as are approved by the Chief Inspector shall be provided for the source of clean water.
5. Cautionary notice :--- a cautionary notice in the following form and printed in red in the language, which a majority of the persons employed understand shall be displayed prominently close to the place where any of the corrosive operations is carried on and where it can be easily and conveniently be read by the persons employed. If any such person is illiterate, effective steps shall be taken to explain carefully to him the contents to the notice so displayed.
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6. Transport :---
(a) Corrosive substances shall not be filled, moved or carried except in containers or through pipes and when they are to be transported in containers the containers shall be securely packed in crates of sound construction and of sufficient strength.
(b) A container with a capacity of 115 litres of more of a corrosive substance shall be placed in a receptacle or crate and then carried by more than one person at a height below the waist line unless a suitable rubber wheeled truck is used for the purpose.
(c) Containers for corrosive substances shall be plainly labelled.
7. Devices for handling corrosives :---
(a) tilting lifting or pumping arrangements shall be used for emptying jars, carboys and other containers, and other containers of corrosive.
(b) Corrosive substance shall not be handled with bare hands but by means of a suitable scoop or other devices.
8. Opening of valves :--- Valves fitted to containers holding a corrosive substance shall be opened with great care. If they do not work freely, they shall not be forced open. They shall be opened by a worker suitably trained for the purpose.
9. Cleaning tanks, stills etc :---
(a) In cleaning out or removing residues from suits of other large chambers used for holding any corrosive substance, suitable implements made of wood material or other material shall be used to prevent production of arseniuretted hydrogen (Arsine).
(b) Whenever it is necessary for any person employed for the purpose of cleaning or other maintenance work to enter any chamber, tank, vat, pit or other confined space where a corrosive substance had been store, all possible precautions required under Section 36 shall be taken to ensure the safety of the person employed.
(c) Wherever possible, before repairs are undertaken to any part of equipment in which a corrosive substance was handled, such equipment or part thereof shall be freed of any adhering corrosive substance by adopting suitable methods.
10. Storage :---
(a) Corrosive substances shall not be stored in the same room with other chemicals, such as turpentine, carbides, metallic powder and combustible material the accidental mixing with which may cause a reaction which is either violent or gives rise to toxic fumes and gases.
(b) Except as required under paragraph 4, no tap, sink and the like shall be located in any room where concentrated sulphuric acid, caustic soda caustic potash, and similar corrosive substances are stored.
(c) Pumping or filling overhead tanks, receptacles, vats, or other containers for storing corrosive substance shall be so arranged that there is no possibility of any corrosive substances overflowing and causing injury to any person
(d) Every container having a capacity of twenty litres of more and every pipe line, and fitting used for storage or carrying corrosive substances shall be thoroughly examined every year to find out any defects and the defects so found shall be rectified forthwith. A register shall be maintained of every such examination made and shall be produced before the Inspector whenever required.
11. Fire extinguishers and fire-fighting equipment :-- An adequate number of suitable type of fire extinguishers of other fire fighting equipment, depending on the nature of chemicals stored, shall be provided. Such extinguishers or other equipment shall be regularly tested and refilled. Clear instructions as to how the extinguishers or other equipment should be used shall be printed in the language which majority of the persons employed understand and shall be fixed near each extinguisher or other equipment.
12. Exemption :--- If in respect of any factory on an application made by the manager, the Chief Inspector that owning to the exceptional circumstances, or the infrequency of the process of for any other reason to be recorded by him in writing, all or any of the provisions of this schedule are not necessary for the protection of the persons employed therein, he may by a certificate in writing which he may at any time revoke, exempt the factory from such of the provisions and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein.