1. Definition.- For the purposes of this Schedule,-
(a) “corrosive substance” includes sulphuric acid, nitric acid, hydrochloric acid, hydrofluoric acid, carbolic acid, phosphoric acid, liquid chlorine, liquid bromine, ammonia or anhydrous liquid ammonia, sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide or mixtures thereof or any other substance which the State Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, specify to be corrosive substance;
(b) “corrosive operation” means an operation of manufacturing, storing handling, processing, packing or using any corrosive substance in a factory;
2. Flooring.- The floor of every work-room of a factory to which this Schedule applies, shall be made of impervious, corrosion and fire resistant material and shall be so constructed as to prevent collection of any corrosive substances. The surface of such flooring shall be smooth and cleaned as often as necessary and maintained in a sound condition.
3. Protective equipment.- (a) The occupier shall provide, maintain in good order and keep in a clean condition 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 suitable respirators.
(b) The protective equipment provided shall be used by every person engaged in doing any corrosive operation.
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 water at a height of 2 metres secured from a pipe of 25 mms. diameter and fitted with a quick acting valve, or safety tank having dimensions not less than 200 cms. in length 129 cms. in breadth and 60 cms. in depth full of clean water placed at the floor level or such dimensions as are approved by the Chief inspector of Factories, so that in case of injury to the worker by any corrosive substances, the injured part can be thoroughly flooded with water.
5. Cautionary notice.- A cautionary notice in the following form printed in the language which the majority of the workers employed in the factory understand shall be affixed prominently close to the place where any of the corrosive operations is carried out and where it can be easily and conveniently read by the workers. If any worker is illiterate, effective steps shall be taken to explain carefully to him the contents of the notice so affixed:-
Cautionary notice
Danger
Corrosive substances cause severe burns and vapours thereof may be extremely hazardous.
Use protective wear.
In case of contact, immediately flood the part affected with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes.
Get medical attention quickly.
6. Transport.- (a) Corrosive substances shall not be filled, moved or carried except in containers, and when they are to be transported, the containers shall be included in crates of sound construction and of sufficient strength.
(b) Containers having a capacity of 10 or more litres 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 waistline unless a suitable rubber wheeled truck is used for the purpose.
(c) Containers for corrosive substances shall be clearly labelled as such.
7. Devices for handling corrosive substances.- (a) Suitable tilting or lifting devices shall be used for emptying jars or carboys and other containers or corrosive substances.
(b) Corrosive substances shall not be handled by bare hands but by means of a suitable scoop.
8. Opening of valves.- Valves fitted to containers holding a corrosive substance which do not work freely shall not be forced open. They shall be opened by a worker suitably trained for the purpose.
8-A. Prevention of splashing of corrosive substance leaking.- All flange joints on lines carrying corrosive substances under pressure shall be provided with guards to prevent splashing of corrosive substance leaking through the joints due to gasket failures on workers working nearby.]
9. Cleaning tanks, stills, etc.- (a) In cleaning out or removing residues from stills or other large chambers used for holding corrosive substances, wooden implements shall be used to prevent production of arseniuretted hydrogen (Arsine).
(b) Whenever it is necessary for any worker to enter confined spaces, like chambers of tanks, which were used to stock corrosive substances, while for the purpose of cleaning or other maintenance work, all possible precautions required under section 36 of the Act shall be taken to ensure the worker’s safety.
(c) 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 which are likely to violently react with them or give rise to poisonous fumes or gases after an accidental mixing, eg., turpentine, carbides, metallic powders, combustible materials and cynide salts.
(b) Pumping or filing overhead tanks, receptables, vats and other containers shall be so arranged that there is not possibility of any corrosive substance overflowing and causing injury to any person.
(c) Every container having a storage capacity of twenty litres or more and pipe lines, valves and fitting used for storing or carrying corrosive substances shall be examined thoroughly every year for finding out any defects; and the defects shall be removed forthwith. A register shall be maintained of every such examination made and it shall be produced before the Inspector, whenever required.
11. Fire-extinguishers.- An adequate number of suitable types of fire extinguishers or other fire-fighting equipments, depending on the nature of the chemicals stored in any place in a factory, shall be placed near each such place and such fire-extinguishers or other fire-fighting equipments shall be regularly tested and refilled. Clear instructions as to how the extinguishers or other equipments should be ued, printed in the language which the majority of the workers employed in such factory understand, shall be affixed near each extinguisher or other equipment. Sufficient number of workers shall be trained in fire-fighting practices.
12. Exemption.- If in respect of any factory on an application made by the manager, the Chief Inspector is satisfied that owing to the exceptional circumstances or infrequency of the process, or for any other reason to be recorded in writing all or any of the provisions of this Schedule are not necessary for the protection of the persons employed in such factory, he may be a certificate in writing exempt such factory from all or any of the provisions indicated in such certificate on such conditions as he may specify therein. Such certificate may at any time be revoked by the Chief Inspector.