1. Definition.- For the purposes of this Schedule “compression of oxygen and hydrogen” means any process by which oxygen or hydrogen is manufactured or evolved by electrolytic process [or by steam iron process.]
2. Application.- This Schedule applies in respect of factories or any part thereof in which the process of compression of oxygen and hydrogen is carried on.
3. Situation of electrolyser plant room etc.- The room in which electrolyser plant is installed shall be separate from the plant for storing and compressing oxygen and hydrogen. The room in which electric generator and the distribution panel are installed shall not communicate with any other room in which any process is carried on.
[4. Testing the purity of oxygen and hydrogen.- (1) The purity of oxygen and hydrogen shall be tested by a competent person at least once in every shift, at the following points:
(i) in the electroylser room,
(ii) At the gas holder inlet, and
(iii) At the suction end of the compressor:
Provided that where the electrolyser plant is fitted with automatic recorder of purity of oxygen and hydrogen with alarm lights, the purity of the gases may be tested likewise at the suction end of the compressor only.]
(2) The purity figures obtained as a result of the test shall be entered and signed by the person carrying out such test in a register, to be kept for the purpose.
5. Compression of oxygen and hydrogen prohibited in certain circumstances.- Where the purity of oxygen or hydrogen as tested under paragraph 4 is found to be less than 98 per cent, the oxygen or hydrogen shall not be subjected to the process of compression.
[6. Provision of negative pressure switch.- In addition to the limit switch, to switch off the compressor motor, to make it impossible to empty the gas holder to the point causing vacuum inside the gas holder, a sensitive negative pressure switch shall be provided in or adjacent to the suction main for hydrogen, close to the gas-holder and between the gas holder and the hydrogen compressor, to switch off the compressor motor in the event of the gas holder being emptied to the extent as to cause vacuum].
7. Warning signal.- The bell of any holder shall not be permitted to go within 30 centimetres of its lowest position when empty and a visual and an audible warning signal shall be fitted to the gas-holder to indicate that this limit is reached.
8. Purity of raw material.- The water and caustic soda used for making iye shall be chemically pure within the pharmaceutical limits.
9. Construction of electrical connections.- Electrical connections at the electroylser cells and at he electric generator terminals shall be so constructed as to preclude the possibility of wrong connections leading to the reversal of polarity. An automatic device shall be provided to cut off power in the event of reversal of polarity owing to wrong connections either at he switch board or at the electric generator terminals.
10. Maintenance of gas-pipes, gas holders and compressed gas storage vessels.- (i) Oxygen and hydrogen gas-pipes shall be painted with distinguishing colours. In the event of leakage at the joints of hydrogen gas pipe, holder or a storage vessel or in the event of any breakdown, the pipe and storage system after repairs and reconnection carried out as per paragraph 13 of this Schedule and in accordance with the requirements of Rule 73-C of the Maharashtra Factories Rules, 1963, shall be purged of all air and gases using a suitable inert gas, before drawing in hydrogen gas.
(ii) Before drawing in hydrogen gas in any new or existing system not in use every pipe, gas-holder, compresses gas vessel in the system shall be purged of all air and gases using a suitable inert gas.
11. Electrical wiring and other sources of ignition.- Wherever hydrogen gas is generated, compressed, transferred or stored all electrical wiring, apparatus and other installations shall be of flame-roof construction., All sources of ignition shall be prevented from being present in the above areas. A warning notice shall be exhibited to that effect at prominent places in the above areas.]
12. Removal of explosive substances.- No part of the electrolyser plant and the gas-holders and compressor shall be subjected to welding, brazing soldering or cutting until steps have been taken to remove any explosive substance from that part and it is rendered safe for such operation. After the completion of such operation no explosive substance shall be allowed to enter that part until the metal has cooled sufficiently to prevent risk of explosion.
13. Restriction of operation, repair, etc.- No work of operation, repair or maintenance shall be undertaken except under the direct supervision of a person who, by this training, experience and knowledge of the necessary precautions against risk of explosion is competent to supervise such work. No electrical generator after erection or repairs shall be switched on to the electrolyser unless it is certified by any competent person under whose direct supervision, erection or repairs are carried out to be in a safe condition and the terminals have been checked for the polarity as required by these rules.
14. Examination of the plant.- Every part of the electrolyser plant and the gas-holders and compressor shall be inspected, checked and overhauled in accordance with a regular schedule maintained by the Manager complying with the instructions of the competent person mentioned in paragraph 13. Every defect noticed shall be rectified forthwith.