Schedule XX

HANDLING AND MANIPULATION OF CORROSIVE SUBSTANCES

1. Without prejudice to the provisions contained in schedule XVI, this

Schedule shall apply in respect of all factories or any part thereof in which

handling and manipulation of Corrosive substances is carried on.

2. Definitions

For the purpose of this Schedule

(a) "Corrosive operation" means any manufacturing process, storing, handling,

processing, packing or using any corrosive substance in a factory.

(b) "Corrosive substance" includes sulphuric acid, nitric acid, hydrochloric acid,

hydrofluoric acid, carbolic acid, phosphoric acid, liquid chlorine, liquid

bromine,ammonia,sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide and a

mixture thereof, and any other substance which the State Government by

notification in the Official Gazette specify to be corrosive substance.

3. Flooring

The floor of every workroom of a factory in which corrosive operation is

carried on shall be made of impervious, corrosion and fire resistance

material and shall be so constructed as to prevent collection of any

corrosive substance. The surface of such flooring shall be smooth and

cleaned as often as necessary and maintained in a sound condition.

4. Protective 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’s shall be maintained in good order and shall be kept in clean

and hygienic condition by suitably treating 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.

(b) The protective equipment and preparations provided shall be used by the

persons employed in any corrosive operations.

5. 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 of 210 cm. (7 feet) from a pipe 1.25 cm. (1/2 inch) 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 to ensure continuous watts supply, a

storage tank having minimum length, breadth and height of 210 cm, 120

cm., and 60 cm. respectively or such dimensions as are approved by the

Chief Inspector-cum- Facilitator shall be provided as the source of clean

water.

6. Cautionary notice

A cautionary notice in the following form and printed in the language which

is understood by majority of the workers employed, shall be displayed

prominently and close to the place where any corrosive operation is carried

out and where it can be easily and conveniently read by the worker. If any

worker is illiterate, effective steps shall be taken to explain carefully to him

the contents of the notice so displayed.

CAUTIONARY NOTICE

Corrosive substances cause severe burns and the vapors thereof, may be

extremely hazardous. In case of contact, immediately flood the part

affected with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes.

Get medical-attention quickly.

7. 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, they shall be included in crates of sound construction and of

sufficient strength.

(b) a container with a capacity of 11.5 liters (2- 1/2 gallons) or more of a

corrosive substance shall be placed in receipt axle 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 substance shall be plainly labeled.

8. Devices for handling corrosives

(a) Tilting, lifting or pumping arrangements shall be used for emptying jars,

carboys and other containers of corrosives.

(b) Corrosive substances shall not be handled by bare hands but shill be

handled by means of a suitable scoop or other device.

9. 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 that purpose.

10. Cleaning tanks, stills,etc

(a) In cleaning out or removing residues from stills or other large chambers

used for holding any corrosive substance, suitable implements made of

wood or other material shall be used to prevent production of arseniuretted

hydrogen (Arsine).

(b) Whenever it is necessary for the purpose of cleaning or other maintenance

work for any worker to enter chamber, tank, vat, pit or other confined

space where a corrosive substance had been stored, all possible

precautions shall be taken to ensure the worker's safety.

(c) Wherever possible, before repairs arc 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.

11. Storage

(a) Corrosive substances shall not be stored in the same room with other

chemicals, such as turpentine, carbides, metallic powders and combustible

materials, the accidental mixing with which may cause a reaction which is

either violent or gives rise to toxic fumes and gas.

(b) Pumping or filling overhead tanks, receptacles, vats or other containers for

storing corrosive substances shall be so arranged that there is no

possibility of any corrosive substance overflowing and causing injury to any

person.

(c) Every container having a capacity of twenty liters or more on every

pipeline, valves, and fitting used for storing or carrying corrosive

substances shall be thoroughly examined every year for finding out any

defects and defects shall be removed forthwith. A register shall be

maintained of every such examination made and shall be produced before

the Inspector-cum-Facilitator-cum-Facilitator whenever required.

12. Fire extinguishers and fire-fighting equipment

An adequate number of suitable types of fire extinguishers or other

firefighting 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 printed in the language which majority of the

workers employed understand, shall be affixed near each extinguisher or

either equipment.