Schedule XXXIV

DUST HAZARD CONTROL IN FACTORIES

1. Application

These rules apply to all factories where dusts-whether metallic, mineral,

organic, fibrous, or otherwise-are generated, processed ,handled, stored,

or transported, and where such dusts may create a risk of fire, explosion,

or occupational disease.

2. Definitions

(a) “Dust” means finely divided solid particles which may be come air

borne during manufacture, processing, handling, or cleaning.

(b) “Combustible dust” means any dust capable of burning or deflag

rating when suspended in air.

(c) “Dust-producing process” means any operation resulting

ingeneration, liberation, or dispersion of dust in air.

(d) “Local exhaust ventilation system” (LEV) means an engineered

system designed to capture dust at its source and prevent its release

into the workplace atmosphere.

(e) “Dust collector” means any air-cleaning equipment such as bag

filters, cyclones, or scrubbers attached to a dust-producing process.

3. Dust Hazard Assessment

(1) Every occupier shall conduct a systematic assessment of each dust-

producing process to identify sources of dust emission, accumulation,

ignition sources, explosion hazards

(2) The assessment shall cover process equipment, material handling

systems, building layout, housekeeping, and emergency

arrangements.

(3) The report of such assessment shal be kept available for inspection

and updated every five years or when significant process changes

occur.

4. Control of Dust Generation and Dispersion

(1) All dust-producing processes shall, as far as practicable, been closed

and provided with efficient local exhaust ventilation systems.

(2) Exhaust ducts and collectors shall be constructed of non-combustible

materials and effectively earthed to prevent accumulation of static

charges.

(3) Exhaust air shall not be recirculated in to work rooms unless

adequately filtered and monitored.

(4) Dust collectors shall be installed outside the main building wherever

possible, and fitted with suitable relief or isolation devices to limit

damage in case of an explosion.

5. Building and Layout Requirements

(1) Workrooms handling dust shall be of fire-resisting construction with

smooth surfaces to avoid dust deposition.

(2) Openings such as doors, windows, and vents shall be arranged to

facilitate natural ventilation and pressure relief.

(3) Work places where dust explosion hazards exist shall not be located

beneath occupied floors or adjacent to ignition sources.

(4) Adequate spacing shall be provided between dust-producing

equipment to permit safe cleaning and maintenance.

6. Prevention of Ignition Sources

(1) Smoking, open flame, or hot-work activities shall be strictly

prohibited in areas where combustible dust may be present except

under a written hot- work permit issued by the manager.

(2) All mechanical equipment shall be properly maintained to prevent

overheating, frictional sparks, or static discharge.

(3) Electrical installations in dust-hazard areas shall comply with

standards prescribed for hazardous locations under relevant Indian

Standards.

(4) All conductive plant, ducting, and metal parts shall be bonded and

earthed to prevent accumulation of electro static charge

7. Housekeeping and Cleaning

(1) Every occupier shall maintain all floors, ledges, beams, and

equipment free from accumulations of dust.

(2) Cleaning shall be carried out by vacuum or wet methods; dry

sweeping or use of compressed air for dust removal is prohibited

unless specifically designed for such purpose.

(3) A cleaning schedule shall be drawn up and strictly followed, and

records there of maintained for inspection.

8. Explosion Prevention and Mitigation

(1) Wherever combustible dust may accumulate in sufficient quantity to

form an explosive mixture, suitable explosion-relief panels, isolation

valves, or suppression systems shall be provided.

(2) Dust collectors handling explosive or combustible materials shall be

provided with explosion-relief vents discharging to safe locations.

(3) Buildings and enclosures used for such operations shall be designed

to minimize propagation of explosion or fire to adjoining areas.

9. Maintenance and Testing

(1) Local exhaust ventilation system sand dust collectors shall be

inspected at least once every six months by a competent person, and

a record of such inspection shall be maintained.

(2) Defects likely to affect safe performance shall be rectified forthwith.

(3) Performance of the system shall be tested annually and reports shall

be retained for five years.

10. Health and Safety of Workers

(1) Workers exposed to dust shall be provided with suitable respiratory

protective equipment conforming to relevant Indian Standards.

(2) Medical examination of such workers shall be carried out once in a

year

(3) No person suffering from respiratory or skin disease aggravated by

dust exposure shall be employed on such work without medical

fitness certification.

11. Training and Awareness

(1) Every worker and supervisor engaged in dust-producing processes

shall be trained in:

(a) Hazards of combustible and toxic dusts,

(b) Safe operating and cleaning procedures,

(c) Use of protective equipment, and

(d) Emergency response in case of dust fire or explosion.

(2) Refresher training shall be conducted at least once every twelve

months and records maintained.

12. Emergency Preparedness

(1) Factories handling combustible dusts shall prepare a written

emergency plan covering fire and explosion scenarios.

(2) Emergency drills shall be conducted at least once in six months.

(3) Suitable fire-fighting equipment, including dry chemical

extinguishers, shall be provided and maintained.

13. Records and Documentation

The occupier shall maintain and produce on demand.

(a) Dust hazard assessment reports,

(b) Maintenance and inspection records,

(c) Cleaning schedules,

(d) Training and drill registers, and

(e) Medical surveillance records.