Schedule H (xviii)

HANDLING OR MANIPULATION OF CORROSIVE SUBSTANCES:

1. Definition.—For the purposes of this Schedule—

(a) "corrosive operation" means an operation of manufacturing, storing, handling,

processing, packing or using any corrosive substance in a factory; and

(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 a corrosive substance.

2. Flooring.—The floor of every workroom of a factory in which corrosive operation is

carried on shall be made of impervious, corrosion and fire resistant 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.

3. Protective equipment.—(1) 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 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.

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

employed in 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 clean water at a height of 210

centimetres from a pipe of 1.25 centimetres diameter and fitted with a quick Coding 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 water

supply, a storage tank having a minimum length, breadth and height of 210 centimeters, 120

centimeters and 60 centimeters respectively or such dimensions as are approved by the Chief

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

5. Cautionary notice.—A cautionary notice in the following form and printed in the language which

majority of the workers employed understand, shall be displayed prominently close to the place

where a corrosive operation 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 displayed.

CAUTIONARY NOTICE : DANGER

Corrosive substances cause severe burns and vapours 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.

6. Transport.—(1) 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 placed in

crates of sound construction and of sufficient strength.

(2) A container with a capacity of 11.5 litres or 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.

(3) Containers for corrosive substances shall be plainly labelled.

7. Devices for handling corrosives.—(1) Tilting, lifting or pumping arrangements shall be used for

emptying jars, carboys and other containers of corrosives.

(2) Corrosive substances shall not be handled by bare hands but by means of a suitable

scoop or device.

8. Openings 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, sills etc.—(1) In cleaning out or removing residues from sills 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).

(2) Whenever it is necessary for the purpose of cleaning or other maintenance work for any

worker to enter a chamber, tank, vat, pit or other confined space where a corrosive

substance had been stored, all possible precautions required under Section 36 of the

Code shall be taken to ensure the worker's safety. 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.—(1) Corrosive substances shall not be stored in the same room with other chemical

materials such as turpentine, carbides, metallic powders and combustible materials, to

accidental mixing with, which may cause a reaction which is either violent or gives rise to toxic

fumes and gases.

(2) 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.

(3) Every container having a capacity of twenty litres or more and every pipeline, valve, and

fitting used for storing or carrying corrosive substance shall be thoroughly examined

every year for finding out any defects, and defects so found out shall be removed

forthwith. A register shall be maintained of every such examination made and shall be

produced before the Inspector cum Facilitator whenever required.

11. Fire extinguishers and fire-fighting equipment.—An adequate number of suitable types of fire

extinguishers or 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, printed in

the language which majority of the worker employed understand, shall be affixed near each

extinguisher or other equipment.

12. Exemption.—If in respect of any factory on an application made by the Manager, the Chief

Inspector cum-Facilitator is satisfied that owing to the exceptional circumstances, or the

infrequency of the process or 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.