Schedule B XV

Handling or manipulation of corrosive substances

Definitions.-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

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

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.

3. 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 shall be maintained in good order and shall be kept in

cleanandhygienic 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 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 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 water supply, a storage

tank having a minimum length, breadth and height of 210 centimetres, 120

centimetres and 60 centimetres respectively or such dimensions as are

approved by the Chief Inspector shall be provided as the source of clean water.

5. Cautionary notice.—Acautionary 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 any of the operation mentioned in clause 2 above 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. —

I. Corrosive substances shall not be filled, moved or carried except in containers

or through pipes and when they areto be transported in containers, they

shall be placed in crates of sound construction and of sufficient strength.

II. 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.

III. Containers for corrosive substances shall be plainly labelled.

7. Devices for handling corrosive. -

I. Tilting, lifting of pumping arrangements shall be used for emptying jars,

carboys and other containers of corrosives.

II. Corrosive substance shall not be handled by bare hands but by means of a

suitable scoop or other device.

8. 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 the

purpose.

9. Cleaning tanks, stills, etc.-

I. 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).

II. 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

required under section 23 of the Code shall be taken to ensure the worker's

satety.

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.-

I. 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 gases.

II.

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.

Every container having a capacity of twenty litres or more and every pipeline,

valve, and fitting used for storing or carrying corrosive substances shall be

thoroughly examined everyyear 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 whenever

required.

11. Fire extinguishers and fire fighting equipment.- An adequate number

of suitable types of fire extinguishers or other 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 other equipment.

12.Exemption.-If in respect of any factory on application made by the

manager, the Chief Inspector 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.