Schedule XVI

HANDLING OR MANIPULATION OF CORROSIVE SUBSTANCES

1. 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 Administration of Lakshadweep 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 surtace 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 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 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-cum-Facilitator shall provide 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 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.

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 liters 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 corrosive - (1) Tilting, lifting of pumping arrangements shall be

used for emptying jars, carboys and other containers of corrosives

(2) Corrosive substance shall not be handled by bare hands but by means ofa

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. - (1) 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).

(2) 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 rules framed under Schedule II of the Code

shall be taken to ensure the worker's safety.

(3) 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

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.

(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 substances 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 firefighting 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 orother equipment.

12. Exemption - If in respect of any factory on 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.