Schedule XV

(See rule 84)

Handling or Manipulation of Corrosive Substances

1. Definitions – For the purpose of this schedule-

“ Corrosive operation” means an operation of manufacturing, storing, handing, processing, packing or

using any corrosive substance in a factory; and

“Corrosive substance” includes Sulphuric acid, nitric acid, hydrochloric acid, hydrofluoric acid,

carbolic acid, phosphoric 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

(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 orderand 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 provide as close to the

place of such operation as possible a source of clean water at a height of 210 cm from a pipe of clean

waterof 125cm diameter and fitted with quick acting valve sothat in the 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 cm, 120 cm and 60 cm respectively, or such dimensions, as are approved by the Chief

Inspector-cum-Facilitator shall be provided as the sources 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 anyworker is illiterate, effective steps shall be takento 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

(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 placed in crates of sound

construction and of sufficient strength.

(b) 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 height below the waist line unless

a suitable rubber wheeled truck is used for the purpose.

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

7. Devices for handling corrosives:

(a) Titling, lifting or pumping arrangements shall be used for the emptying jars, carboys and other

containers of corrosives.

(b) 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.-

(a) In cleaning out or removing residues from stills or other large chambers used for holding any

corrosive substances, 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 workfor any worker to

enter chamber, tank, vat, pit or other confined space where a corrosive substance had been stored,

all possible precaution required under section 36 of the Code shall be taken to ensure the worker’s

safety.

(c) 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-

(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 gases.

(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 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 type fire extinguishers

or other firefighting equipment, depending on the nature of chemical 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 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 person employed therein, he/she may by a certificate

in writing which he/she may at any time revoke, exempt to the factory from such of the provisions and

subject to such condition as he/she may specify therein.