Schedule XVII

Handling and manipulation of corrosive substances

1. Definitions.- For the purpose 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.-

(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 equipments 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

cms. (7 ft.) from a pipe of 1.25 cm. (1/2 in.) 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. Water sprinkler system should be provided over the ammonia

receiver. Whenever necessary, in order to ensure continuous water supply, a storage tank

having a minimum length, breadth and height of 210 cm., 120 cm., 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 any of the operations 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

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.-

(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 included in crates of

sound construction and of sufficient strength.

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(b) A container with a capacity of 11.5 litres (2-1/2 gallons) 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.

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

7. Devices for handling corrosive.-

(a) Tilting, lifting or pumping arrangements shall be used for 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 of Tanks and Stills, etc.-

(a) 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 ars-eniuretted hydrogen (Arsine).

(b) 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 sub-rule 33 and 34 of rule 110 of

these rules shall, be taken to ensure the worker's safety.

(c) Wherever possible, before repairs are undertaken to any part to 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, valves, and

fitting used for carrying corrosive substances shall be thoroughly examined by competent

person] every year for finding out any defects and defects 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. Safety Measures:- (1) All the system pipe line should be of welded joints instead of

flanged joints.

(2) ISI valves should be provided in lines and periodical maintenance of valves should be

checked.

(3) Whatever corrosive substance if coming out of valves should be taken to scrubber for

neutralisation through a close circuit system.

(4) For the early detection of leakage of any corrosive substance sensitive devices should be

provided.

(5) Absorber of proper capacity should be provided.

(6) Stand by generator of adequate capacity should be provided in factories for toxic gases.

12. Fire Extinguishers and Fire-fighting Equipment.- An adequate number of suitable

types of fire extinguishers or other firefighting 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 workers employed understand, shall be

affixed near each extinguisher or other equipment.

13. 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.