Schedule XX

Manufacture or manipulation of manganese and its compounds

1. Definitions.- For the purpose of this Schedule:-

(a) "Manganese process" means processing, manufacture or manipulation of

manganese or any compound of manganese or any ore or any mixture containing

manganese.

(b) "First employment" means first employment in any manganese process and

includes also re-employment in any manganese process following any cessation of

employment for a continuous period exceeding 3 calendar months.

(c) "Manipulation" means mixing, blending, filling, emptying, grinding, sieving,

drying, packing, sweeping, or otherwise handling of manganese, or a compound

of manganese or an ore or mixture containing manganese.

(d) "Efficient Exhaust Ventilation" means localised ventilation effected by

mechanical means for the removal of dust or fume or mist at its source of origin so

as to prevent it from escaping into the atmosphere of any place where any work is

carried on. No. draught shall be deemed to be efficient which fails to remove the

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dust or fume or mist at the point where it is generated and fails to prevent it from

escaping into and spreading into the atmosphere of a work place.

2. Application.- This schedule shall apply to every factory in which or in any part of which

any manganese process is carried on.

3. Exemptions.- Where the Chief Inspector-cum-Facilitator is satisfied that owing to any

exceptional circumstances, or infrequency of the process, or for any other reason, application

of all or any of the provisions of this schedule is not necessary for the protection of the

persons employed in any factory, he may, by an order in writing, which he may at his

discretion revoke, exempt such factory from all or any of the provisions on such conditions

and for such period as he may specify in the said order.

4. Isolation of a process.- Every manganese process which may give risk to dust, vapour or

mist containing manganese, shall be carried on in a totally enclosed system or otherwise

effectively isolated from other processes so that other plants and process and other parts of

the factory and persons employed on other work of process may not be affected by the same.

5. Ventilation of process.- No process, in which any dust, vapour or mist containing

manganese is generated, shall be carried out except under an efficient exhaust ventilation

which shall be applied as near to the point of generation as practicable.

6. Medical examination.- Every worker employed in any manganese process shall be

medically examined within 15 days of his first employment. Such examination shall include,

tests for detection of serum calcium, serum phosphate and manganese in blood and urine and

also include steadiness tests and other neuro-muscular co-ordination tests.

7. Personal Protective Equipment.-

(i) The occupier of the factory shall provide and maintain in good and clean condition

suitable overalls and head coverings for all persons employed in any manganese process and

such overalls and head coverings shall be worn by the persons while working on manganese

process.

(ii) The occupier of the factory shall provide suitable respiratory protective equipment for use

by workers in emergency to prevent inhalation of dusts. fumes or mists. Sufficient number of

complete sets of such equipment shall always be kept near the work place and the same shall

be properly maintained and kept always in a condition to be used readily.

(iii) The occupier of the factory shall provide and maintain for the use of all persons

employed, suitable accommodation for the storage and make adequate arrangements for

cleaning and maintenance of personal protective equipments.

8. Cautionary placard and instructions.- Cautionary notices in the form given below and

printed in the language of the majority of the workers employed, shall be affixed in

prominent places in the factory where they can be easily and conveniently read by the

workers and arrangement shall be made by the occupier to instruct periodically all workers

employed in a manganese process regarding the health hazards connected with their duties

and the best preventive measures and methods to protect themselves. The notices shall always

be maintained in a legible condition.

Cautionary Notice

Manganese and Manganese Compounds

1. Dust fumes and mists of manganese and compounds are toxic when inhaled or when

ingested.

2. Do not consume food or drink near the workplace.

3. Take a good wash before taking meals.

4. Keep the working area clean.

5. Use the protective clothing and equipments provided.

6. When required to work in situations where dusts, fumes or mists are likely to be inhaled,

use respiratory protective equipment provided for the purpose.

7. If you get severe headaches, prolonged sleeplessness or abnormal sensations on the body,

report to the manager who would make arrangements for your examination and treatment.