SCHEDULE XV 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 (a) "corrosive substance" includes sulphuric acid, nitric acid, hydrochloric acid, hydroflouric acid, carbolic acid, phosphoric acid, liquid chlorine, liquid bromine, ammonia, sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide and amixture 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 work-room 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 of teas necessary and maintained in a sound condition. 3. Protective equipment.- (1) 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 any absorbed chemicals and by disinfecting. The occupier shall also provide suitable protective creams and other preparations wherever necessary. (2) 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 centimeters from a pipe of 1.25 centimeters/diameter and fitted with a quick acting valve so that in case of injury to the worker by an corrosive substance, the injured part can be thoroughly flooded with water. Whenever necessary, in order to ensure continuous water supply, a storage take having a minimum length, breadth and heightof210 centimeters, 120 centimeters and 60 centimeters respectively or such dimensions as are approved by the Chief Inspector shall be provided as the source of clean water. 5. Cautionay 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 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.- (1) Corrosive substance shall not be filled, moved or except in containers and when they are to be transported, they shall be placed in crates of sound construction and of sufficient strength. (2) A container with capacity of 11.5litres 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 number wheeled truck is used for the purpose. (3) Containers for corrosive substances shall be plainly labeled. 7. Devices for handling corrosive.- (1) Suitable tilting or lifting device 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 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.- (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 areniuretted 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 section 36 of the Act 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 there of 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 may cause a reaction which is either violet 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 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 whenever required. 11. Fire extinguishers and fire fighting equipments.- An adequate number of suitable type of fire extinguishers or other fire fighting equipments, depending on the nature of chemicals stored, shall be provided. Such extinguishers or other equipments shall be regularly tested and refilled. Clear instructions as to how the extinguishers or other equipments should be used, printed in the language which majority of the workers employed understand, shall be affixed near each extinguisher or other equipments. 12. Exemption.- If in respect of any factory on an application made by the manager, the Chief Inspector is satisfied that owing to the exceptional circumstances, or the infrequency of the processes or for any other reason to be recorded by him in writing, all or any of the provisions of this schedule are no necessary for the protection of the persons employed therein, he may by 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. | 
