Subchapter D. EXPLOSIVES
GENERAL PROVISIONS Sec.
5.81. Scope.
5.82. Applicability.
5.83. Penalty.
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS: EXPLOSIVE VAPORS
5.91. Construction of buildings.
5.92. Number of employes.
5.93. Lighting.
5.94. Ventilation.
5.95. Prevention of explosions.
5.96. Nitric acid.
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS: FUMES, VAPORS, GASES
AND CHEMICALS
5.101. Scope.
5.102. Resuscitation and physical examination.
5.103. Cleaning tanks.
5.104. Other chemicals.
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS: EXPLOSIVES
5.111. Storage of explosive material.
5.112. Plans of plants.
5.113. Admission to plants.
5.114. Material allowed in explosives buildings.
5.115. Repairs.
5.116. Matches prohibited.
5.117. Attire of employes.
5.118. Transportation, machinery and platforms.
5.119. Carrying of explosives.
5.120. Cleanliness.
5.121. Electric wiring.
5.122. Tables of quantity and distance.
5.123. Protection against lightning.
5.124. Heating.
5.125. Fire-extinguishing apparatus.
SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS: NITROGLYCERIN, ITS
COMPOUNDS AND MIXTURES
5.141. Nitrator house.
5.142. Separator house.
5.143. Neutralizing storage and freezing houses.
5.144. Hand mixing house.
5.145. Machine mixing house.
5.146. Handpacking or punching house.
5.147. Box packing house.
5.148. Water outlet or shower bath.
5.149. Transportation.
5.150. Paraffin dipping.
5.151. Gelatin mixing and packing.
SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS: BLACK POWDER MILLS
5.161. Materials used.
5.162. Incorporating mills.
5.163. Cleaning.
5.164. Examination of machinery.
5.165. Repairs.
5.166. Electric apparatus and lighting.
5.167. Metal implements.
SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS: GUNCOTTON, NITROSTARCH,
SMOKELESS POWDER AND SIMILAR PRODUCTS
5.181. General.
5.182. Rooms containing ether vapor.
5.183. Dry houses, dry dump houses and blending houses.
SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS: AMMONIUM NITRATES
5.191. Distance limitations.
5.192. Operation.
5.193. Blasting prohibited.
Authority The provisions of this Subchapter D issued under act of May 18, 1937 (P. L. 654, No. 174) (43 P. S. § 25-12), unless otherwise noted.
Source The provisions of this Subchapter D adopted October 8, 1918; amended through March 1, 1969, unless otherwise noted.
GENERAL PROVISIONS
§ 5.81. Scope.
This subchapter sets forth rules to safeguard the lives, limbs and health of workers in plants manufacturing or using explosives, and places the responsibility of compliance with such rules upon both employer and employe.
§ 5.82. Applicability.
(a) Places covered. This subchapter governs the operation of all buildings, factories, establishments or other places where people are employed, wherein explosives are manufactured, used, handled, stored or in which they are produced as the result of manufacturing processes.
(b) Materials covered. Materials classed as explosives by the Board include black powder of all varieties, dry guncotton, nitroglycerine, dynamite, chlorates, fulminates, all sensitized ammonium nitrate compositions, and any other of their compounds or mixtures or any other substances which are subject to explosion by the aid of shock, friction, spark or heat. Smokeless powder, wet guncotton and wet nitrostarch are also included in this classification for the purposes of this subchapter.
§ 5.83. Penalty.
A person who violates this subchapter or the regulations of the Department or who interferes with the Department or its authorized representatives in the enforcement of this subchapter or the regulations, shall be penalized under section 15 of the act of May 18, 1937 (P. L. 654, No. 174) (43 P. S. § 25-15).
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS: EXPLOSIVE VAPORS
§ 5.91. Construction of buildings.
(a) Rooms or portions of explosives plants in which there are used, generated or found, explosive vapors and where persons are employed, shall be separated from other rooms or portions of plants by fire-resistive walls or partitions, pierced with only openings that are necessary except when the rooms or portions of plants consist of separate buildings. Where the material being used or which produces the explosives vapors does not exceed 10 gallons in quantity and is confined in safety cans, it is necessary only to prohibit the use of open flames, post danger signs and observe safe practices. Materials which give off explosive vapors may not be stored in workrooms where people are employed, unless the materials are stored in closed, properly vented containers. Where practical, safety cans should be used.
(b) Where materials giving off explosives vapors are stored in separated or underground storage systems outside of buildings, they may be distributed by pipelines throughout buildings where persons are employed.
(c) Openings necessary in fire-resistive walls shall be provided with fire-resistive doors. The doors shall be kept closed at all times except when in use to permit passage from one room or portion of a plant to another. On these doors danger signs shall be posted, warning against the carrying of matches or an open light and permitting the entrance of authorized employes or others designated by the manager or superintendent only.
Cross References This section cited in 34 Pa. Code § 5.182 (relating to rooms containing ether vapor).
§ 5.92. Number of employes.
The number of employes in rooms or portions of a plant shall be kept to the minimum compatible with the process of manufacture. This may be done by building additional fire-resistant portions or by the addition of small unit buildings.
Cross References This section cited in 34 Pa. Code § 5.182 (relating to rooms containing ether vapor).
§ 5.93. Lighting.
(a) Open or naked lights—such as lanterns, stoves, torches and the like—are not allowed in rooms or portions of plants, except for necessary repairs under proper supervision. Watchmen or others using portable lights shall be supplied with vapor-proof lights.
(b) The rooms or portions of plants shall be lighted, if artificial light is needed, by means of an electric system installed in conduit or in lead encased cables with vapor-proof keyless lamps. Switches or fuses shall be located away from the rooms or buildings in a protected place. It is preferable that lights be projected by reflectors into rooms from the outside through properly located windows. The use of electric motors other than the sparkless induction type is forbidden.
Cross References This section cited in 34 Pa. Code § 5.166 (relating to electric apparatus and lighting); and 34 Pa. Code § 5.182 (relating to rooms containing ether vapor).
§ 5.94. Ventilation.
(a) Where the amount of gases or vapors produced is deemed by the Department or its authorized representative to be a menace to the safety or health of employes, an efficient exhaust system, the plans of which shall be approved by the Department, shall be installed in the rooms designated and kept operating at all times when persons are employed therein.
(b) During necessary repairs which might cause a spark, other operations shall cease, and the repairs shall be made only after adequate ventilation has been established to free the room or portion of the plant from explosive gas or vapor.
§ 5.95. Prevention of explosions.
(a) Oil lanterns, open lights, and any work which might generate a spark are prohibited in the vicinity of acid containers, except when necessary to apply heat for thawing purposes, which shall be done under proper supervision. The opening of drums by means of an iron chisel and hammer is prohibited. Suitable wrenches shall be provided.
(b) Localities where such material is stored shall be posted with warning signs calling attention to the danger of bringing open lights into the vicinity.
§ 5.96. Nitric acid.
(a) Due to the danger to workers from inhalation of nitrous fumes in case of fire or of the breakage of carboys, carboys containing nitric acid shall be stored in detached sheds with sandstone, brick, or other suitable flooring, in quantities not to exceed 100 carboys, in not more than four rows. Nitric acid in carboys may be stored in unlimited quantities in the open.
(b) The following notice will be supplied by the Department on application, and shall be posted at all places in plants where there is danger of poisoning by acid fumes:
ACID FUMES
WARNING—The Inhalation of Dense Acid Fumes May Cause Death. Employes are strictly prohibited from entering buildings where acid fumes exist, or tanks, or confined spaces which are not entirely clear of acid fumes, unless they wear the proper protective equipment such as gas masks, hose masks, etc. Employes working in tanks shall, in addition to the gas mask, hose mask, etc., wear a lifeline which is at all times in the hands of an assistant stationed outside of the tank. Employes who have been exposed to acid fumes and who feel weak, sick, short of breath, or who are attacked with cramps or coughing shall report this condition to their foreman or to the hospital at once, so that proper treatment can be given. Don’t wait to get home. Delay may be fatal. Take no chances. Responsibility for complying with these regulations shall rest with the foreman or other person designated for that purpose by the management of the plant. Failure to comply with these regulations may subject the offender to a penalty of a fine or imprisonment.
(c) Water shall always be available for use in case of evolution of nitrous fumes caused by breakage or other accident, and all workers handling such acid shall be warned against sprinkling sawdust, earth, or anything of an organic nature on spilled acid. Only water or alkalies shall be used upon spilled nitric acid.
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS: FUMES, VAPORS, GASES
AND CHEMICALS
§ 5.101. Scope.
The provisions of this section and § § 5.102—5.104 apply to all buildings in which fumes, vapors, or gases of an asphyxiating or poisonous nature are manufactured, used, handled, or stored, and in buildings in which chemicals which give off such fumes, vapors, or gases are produced, used, handled, or stored.
§ 5.102. Resuscitation and physical examination.
(a) For every 50 persons or less employed and exposed to risk, there shall be present at all times at least two persons who are trained or competent to apply resuscitation by the prone pressure or Schaeffer method or by effective mechanical devices.
(b) A sufficient number of helmets, gas masks or hose masks suitable for the kind of gas and the concentration encountered, shall be kept at each plant where there may be asphyxiating gases, fumes or vapors.
(c) Employes who are required by the employer to wear helmets, gas masks or hose masks in making repairs or in maintenance work, shall be thoroughly instructed in the use of such apparatus and be physically examined by a licensed physician at least once every 90 days, or after absence from work due to either sickness or accident. The physician shall certify to the proper physical condition of those so employed and no employe shall be permitted to do such work unless examined and certified.
Cross References This section cited in 34 Pa. Code § 5.101 (relating to scope).
§ 5.103. Cleaning tanks.
(a) When it is necessary for an employe to enter any vats, tanks or other containers in which there have been used, stored or manufactured, gases, fumes or vapors of an asphyxiating or poisonous nature, or materials which give off gases, fumes or vapors of such a nature, the following procedure shall be pursued:
(1) Containers shall be emptied and all connections shall be disconnected and blanked off.
(2) Containers shall be thoroughly cleaned by repeated washings with water, soda water, steam, compressed air or other suitable means.
(3) When the person in charge considers conditions satisfactory, employes may enter such containers. They shall use a helmet, gas mask or hose mask, and have attached to their bodies a lifeline or rope, if the person in charge considers it necessary.
(4) The lifeline or rope shall be under the control of one or more fellow workmen, who shall remain outside the container ready to render assistance if necessary.
(5) After the work is finished, the men should at once take a bath and change their clothing, including shoes, if the foreman or other person in charge deems it necessary. Facilities for such baths shall be provided.
(b) The superintendent of the plant will be held responsible for the enforcement of the provisions of this section.
Cross References This section cited in 34 Pa. Code § 5.101 (relating to scope).
§ 5.104. Other chemicals.
The handling and storage of all chemicals necessary for the operation of explosives plants, not specifically provided for, shall be in accordance with recognized safe practices.
Cross References This section cited in 34 Pa. Code § 5.101 (relating to scope).
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS: EXPLOSIVES
§ 5.111. Storage of explosive material.
(a) Buildings in which explosives are manufactured, handled, used, or temporarily stored, are classed as ‘‘explosives buildings.’’ Those buildings in which finished explosives not being used in the process of manufacture are kept for periods exceeding 48 hours will be classed as ‘‘magazines.’’
(b) Explosive material not in the process of manufacture or being used in loading detonators, timing, or priming caps, or in like processes, shall not be stored in workrooms where people are employed, except under the following conditions:
(1) When the quantity used daily does not exceed 100 pounds, it is permissible to keep the quantity necessary daily in closely covered receptacles.
(2) When the quantity used daily exceeds 100 pounds, only 100 pounds may be stored in the workroom at one time, and then only if it is suitably protected from careless handling. Additional supplies shall be brought from the magazine as needed.
(3) Explosive materials being used may be stored in any quantity in storage buildings erected for that purpose, if such buildings are not used for other purposes and are located at distances in accordance with § 5.122 (relating to tables of quantity and distance).
(4) Fulminates or materials of like sensibility shall be brought into workrooms in quantities sufficient for current use only.
(c) Explosive materials not in process of manufacture or not being used in processes of manufacturing shall be stored in magazines.
§ 5.112. Plans of plants.
(a) Each existing concern manufacturing, using, handling, or storing explosives shall keep in the office of the superintendent of each plant a plan of the plant, showing the location of all explosives buildings and the distance they are located from other explosives buildings or buildings where persons are employed, and from magazines. Such plans shall at all times be open to inspection by authorized inspectors of the Department. The superintendent shall, upon demand by the inspector, furnish the following information:
(1) The number of persons ordinarily engaged at work in or at each building or the proposed number to be allowed there.
(2) The maximum amount and kind of explosive material which is or will be present in each building at one time.
(3) The nature and kind of work carried on in each building, whether such buildings are surrounded by natural or artificial barricades, and the dimensions of such barricades, if any.
(b) The plans of buildings proposed to be used for manufacturing or loading explosives shall be submitted to the Department for approval before the buildings are used for such purposes.
(c) Any concern engaging in the manufacture, use or handling of explosives shall comply with subsection (a), prior to, or at the time of, commencing operations.
§ 5.113. Admission to plants.
(a) The entrance to plants manufacturing explosives exclusively, and to all portions of plants where explosives buildings are maintained, shall be fenced off in a manner which will prevent the entrance of persons other than employes, unless permission is first obtained from the owner or his authorized representative. At no point shall the fence be located at a distance less than 100 feet from an explosives building.
(b) No person, other than authorized employes or properly identified State inspectors, shall be allowed in a plant manufacturing explosives or handling or using explosives in the process of manufacture unless they receive permission from the owner or his authorized representative and are accompanied by such person. A record of such permissions granted shall be kept on file in the office.
(c) No person suspected of being intoxicated shall be allowed upon the premises of a plant manufacturing or using explosives, or in any explosives building.
(d) No employe, other than those authorized to do work in or around such buildings, shall be allowed to remain in or near explosives buildings.
§ 5.114. Material allowed in explosives buildings.
All explosives buildings shall be kept clear of unnecessary tools, refuse, and debris of any kind at all times, and shall not be used as temporary storehouses for material not necessary at that time in manufacture. No explosives building, while containing explosives, shall be used as a storehouse of any sort.
§ 5.115. Repairs.
Necessary repairs in an explosives building shall be attended to by a repairs engineer or other authorized person. The foreman or person in charge of the building shall be responsible for seeing that only authorized persons perform such repairs, and that in the case of major repairs all explosive material is removed before repairs are undertaken. After repairs are made, all articles, other than those allowed, shall be removed from the building, and the workroom placed in its original working condition, before work may be resumed.
§ 5.116. Matches prohibited.
No employe shall have in his possession at any time in any explosives plant, any match or other flame-producing device unless he has the written authorization of the superintendent to do so, in which case only safety matches may be used. A search for matches shall be made at irregular intervals.
§ 5.117. Attire of employes.
(a) All employes handling loose explosives or working in or around explosives manufacturing buildings where there is a possibility of explosion by the attrition of metals shall wear powder shoes or rubber soled shoes without iron or steel nails. No pockets shall be allowed in the clothing worn in such work except skeleton pockets. Neither iron nor steel buttons, nor other metal attachments, shall be allowed on such clothes, nor shall metal objects such as knives, keys, and the like, be allowed to be carried in the pockets.
(b) All persons before entering such buildings shall wipe or clean their shoes. All explosives buildings shall be provided at each entrance with devices whereby the shoes of all persons entering may be cleaned.
(c) Suitable change or locker houses shall be provided where employes may change their clothes and wash. No lockers are allowed in explosives buildings.
§ 5.118. Transportation, machinery and platforms.
(a) Trucks or conveyors used for the transportation of loose explosive material, except smokeless powder not in the dry state or wet nitro compounds, shall be provided with either side or end rails or guards, to prevent any concentration of explosives from slipping off the truck or conveyors.
(b) Careful inspection shall be made daily by the foreman to ascertain that all machinery and equipment used in the manufacture or handling of explosives is in perfect order. If not found in such condition, it shall not be used until placed in perfect condition.
(c) All dangerous machinery and moving parts of machinery shall be guarded in accordance with Chapter 29, Subchapter C (relating to mechanical power transmission apparatus).
(d) Platforms, stairways, tanks, vats, runways, and other dangerous places shall be guarded by standard railings and toeboards as required by Chapter 47, Subchapter G (relating to railings, toeboards, open-sided floors, platforms and runways), except where there is danger of dust collecting, when toeboards shall not be used; in all such instances special permission shall be obtained from the Department. Metal shall not be used for railings and toeboards where its presence increases the danger of an explosion. No railings or toeboards shall be so installed as to interfere with safety exits.
(e) The tread of all wheels on trucks or conveyors and the rails used inside of explosives buildings shall be composed of nonsparking material.
§ 5.119. Carrying of explosives.
When explosives are carried from one building to another, employes carrying such explosives shall not follow each other closely, but shall allow an interval of at least one minute in time or 100 feet in distance. This does not apply to such explosives as trinitrotoluol or smokeless powder.
§ 5.120. Cleanliness.
(a) Any spilled explosive material or ingredients shall be cleaned up immediately.
(b) The floors of explosives buildings shall be as free as possible from cracks, openings, or irregularities, and no projecting or visible iron or steel nails are permitted in such floors.
§ 5.121. Electric wiring.
(a) Temporary or loose electric wiring, such as extension lights and the like, is prohibited in explosives buildings, except while making necessary repairs in case of emergency.
(b) All inside electric wiring shall be of a permanent character, installed in metal conduit or lead-encased cable with vapor-proof keyless lamps.
§ 5.122. Tables of quantity and distance.
(a) Buildings and magazines in which explosives are kept in explosives plants shall be located at distances from buildings which are regularly occupied in whole or in part as a habitation for human beings, or any church, schoolhouse, railroad station, store, or other building where people assemble, or railroads which carry passengers for hire, or from public highways, in conformity with the following table:Quantity and Distance Table
Quantity Which May be kept or Stored Distance Distance Distance From From From Blasting & Electric Other Explosives Nearest Nearest Nearest Blasting Caps (in pounds) Building Railway Highway (in pounds) (in feet) (in feet) (in feet) 1,000—5,000 30 20 10 5,000—10,000 60 40 20 10,000—20,000 120 70 35 20,000—25,000 0—50 145 90 45 25,000—50,000 50—100 240 140 70 50,000—100,000 100—200 360 220 110 100,000—150,000 200—300 520 310 150 150,000—200,000 300—400 640 380 190 200,000—250,000 400—500 720 430 220 250,000—300,000 500—600 800 480 240 300,000—350,000 600—700 860 520 310 350,000—400,000 700—800 920 550 280 400,000—450,000 800—900 980 590 300 450,000—500,000 900—1,000 1,020 610 310 500,000—750,000 1,000—1,500 1,060 640 320 750,000—1,000,000 1,500—2,000 1,200 720 360 1,000,000—1,500,000 2,000—3,000 1,300 780 390 1,500,000—2,000,000 3,000—4,000 1,420 850 420 2,000,000—2,500,000 4,000—5,000 1,500 900 450 2,500,000—3,000,000 5,000—6,000 1,560 940 470 3,000,000—3,500,000 6,000—7,000 1,610 970 490 3,500,000—4,000,000 7,000—8,000 1,660 1,000 500 4,000,000—4,500,000 8,000—9,000 1,700 1,020 510 4,500,000—5,000,000 9,000—10,000 1,740 1,040 520 5,000,000—7,500,000 10,000—15,000 1,780 1,070 530 7,500,000—10,000,000 15,000—20,000 1,950 1,170 580 10,000,000—12,500,000 20,000—25,000 2,110 1,270 630 12,500,000—15,000,000 25,000—30,000 2,260 1,360 680 15,000,000—17,500,000 30,000—35,000 2,410 1,450 720 17,500,000—20,000,000 35,000—40,000 2,550 1,530 760 40,000—45,000 2,680 1,610 800 45,000—50,000 2,800 1,680 840 50,000—55,000 2,920 1,750 880 55,000—60,000 3,030 1,820 910 60,000—65,000 3,130 1,880 940 65,000—70,000 3,220 1,940 970 70,000—75,000 3,310 1,990 1,000 75,000—80,000 3,390 2,040 1,020 80,000—85,000 3,460 2,080 1,040 85,000—90,000 3,520 2,120 1,060 90,000—95,000 3,580 2,150 1,080 95,000—100,000 3,630 2,180 1,090 100,000—125,000 3,670 2,200 1,100 125,000—150,000 3,800 2,280 1,140 150,000—175,000 3,930 2,360 1,180 175,000—200,000 4,060 2,440 1,220 200,000—225,000 4,190 2,520 1,260 225,000—250,000 4,310 2,590 1,300 250,000—275,000 4,430 2,660 1,340 275,000—300,000 4,550 2,730 1,380 (b) Factory buildings in which explosives are kept shall be separated from each other, and from other buildings in explosives plants in which persons are regularly employed, and all magazines shall be located from factory buildings and buildings on explosives plants in which persons are regularly employed, in conformity with the Intraplant Quantity and Distance Table set forth in § 5.62 (relating to location).
(c) Magazines in which more than 50 pounds of explosives are kept shall be detached from other structures. Magazines where more than 5,000 pounds of explosives are kept shall be located at least 200 feet from any other magazine, except cap magazines. Magazines where quantities of explosives over 25,000 pounds are kept shall have an increase over 200 feet of 2 2/3 feet for each 1,000 pounds of explosives in excess of 25,000 pounds stored therein; these distances between magazines may be disregarded where the total quantity stored in the magazines complies with the Quantity and Distance Table set forth in subsection (a). In all cases, the quantity of explosives contained in cap magazines shall govern in regard to spacing such magazines from magazines containing other explosives, but under no circumstances shall a magazine containing blasting caps be within less than 100 feet, unbarricaded, or 50 feet, barricaded, from any magazine other than a cap magazine.
(d) Whenever a factory building or magazine is effectively screened from another explosives plant building or magazine, building, railroad or highway, by natural features of the ground or by efficient artificial barricade of such height that any straight line drawn from the top of any sidewall of the factory building or magazine to any part of the explosives plant building, magazine or building to be protected will pass through such intervening natural or efficient artificial barricade, and any straight line drawn from the top of any sidewall of the factory building or magazine to any point 12 feet above the center of the railroad or highway to be protected will pass through such intervening natural or artificial barricade, 1/2 the distances prescribed by the Quantity and Distance Table in this section, the Intraplant Quantity and Distance Table set forth in § 5.62 (relating to location), and the distances separating magazines, may be deemed applicable.
(e) The tables described in subsections (a) and (b) also apply to new construction or replacement.
Cross References This section cited in 34 Pa. Code § 5.111 (relating to storage of explosive material); 34 Pa. Code § 5.191 (relating to distance limitations); and 34 Pa. Code § 11.43 (relating to employment near explosives).
§ 5.123. Protection against lightning.
Lightning protection shall be provided for all electric conduits and circuits entering explosives buildings by means of suitable lightning arresters installed outside, and not upon, such buildings.
§ 5.124. Heating.
When heat is desirable, workrooms shall be heated by a system of steam, indirect hot air radiation, or hot water. The temperature of steam shall not exceed 120 C. Radiators shall be at least 1 inch from all wooden walls or other inflammable material and shall be attached in a manner which facilitates easy inspection and cleaning.
§ 5.125. Fire-extinguishing apparatus.
Outside water mains shall be underground below the frost line. Chemical fire extinguishers are recommended under certain conditions, but not in high explosives and black powder manufacturing buildings. In workrooms where alcohol or other easily inflammable liquids in quantities over one barrel are being used, steam pipes or sprinkler systems for the extinguishing of fires shall be provided.
SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS: NITROGLYCERIN, ITS COMPOUNDS
AND MIXTURES
§ 5.141. Nitrator house.
(a) Floors. The floor of a nitrator house shall be covered with sheet lead or the nitrator shall stand in a suitable lead pan draining to the drowning tank. All seams and joints shall be lead-burned in a careful manner, so that there are no crevices in which nitroglycerin may lodge. The floor shall be so constructed as to be readily washed and drained.
(b) Thermometers. At least one reserve thermometer shall be kept in each nitrator house for use in case of emergency.
(c) Drowning tanks. Each nitrator house shall be provided with a drowning tank with a water capacity at least five times the amount of the acid charge, and with an air agitator and water supply. Valves shall be located conveniently for the operators in case of emergency.
(d) Operation. The operation of each nitrator house shall conform with the following:
(1) When, in the judgment of the Department or its authorized representative, fumes are being given off, adequate vent pipes shall be provided to carry all such fumes from the nitrator to the outside of the building.
(2) There shall be daily inspection of the nitrator as well as a test of its coils.
(3) No iron valves are permitted on any nitroglycerin pipelines, except quick-opening nitrator plug cocks which shall be frequently lubricated. All other valves or stop cocks on nitroglycerin pipelines or containers shall be of stoneware, earthenware, hard rubber or wood, and shall be kept clean and greased at all times.
(4) No repairs shall be made during nitration, except in emergencies.
(5) Nitrators shall be provided with coils for cooling by cold water, brine or other suitable means, and also with means for mechanical and compressed air agitation.
(6) No more than two nitrators shall be installed and not more than three employes shall be regularly employed in one building.
(7) During nitration, the attention of one employe shall be devoted solely to observing the thermometer and running in the glycerin.
(8) No removal of supplies, acids or glycerin drums shall occur in the nitrator house while nitration is going on.
(9) The nitrator house shall be located not less than the proper distance from the nearest operating building containing other employes. The glycerin heating house and acid tanks are excepted.
(10) No charge of nitroglycerin shall be sent to the separator house in a hose line while nitrating operations are in progress.
(11) Catch boxes shall be provided on all outlets for wash water and shall be kept clean.
(12) Floors shall be washed daily, at the conclusion of operations.
§ 5.142. Separator house.
(a) Floors. The floor of a separator house shall be covered with sheet lead, with all seams and joints and burned in a careful manner, so that there are no crevices in which nitroglycerin may lodge. The floor shall be so constructed as to be readily washed and drained. The lead floor covering on new buildings shall be extended at least three inches up each side wall with rounded corners. A lead pan under the receptacle for holding nitroglycerin is acceptable in old construction in lieu of a complete lead floor covering.
(b) Thermometers. At least one reserve thermometer shall be kept in each separator house for use in case of emergency.
(c) Drowning tanks. An air agitator shall be provided for each separating tank and the outlet of each tank shall be suitably arranged so that the entire charge may be drowned in a drowning tank with a water capacity of at least five times that of the acid charge. Such tank shall be provided with an air agitator and water supply.
(d) Operation. The operation of each separator house shall conform with the following:
(1) No more than two charges are allowed in a separator house at one time.
(2) The maximum number of regular employes in each separator house shall be three.
(3) Stopcocks or valves on nitroglycerin pipelines or containers shall be of stoneware, earthenware, hard rubber or wood.
(4) Catch boxes shall be provided on all outlets for wash water and shall be kept clean.
(5) No charge shall be sent from the separator house at a time when a charge is being received.
(6) Each separating tank shall be cleaned and the floors washed at the conclusion of work each day.
(7) It is permitted to carry on nitration, separation and neutralization in one building, if not more than four persons are employed, and the regulations prescribed for each individual operation are complied with.
§ 5.143. .Neutralizing storage and freezing houses.
(a) Floors. The floors of a neutralizing storage and freezing house shall be covered with sheet lead, with all seams and joints lead-burned in a careful manner so that there are no crevices in which nitroglycerin may lodge. It shall also be so constructed as to be readily washed and drained. The lead floor covering on new buildings shall be extended at least three inches up each sidewall with rounded corners. A lead pan under the receptacle for holding nitroglycerin is acceptable in old construction in lieu of a complete lead floor covering.
(b) Operation. The operation of each neutralizing storage and freezing house shall conform with the following:
(1) The maximum number of regular employes in each house shall be three.
(2) Catch boxes shall be provided on the outlets for wash water.
(3) No charge of nitroglycerin shall be sent out of a house into a pipeline or gutter during the period in which a charge is being received.
(4) Floors shall be washed at the conclusion of work each day.
§ 5.144. Hand mixing house.
(a) Floors. The floor of a hand mixing house shall be covered with linoleum, rubberoid or other suitable covering, laid either by lapping joints or by cementing their edges.
(b) Operation. The operation of every hand mixing house shall conform with the following:
(1) The maximum number of employes allowed in a mixing house is three, except when supplies are being received or finished material is being removed, when the number may be increased to five.
(2) Proper precautions shall be taken to prevent the freezing of nitroglycerin.
(3) The amount of nitroglycerin stored in a mixing house may not exceed that necessary for the next two mixes.
(4) The mixing bowl shall be made of wood (wood-lead lined) or some other suitable material.
(5) Shovels and rakes shall be made of wood.
(6) No iron or steel tools of any kind are allowed in or about a mixing house or at platforms or entrances, except in case of repairs when operations cease and explosives are removed. No iron drums shall be rolled or dragged over the floor or platform.
(7) The maximum amount of nitroglycerin in a mixing house at one time shall be 2,000 pounds.
(8) No mixed powder shall regularly remain in a mixing house overnight.
Cross References This section cited in 34 Pa. Code § 5.145 (relating to machine mixing house).
§ 5.145. Machine mixing house.
The operation of each machine mixing house shall conform to the regulations for a hand mixing house, as set forth in § 5.144 (relating to hand mixing house), with the following exceptions:
(1) The maximum number of regular employes at one time shall be four, except at a time when supplies are being received or finished material is being taken away, at which time the number may be increased to six.
(2) The maximum amount of explosive material allowed at one time in a building shall be in accordance with the Intraplant Quantity and Distance Table set forth in § 5.62 (relating to location) and recognized safe practices.
§ 5.146. Handpacking or punching house.
The operation of each handpacking or punching house shall conform with the following:
(1) The maximum number of regular employes in each handpacking or punching house shall be seven.
(2) The floors of such houses shall be covered with linoleum, rubberoid or other suitable covering, laid either by lapping joints or by cementing their edges.
(3) No explosive material shall be stored during operations, except what is necessary for operations each day.
(4) A thorough cleaning shall be given at the conclusion of the work each day, and all refuse material shall be destroyed.
(5) Proper precautions shall be taken to prevent the freezing of explosives, and no explosives shall be packed in a frozen condition.
§ 5.147. Box packing house.
The maximum number of regular employes in any box packing house shall be ten.
§ 5.148. Water outlet or shower bath.
A water outlet or shower bath shall be provided inside of all houses where an employe may be burned with acid at any time.
§ 5.149. Transportation.
(a) Hose lines. The transmission of nitroglycerin through hose lines shall conform with the following:
(1) In cold weather, hot water shall be sent down through a hose line or in a gutter surrounding the hose line both before and after a charge of nitroglycerin is sent down the line.
(2) Nitroglycerin lines shall be carried on substantial scaffolding or runways protected by suitable covering.
(3) A thorough examination of the complete system shall be made each day.
(4) No nitroglycerin lines shall pass an explosives building at a distance near enough to cause serious injury if an explosion occurs in the hose line.
(5) Hose lines shall be composed of rubber of the highest quality.
(b) Gutters. When lead gutters are used instead of hose lines, they shall be formed of at least 6 pound lead, suitably lead-burned and located so that they will drain completely toward one end. Rubber gutters are permissible if they are of the highest quality rubber only.
(c) Carriages. Carriages for the transportation of nitroglycerin shall be properly designed and equipped with rubber tires. Smooth runways for such carriages shall be provided and kept in good repair at all times.
§ 5.150. Paraffin dipping.
Dipping of cartridges shall be done in a jacketed kettle, the heat being supplied by hot water or steam, with a maximum pressure of 20 pounds. A paraffin circulating system is also permissible.
§ 5.151. Gelatin mixing and packing.
(a) Gelatin mixing shall be done in a building provided for that purpose. The gelatin packer machine shall be located in a separate building.
(b) The maximum number of regular employes in a packing house shall be five; the maximum number in a mixing house shall be four. When the output is such that it requires an additional number of hand wrappers, they shall be housed in a separate building.
SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS: BLACK POWDER MILLS
§ 5.161. Materials used.
Materials used in the manufacture of black powder shall, prior to mixing or incorporating, be subjected to a magnetic separator or put through a screen.
§ 5.162. Incorporating mills.
(a) The mechanism for starting or stopping an incorporating mill shall be so arranged that after the material has been placed in the bowl the mill may be started only from a reasonably safe station, and then only after all employes have left the building.
(b) No loading or unloading of ingredients or finished mixed material shall occur while a mill is in operation.
(c) Bolts or parts of machinery which might break off and fall into the mill while it is operating shall be suitably protected so that, in the event of such breakage, these parts will not fall into the mixing bowl.
§ 5.163. Cleaning.
(a) Buildings shall be hosed down as necessity demands. At least 1 day each week, at a time designated by the superintendent, there shall be a thorough cleaning of each building with the removal of all accumulated dust from walls and ceilings.
(b) Buildings in which loose powder is handled shall be provided with suitable hose and water connections.
§ 5.164. Examination of machinery.
(a) When going on duty, workmen shall first examine each mill or building in their charge, oil up, and, if anything is out of order, report it to the superintendent or foreman at once. Under no circumstances shall a mill be started unless in proper condition.
(b) When any foreign substance is thought to be in the powder, work and machinery shall be stopped at once, and a report made to the superintendent or foreman to that effect.
(c) At the conclusion of each daily run, machinery and belts shall be examined. If not found to be in first class condition, a report shall be made to the superintendent or foreman.
§ 5.165. Repairs.
(a) When major repairs are necessary in any building, work shall cease shall be guarded with standard railings, as provided in Chapter 47, Subchapter G (relating to railings, toeboards, open-sided floors, platforms and runways) of by the removal of all loose powder and dust and thoroughly wetting down all parts of such machine and room. Repairs shall be made only by persons designated by the management. Caked powder may be removed by soaking with water and then loosening by means of a wooden shovel or wooden spud.
(b) The number of employes present shall be kept to a minimum by the millwright or mechanic, depending upon services needed.
(c) When repairs are complete, all tools taken to the mill shall be accounted for and removed before starting the mill.
§ 5.166. Electric apparatus and lighting.
(a) The lighting of all buildings shall conform to § 5.93 (relating to lighting).
(b) No electric devices which may give off sparks are permitted in rooms where powder dust may be present at any time.
§ 5.167. Metal implements.
No metal implements of any kind, except those made of nonsparking metal, shall be used in handling powder.
SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS: GUNCOTTON, NITROSTARCH,
SMOKELESS POWDER AND SIMILAR PRODUCTS
§ 5.181. General.
(a) Railings and toeboards. Platforms, openings, and stairways shall be guarded with standard railings, as provided in Chapter 47, Subchapter G (relating to railings, toeboards, opensided floors, platforms, and runways), except where there is danger of explosive or inflammable dust collecting, in which case toeboards shall not be used. Metal shall not be used for railing and toeboards where its presence increases the danger of an explosion. No railings or toeboards shall be installed so as to interfere with safety exits.
(b) Walks or runways. Walks or runways shall not be built over the tops of tanks or vats but may be located at the sides of such containers if at least 3 feet, 6 inches below the top. When such conditions cannot be obtained, standard railings shall be installed, and toeboards where necessary.
(c) Escape from buildings. Explosives buildings two or more stories in height shall have at least one outside means of escape which shall be of the chute type or a sloping lateral runway. In no case will steps or ladders be considered a sufficient substitute.
(d) Removal of acid fumes. Provision shall be made for the removal of acid fumes at all stages of the nitrating process.
(e) Protection of employes. Employes shall be instructed to wear suitable protective clothing, such as rubber gloves, rubber aprons and rubber shoes or boots. Suitable respirators and goggles shall be provided by the employer.
(f) Separation of wringers. Each centrifugal wringing out waste acid shall be separated from other wringers by partitions or located at a safe distance from other centrifugals. The compartments created shall be so arranged that employes can quickly escape in case the cotton should ignite.
(g) Water facilities. Adequate water facilities shall be provided for firefighting apparatus, washing purposes and shower baths. The latter are necessary particularly in the event of acid burns.
§ 5.182. Rooms containing ether vapor.
(a) Floors. Floors shall be of such construction that they may be easily kept clean.
(b) Doors. The number of doors shall be sufficient to insure a quick exit of all employes, if necessary.
(c) Electric apparatus. No electric apparatus capable of giving off a spark is permitted in any room containing ether vapor.
(d) Operation. Rooms which may at any time contain ether vapor shall conform to the requirements set forth in § § 5.91—5.93 (relating to construction of buildings; number of employes; lighting).
§ 5.183. Dry houses, dry dump houses and blending houses.
(a) Powder bins. Powder bins shall be suitably grounded to insure safety from static electricity. A monthly inspection and report shall be made of the condition of such apparatus by a competent person designated by the superintendent.
(b) Number of employes allowed. The number of employes allowed shall be as follows:
(1) No more than six employes shall be allowed inside of or around a dry house or dry dump house while a filling or emptying process is being carried on.
(2) No more than 12 employes shall be allowed inside of a cordite blending house.
(3) No more than ten employes shall be allowed inside of a gravity type of blending house (a house in which the entire charge of powder is deposited in a bin or funnel situated one or more floors above the packing floor).
(4) No more than eight employes shall be allowed inside of a bin type of blending house (a house in which all operations are carried on on one floor).
(5) Where more than eight men are necessary to carry on operations in a gravity or bin-type of blending house, a number not exceeding 12 men will be permitted, if a fire-resistive wall of a type approved by the Department or its authorized representative is erected. Such wall shall separate employes engaged in weighing, packing, and inspecting from the bins containing powder. A covered fire-resistive means of escape extending at least 75 feet from the building shall be erected. The plan and type of this means of escape shall also be approved by the Department or its authorized representative.
(6) Restrictions as to the number of employes are intended to include laborers and foremen, but not inspectors, superintendents or other members of the staff of the plant manager whose duties only occasionally require their presence to see that work is progressing properly.
SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS: AMMONIUM NITRATES
§ 5.191. Distance limitations.
(a) Where both finished explosives and raw ammonium nitrate are handled or stored within the distance limitations for intermagazine storage, as prescribed in § 5.122(c) (relating to tables of quantity and distance), the weight of raw ammonium nitrate shall be included in the calculation of the weight of total explosives for determining the proper spacing from highways, public buildings, and railroads, in accordance with § 5.122(a).
(b) Plants used for mixing ammonium nitrate with fuel shall be located in accordance with the provisions of § 5.122. The mixing plant shall be separated from raw nitrate storage areas by at least the distance provided in § 5.122(c); and from the finished storage areas by at least the distance provided in § 5.62 (relating to location). Any raw ammonium nitrate stored closer to finished explosives than the distance provided by § 5.122(c) shall be considered as explosive in calculating the quantity of explosives involved.
(c) Stored ammonium nitrate shall be isolated from readily combustible fuels.
(d) The mixing plant shall provide physically separated areas for the storage of raw material and the finished product, as well as for mixing and packaging operations.
§ 5.192. Operation.
(a) Floors. Floors in storage areas and in the processing plant shall be composed of concrete.
(b) Storage areas. Storage areas for processed or unprocessed ammonium nitrate shall be separated from fuel storage areas.
(c) Draft vents. A natural draft vent shall be provided.
(d) Heating. Heat shall be provided exclusively from a source located outside the building.
(e) Washdown hose and drain. A washdown hose and drain shall be provided.
(f) Mixer design. Mixer design shall avoid possibilities of frictional heating, compaction, and particularly, confinement. Only open mixers shall be used. Bearings and gears shall be protected against the accumulation of ammonium nitrate dust. All surfaces shall be easily accessible for cleaning.
(g) Mixing and packaging equipment. Mixing and packaging equipment shall be constructed of nonsparking materials compatible with the ammonium nitrate composition. Copper and its alloys are not preferred because of corrosion problems.
(h) Personnel limits. Personnel limits shall be established, posted, and enforced while operations involving explosives are underway in the mixing plant.
(i) Daily washdowns. There shall be daily washdowns of the floors and equipment of mixing and packaging rooms to prevent any accumulation of ammonium nitrate or fuel oil or other sensitizers.
(j) Sensitizing of ammonium nitrate materials. The sensitizing of ammonium nitrate in an established mine or quarry and at the site of an explosive blast for immediate use is permitted, subject to all the requirements of this section and such sensitizing shall:
(1) Be done under the direct supervision of a licensed blaster.
(2) In a location reasonably safe in light of the quantities involved.
(3) Using equipment, materials, and methods approved by an authorized representative of the Department as adequate to provide for proper and safe admixture without frictional heating, compaction, or confinement.
(4) In quantities and at locations appropriate to minimize the requirements for storage, handling, and transportation of sensitized ammonium nitrate materials.
(5) Smoking and any open flame are prohibited where sensitizing is being conducted.
(k) Use of liquid hydrocarbon fuels. The use of liquid hydrocarbon fuels of a volatility no higher than No. 2 diesel fuel (minimum flashpoint of 145° F ASTM closed cup procedure) is prohibited.
(l) Use of metal dust. The use of metal dust, such as aluminum powder or chlorates and perchlorates, or explosive oil, such as nitroglycerine, will be permitted only where the strict standards of normal explosive plant operations are met.
(m) Unusual compositions. No unusual compositions shall be attempted, except under the supervision of competent personnel equipped to determine the sensitivity of the resulting compositions.
(n) Distance. A maximum production of one day or the limit determined by the Intraplant Quantity and Distance Table in § 5.62 (relating to location), whichever is less, is permitted within the immediate vicinity of the mixing or packaging plant.
§ 5.193. Blasting prohibited.
Under no circumstances shall caked ammonium nitrate in bags or in bulk be loosened by blasting with explosives. Otherwise permissible explosives shall not be regarded as safe for this purpose.
No part of the information on this site may be reproduced for profit or sold for profit.
This material has been drawn directly from the official Pennsylvania Code full text database. Due to the limitations of HTML or differences in display capabilities of different browsers, this version may differ slightly from the official printed version.
