Subchapter C. MANUFACTURE OF NITRO AND
AMIDO COMPOUNDS
GENERAL PROVISIONS Sec.
13.161. Purpose.
13.162. Penalty.
SPECIFICATIONS
13.171. Buildings.
13.172. Platforms.
13.173. Floors.
13.174. Walls.
13.175. Roof.
13.176. Manufacture.
13.177. Cleanliness.
13.178. Health precautions.
13.179. Repairs.
13.180. Safety methods and devices.
13.181. Physical examination.
TRINITROTOLUOL
13.191. Buildings.
13.192. Nitration.
13.193. Storage of acids.
13.194. Washing and centrifuging.
13.195. Recrystallization.
13.196. Drying.
13.197. Packing.
13.198. Storage.
13.199. Inflammable solvents.
13.200. Ammunition.
13.201. Doors.
13.202. Nitrating apparatus.
13.203. Drying apparatus.
13.204. Dust.
13.205. Fire prevention.
13.206. Refuse.
13.207. Repairs.
13.208. Nitric acid.
13.209. Notice.
13.210. Accumulations.
CHEMICALS
13.221. Scope.
13.222. Heating.
Authority The provisions of this Subchapter C issued under act of June 2, 1913 (P. L. 396, No. 267) (71 P. S. § 1441); and act of May 18, 1937 (P. L. 685, No. 174) (43 P. S. § § 25-1—25-15), unless otherwise noted.
Source The provisions of this Subchapter C adopted August 1, 1917; amended through July 1, 1968, unless otherwise noted.
GENERAL PROVISIONS
§ 13.161. Purpose.
(a) This subchapter sets forth rules to safeguard the lives, limbs and health of workers in the manufacture of nitro and amido compounds.
(b) The employer and the employe engaged in the manufacture of nitro and amido compounds shall have the responsibility of complying with the provisions of this Subchapter.
§ 13.162. Penalty.
Any person who violates any of the provisions of this subchapter and any regulations of the Department or who interferes with the Department or its duly authorized representative in the enforcement of such provisions or regulations shall be penalized under the provisions of section 15 of act of May 18, 1937 (P. L. 396, No. 267) (43 P. S. § 25-15).
SPECIFICATIONS
§ 13.171. Buildings.
(a) The buildings in which nitro and amido compounds are manufactured or are regularly recovered in considerable quantities shall be properly ventilated.
(b) Buildings in which twice or more nitrated compounds of benzol, toluene or phenol are manufactured shall be of fire-resistive material or separated from other buildings.
§ 13.172. Platforms.
(a) Use. It is recommended that platforms be so erected in a free space at least equal in surface to a quarter of the floor space of the building. It is recommended to leave between platforms and the outer walls either a free space or a space covered by slats 2 to 3 feet wide, which is calculated by adding the area of this space to the free space.
(b) Distance. The distance of the larger platforms from the floor and from each other shall be 10 feet in so far as is possible and practicable. For smaller platforms a shorter distance is permitted, if it does not interfere with the ventilation of the building.
(c) Kettles. On top of melting kettles and distilling apparatus, only such platforms shall be built as are absolutely necessary for the proper handling of the apparatus. It is recommended that care be taken in constructing an apparatus so that vapors and gases cannot escape and injure those obliged to be upon the platform.
(d) Construction. Platforms on which work is regularly carried on with nitro and amido compounds shall be light and easy to clean, and covered with sheet lead where advisable.
(e) Railings and toe boards. Platforms shall be equipped with railings and toe boards in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 47, Subchapter G (relating to railings, toeboards, open-sided floors, platforms and runways).
§ 13.173. Floors.
The floor of the workroom and the storage room shall be nonabsorbent, smooth, and easy to clean. Where necessary, wood or cement floors are permissible.
§ 13.174. Walls.
The walls of the workroom shall be kept clean. If painted with calcimine they shall be repainted at least once a year. Windows which may be opened shall be provided on at least two sides.
§ 13.175. Roof.
If necessary the roof shall have a sufficient number of ventilators or other appliances which allow sufficient ventilation of the workroom and which may be kept open, even when it rains. Windows or skylights shall be constructed to permit operation from the floor or platform. Skylights in the roof shall be constructed of wire glass.
§ 13.176. Manufacture.
(a) Pipe lines. The work in the factories shall be regulated to avoid direct physical contact to the employes of nitro and amido compounds. It is recommended, when practicable, that liquid nitro and amido compounds be transported through closed pipe lines either by pumping, blowing, suction or by gravity.
(b) Spent air. Gravity or suction is recommended because in the use of compressed air fine parts of the compounds go off with the air. Spent compressed air shall be vented outside, but if this is obnoxious to persons in the neighborhood, it is recommended that the spent air be purified before it is expelled. This also applies to the air which is expelled from vacuum pumps of distilling apparatus, as it frequently contains small quantities of anilin, and other similar substances.
(c) Covered apparatus. Liquid nitro and amido compounds shall be kept and stored only in covered vessels. Whenever the nitro and amido compounds are handled in such manner that dust, gases, or vapors are generated, especially in powdering, sifting and packing operations, the work shall be carried on when practicable in covered or closed apparatus. The vapors from receivers of distillates shall be excluded from work buildings.
(d) Chiseling. Chiseling out of solid nitro and amido compounds that are explosive is strictly forbidden and when such compounds are poisonous chiseling is permitted only if proper precautions are taken.
(e) Drying. It is recommended that drying be done in separate buildings used for drying only, or in properly constructed apparatus. Frequently drying may be avoided by melting the nitro and amido compounds and breaking them up when they are cold.
(f) Safety valves. When boilers are fed with water containing anilin, the boiler shall be fitted with suitable safety valves and water glasses which prevent the entering of steam or water containing anilin into the workroom.
(g) Exhaust systems. When the Department or its authorized representative, deems it necessary, all apparatus and machinery in which nitro and amido compounds are manufactured, transported, treated, distilled, centrifuged, filtered, dried, ground, mixed, packed or filled, shall be fitted with a reliable attachment that removes such dust, gases or vapors which may be generated.
(h) Disposition of vapors. When the Department or its authorized representative deems it necessary, special care shall be taken to dispose of all vapors which are generated in the opening, discharging, and filling of dry rooms, melting kettles, autoclaves and other pressure vessels.
§ 13.177. Cleanliness.
The workroom shall be kept free from nitro and amido compounds. If any compounds are spilled they shall be removed immediately. The floor shall be cleaned at least once every 24 hours.
§ 13.178. Health precautions.
(a) Process men. This term as used in this section shall mean those employes whose work brings them into immediate contact with nitro and amido compounds, either in the manufacture of those compounds or in the repair of apparatus used in their manufacture. The term does not include employes whose duty is in the power plant or other employes whose work does not bring them into such contact.
(b) Information. The employer shall inform all employes engaged in the manufacture or other handling of nitro and amido compounds of the poisonous quality of these products and the necessity for strict compliance with all health precautions enumerated in this section.
(c) Clothing. Shirts, overalls, caps, stockings, shoes, gloves and other wearing apparel which have become saturated with poisonous nitro and amido compounds in such manner that the skin comes in immediate contact with them, shall be immediately taken off, the skin washed with vinegar and then with water, and the employe shall then put on clothing which has not been in contact with these substances.
(d) Liquor and smoking. Employes shall be warned that the use of alcoholic liquors and chewing tobacco is harmful to their health. Smoking in the workroom is strictly forbidden.
(e) Dining, washing, and dressing rooms. Food shall not be kept or eaten in the workroom. A suitable dining room absolutely separate from the workroom shall be provided. Employes shall not be allowed to enter this room until they have washed both face and hands. The washing and dressing rooms, and bathrooms, shall be separate from the workrooms. These rooms shall be suitably fitted, kept clean, and properly heated. No one shall be allowed to keep any wearing apparel in the workroom. All process men shall dress in the dressing room or washroom. Each process man shall have two lockers, one for his working and one for his street clothing, or a properly divided double locker or such method for storing clothing as the Department may approve or its authorized representative. A proper number of washing appliances shall be provided. Soap and towels shall be furnished in suitable numbers and free of charge.
(f) Bath. Every workman who comes in contact with the nitro and amido compounds shall take a bath daily before he leaves the factory.
(g) Disability. It is recommended that men who suffer from inflammation of the bladder not be employed in factories where nitro and amido compounds are made.
(h) Alcoholic liquor. Men who are addicted to the use of alcoholic liquors shall not be employed and no employe upon whom the odor of alcoholic liquor is detected shall be allowed to enter the factory.
(i) Age. It is recommended that process men be between the ages of 22 and 50 years. It is also recommended that applicants for employment presenting evidences of anemia or of emaciation not be employed as process men because of their increased susceptibility.
(j) Women. Application for permission to employ women in the manufacture of nitro and amido compounds shall be filed with the Department. It may be granted to women over 18 years of age after scientific investigation by the Department has determined conclusively that exposure to the compounds in question does not exist.
(k) Toilets. Toilets shall be provided in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 41 (relating to sanitation).
(l) Drinking fountains. The employer shall provide and maintain a sufficient number of sanitary drinking fountains readily accessible for the use of all employes.
(m) Eating. It is recommended that all process men be alerted to the danger of
(2) The process.
(n) Excessive perspiration. It is recommended that those who suffer from excessive perspiration not be employed as process men.
(o) Bodily cleanliness. Since bodily cleanliness is essential to good health, it is recommended that those employes who do not take frequent baths not be employed as process men.
§ 13.179. Repairs.
(a) All repairs and changes on the machinery, apparatus, and pipes for nitro and amido compounds shall be made only after they have been thoroughly cleaned.
(b) If 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 an asphyxiating or poisonous nature, the following procedure shall be pursued:
(1) The containers shall be emptied. All connections shall be disconnected and blanked-off.
(2) The containers shall be cleaned thoroughly by repeated washings with water, soda water, steam, compressed air or other suitable means.
(3) If the person in charge then considers conditions satisfactory, employes may enter such containers. They shall use an approved type of helmet and have attached to their bodies a life line or rope if the person in charge considers it necessary.
(4) The life line or rope shall be under the control of one or more fellow workmen who shall remain outside of the container in order to render any necessary assistance.
(5) After the work is finished the men shall take, at once, a bath and change their clothing, including shoes, if the foreman or other person in charge shall deem it necessary. Facilities for taking such baths shall be provided.
(c) The superintendent of the plant shall be held responsible for enforcing the requirements of this section.
Cross References This section cited in 34 Pa. Code § 13.180 (relating to safety methods and devices).
§ 13.180. Safety methods and devices.
(a) For every 50 or less process men employed and exposed to the work risks of § 13.179 (relating to repairs) there shall be present at all times at least two persons who are trained or competent to apply means of resuscitation by the prone pressure or Schaeffer method or by mechanical devices.
(b) A sufficient number of helmets of an approved type shall be kept at each plant, so that they may be available for use by every employe who may enter places where there may be asphyxiating or poisonous gases, fumes, or vapors.
(c) All employes who are required by the employer to wear helmets 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 the men so employed and no employe shall be permitted to do such repair work unless so examined and certified.
(d) Oxygen inhalation apparatus shall be kept on hand, and the foreman and authorized employes shall be instructed in its use. In all cases in which the apparatus has been used, a physician shall at once be called, or the sick employe removed to a hospital. A supply of oxygen or the means for its production shall be kept on hand.
(e) If oxygen tanks are used, at least two shall be kept on hand at all times, one of which shall be full.
§ 13.181. Physical examination.
(a) All applicants for employment as process men shall be physically examined by a licensed physician either before commencing work or before the expiration of 24 hours after their employment.
(b) All process men shall be physically reexamined by a licensed physician at least once every 30 days and before resuming work after an absence due to sickness, accident, or any other cause.
(c) Such examinations shall consist of determining and recording in a book or upon a card all of the following facts:
(1) Name, age, and address.
(2) The process.
(3) The weight and height.
(4) The pulse.
(5) The blood pressure.
(6) The haemoglobin.
(7) The examination of urine-reaction.
(8) The specific gravity.
(9) The albumin.
(10) The sugar.
(11) The casts.
(d) The records of these examinations shall at all times be open for inspection by the Department or its authorized representative.
(e) The examining physician shall request the factory manager or superintendent to suspend from work any process man who, he believes, is suffering from poisoning and report such case to the Department.
(f) The employer shall provide, without expense to the employe a hospital room or dispensary, separate and apart from the workroom or rooms, and shall be equipped with all of the following:
(1) A couch, bed or surgical table.
(2) Two pairs of woolen blankets.
(3) Two hot water bottles.
(4) Two tanks of oxygen, one of which shall be completely full, and the necessary apparatus for administering them.
(5) An oxygen helmet for rescue work.
(6) All necessary devices for artificial respiration.
(7) A shower bath with hot and cold water.
(8) At least one stretcher.
(9) A toilet which complies with the requirements of Chapter 41 (relating to sanitation).
(g) Employers shall keep in a book or on a card, a record of all employes, showing their exact employment and all changes to other work. This record shall at all times be open for inspection by the Department or its authorized representative.
TRINITROTOLUOL
§ 13.191. Buildings.
(a) Trinitrotoluol shall be manufactured in a special plant which is at an approved distance from other factories or portions of factories.
(b) Buildings in which twice or more nitrated compounds of benzol or twice or more nitrated compounds of toluol are manufactured shall be of fire-resistive material or separated from other buildings.
(c) Trinitrotoluol factories which are not on the land of an explosives factory shall be surrounded by a fence which prevents the entering of outsiders. At the gates proper signs shall be posted prohibiting the entrance of unauthorized outsiders. Smoking upon the premises is prohibited.
§ 13.192. Nitration.
Nitration shall be performed in high airy rooms, allowing easy escape of vapors, and in which no nitrated product is stored or handled in a dry condition. There shall be an approved number of easily accessible exits.
§ 13.193. Storage of acids.
It is recommended that the storage of spent acids be done in tanks, standing in the open air and only roofed over.
§ 13.194. Washing and centrifuging.
All washing and centrifuging operations shall be performed in a building in which no nitrated product is stored. There shall be ample ventilation.
§ 13.195. Recrystallization.
The recrystallizing of the crude trinitrotoluol with easily inflammable solvents such as alcohol, benzol or toluol shall take place in a building standing alone. All solution tubs, crystallizing vessels, centrifuges and conveying apparatus shall be closed in such manner that vapors in dangerous quantities do not escape into the workroom. Proper ventilation of the workroom shall be provided. All platforms in this building shall have an exit into the open air.
§ 13.196. Drying.
The drying of the trinitrotoluol shall be carried on in a building standing alone. The separation of the pure trinitrotoluol from the solvent may be done in the building for the recrystallizing if the apparatus used avoids accumulation.
§ 13.197. Packing.
All packing shall be done in separate packing houses.
§ 13.198. Storage.
Trinitrotoluol shall be stored in separate stock rooms and protected by an approved type of barricade. The location of the stock rooms from the nearest manufacturing building shall be at an approved distance.
Cross References This section cited in 34 Pa. Code § 13.200 (relating to ammunition).
§ 13.199. Inflammable solvents.
(a) The storage tanks of inflammable solvents or toluol shall be constructed in such manner that the contents of the tanks, in case of leakage cannot run over the surroundings. It is recommended that storage vessels be below ground. If such solvents are stored above ground, they shall be stored in an approved manner. Storage in open air in iron drums in a suitable place is permissible.
(b) Earth embankments of sufficient height to hold the contents of tanks in case of leakage shall be placed around all tanks of inflammable materials when such tanks are located above ground.
§ 13.200. Ammunition.
The manufacture of ammunition from trinitrotoluol shall be conducted in a separate building or plant. Ammunition shall be stored according to the requirements of § 13.198 (relating to storage).
§ 13.201. Doors.
All doors which lead into the open air shall open outward.
§ 13.202. Nitrating apparatus.
All nitrating vessels shall have reliable appliances for stirring and for the regulation of the temperature, as well as ventilating apparatus for the removal of the vapor.
§ 13.203. Drying apparatus.
(a) If the drying is done on small drying hand trays the heating elements shall be so arranged that the material to be dried or the dust cannot come in direct contact with them. The temperature in the drying chambers shall not exceed 60 C. All drying apparatus shall be so constructed that the gases escape easily without dangerous pressure if the trinitrotoluol should ignite.
(b) If the drying is done in large drying pans, hot water or low pressure steam at not over 20 pounds pressure per square inch shall be employed for heating. The contents shall be kept in constant motion and the apparatus constructed to prevent the escape of vapors into the workroom.
§ 13.204. Dust.
The drying and sifting apparatus shall be so constructed as to prevent as far as practicable the escape of dust. All walls, floors, radiators, electric bulbs and other similar equipment shall be kept free from the accumulation of trinitrotoluol dust. All employes shall be provided without cost with respirators, for their protection against dust.
§ 13.205. Fire prevention.
(a) In rooms which have easily inflammable solvents or dried TNT (trinitrotoluol), the following shall not be employed:
(1) Electric motors.
(2) Electric bells.
(3) Any other sparking apparatus.
(b) Centrifuges shall not have a brake nor shall it be allowed to brake them in any manner. Oily waste shall be kept outside the workroom in safety cans which shall be cleaned frequently. In all drying, breaking and sifting operations the friction of iron against iron is not permissible.
§ 13.206. Refuse.
Impure trinitrotoluol shall be refined and purified before it is used. All refuse from the nitration or recrystallizing rooms which is still useful shall be removed from such rooms and kept in a special room until it is refined. It is not permissible to bury any refuse which contains trinitrotoluol. Such refuse shall be placed in containers and destroyed from time to time under the supervision of an experienced foreman.
§ 13.207. Repairs.
Repairs on apparatus and other tools which have been in contact with trinitrotoluol are permissible only after they have been thoroughly cleaned. The remelting of old vessels, lead pipe, and other equipment is permissible only after they have been burned off in an open fire. All other vessels, lead pipe and other equipment which have become useless shall be treated in the same manner or destroyed by explosion.
§ 13.208. Nitric acid.
Because of the danger to the employe 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, and in quantities not to exceed 100 carboys placed in not more than four rows. Nitric acid in carboys may be stored in the open in unlimited quantities.
§ 13.209. Notice.
(a) The Department, on application, shall supply the following notice which 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 dense acid fumes exist, or tanks, or confined spaces which are not entirely clear of acid fumes, unless they wear helmets.
Employes working in such places shall, in addition to the helmets, wear life lines which are at all times in the hands of assistants 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 the foreman, or to the works dispensary or hospital at once so that proper treatment may be given. They should not wait to get home. Delay may be fatal.
Responsibility for complying with these rules shall rest with the foreman or other person designated for that purpose by the management of the plant.
Failure to comply with these rules may subject the offender to a penalty of a fine or imprisonment. Department of Labor and Industry
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
(b) Water shall be always available for use in case of evolution of nitrous fumes caused by breakage or other accident to carboys, and all employes handling such acid shall be warned against sprinkling sand, sawdust, earth, or anything other than water or alkalies upon any spilled nitric acid.
(c) There shall be a shower bath at all places, where there is danger that an employe may be burned by contact with acid.
§ 13.210. Accumulations.
No more trinitrotoluol may be kept in the workroom than is necessary for concurrent use.
CHEMICALS
§ 13.221. Scope.
The handling and storage of acids and other chemicals necessary for the operation of plants not covered by the provisions of this subchapter shall be in accordance with safe methods and practices.
§ 13.222. Heating.
The workroom when desirable shall be heated by a system of steam, indirect hot air radiation or hot water. The temperature of the steam may not exceed 120°C. The radiators shall be at least 1 inch distant from all wood walls or other inflammable material and shall be attached in such manner as to be easily cleaned and inspected.
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