Section 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.