Section 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.

Notation

Cross References

This section cited in 34 Pa. Code § 13.180 (relating to safety methods and devices).