Section 19.11. Varnishing

(a) An employe, while varnishing the inside of a container, is not permitted to have an open light present in the container, if the substance used for the varnishing is capable of giving off, at or below a temperature of 100°F a gas or vapor which is inflammable or explosive.

(b) The use of coal, coke, charcoal or oil heaters for drying out or heating vats, tanks or casks is prohibited. Only approved electric or gas heaters substantially connected shall be used for this purpose. Heaters are not permitted in vats, tanks or casks in which a person is at work.

(c) Persons engaged in varnishing the inside of containers either by using soluble varnish, varnish or by means of varnish substitutes which are first melted and then applied by means of heat, shall be provided with an approved type of respirator or helmet.

(d) If an effective exhaust system is used for the removal of impure air from the containers in which the process of varnishing is being carried on, respirators or helmets need not be used.

(e) Whenever one or more persons are engaged in varnishing the inside of closed containers, a fellow workman shall be stationed on the outside of the containers to render assistance, if necessary, to the person or persons inside.

(f) Varnish used on the inside of containers shall be prepared only from denatured or grain alcohol.