Section 39.30. Dusts, gases, and volatile liquids

(a) Dusts. If dusts are likely to be present, there should be compliance with the following:

(1) The striking of matches; the smoking of cigars, cigarettes, or pipes; the use of open flames, open fire, open lights or arc-forming electrical equipment in the presence of explosive or inflammable gases or explosive organic or metallic dusts should not be permitted. The use of materials creating such dusts around electrical equipment should not be permitted unless such equipment is properly protected.

(2) All electric light globes shall be protected by a vapor-proof globe and guard in the presence of an inflammable or explosive dust hazard, as provided in Subchapter B (relating to electric safety).

(3) Extreme care should be exercised by all persons to prevent the introduction of metal parts into conveyor or disposal systems where an explosive dust hazard exists.

(4) Explosive metallic or organic dust should not be allowed to accumulate on floors, rafters, beams, machinery or other loading places from which it may be blown by vibration or air currents.

(b) Gases. If gases are present, there should be compliance with the following:

(1) The provisions of subsection (a)(1).

(2) Gas leaks should not be sought with matches, candles, or other open flame lights. Soapy water is an excellent detector of gas leaks.

(3) Where oxygen, acetylene, or similar gases piped from a central point are used in quantity at permanent work places, they should be piped to the point of usage in permanent tubing or piping.

(4) Grease or oil should not be used to lubricate the valves or joints of compressed gas containers. Acetylene should not be used at more than 15 pounds pressure per square inch. The valves of all containers should be tightly closed at all times when not actually in use, especially when connected with torches or other apparatus and particularly at the end of the daily work and on all supposedly empty containers.

(5) Containers of compressed gas should not be subjected to dropping, bumping, rough handling or temperature in excess of normal atmosphere. Such containers should always be maintained in a horizontal position unless cribs or racks are provided to prevent them from falling if maintained in an upright position.

(6) Compressed gas containers should not be permitted to remain in direct contact with sunlight during warm weather.

(c) Volatile liquids. The use of volatile liquids should conform to the following:

(1) The use of matches, cigars, cigarettes, pipes, open flame or fire-producing equipment should be prohibited in all places where inflammable or explosive volatile liquids or oils are stored, handled, or used. Leaky gasoline containers should not be soldered until all traces of gasoline vapor have been removed.

(2) Adequate ventilation should be applied to operations where toxic volatile liquids are used in cleaning or degreasing operations, particularly carbon tetrachloride, perchlorethylene and trichloroethylene. This requirement is not applicable if nonhazardous liquids or materials are used and it is strongly recommended that substitute safe means be employed.

(3) Tanks, pipes or drums used in the storage, handling or use of inflammable or explosive volatile liquids or oils should be properly grounded to carry off any static electricity which may be generated.