Section 45.101. Steam vats and soaking pits

(a) Walkways. Large steam vats and soaking pits, divided into sections, shall be provided with substantial walkways between each section. Each walkway shall be provided with standard railings, removable if necessary. If the size of stock permits, vat sections shall be restricted to a length of 8 feet or less.

(b) Ventilation. Steaming vats and soaking pits shall be located in buildings or special sheds equipped with ventilating systems which provide the following conditions:

(1) During the months of November, December, January, February, March, April and May of each year, the temperature shall be maintained between 40° F and 95° F. During this period, when the weather is clear and the outside temperature is 40°F or more, the building or shed shall be kept free from steam to a height of 6 feet from the floor. The ventilating system employed to clear steam shall be maintained in operation during less favorable weather conditions.

(2) During the months of June, July, August, September and October of each year, the building or shed shall be kept free from steam to a height of 6 feet from the floor. The systems which are used to produce these conditions may consist of ventilating fans, heating coils, hoods with flues attached over vats and pits, introduction of hot air or other natural ventilating devices.