Section 5.103. Cleaning tanks

(a) When 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 such a nature, the following procedure shall be pursued:

(1) Containers shall be emptied and all connections shall be disconnected and blanked off.

(2) Containers shall be thoroughly cleaned by repeated washings with water, soda water, steam, compressed air or other suitable means.

(3) When the person in charge considers conditions satisfactory, employes may enter such containers. They shall use a helmet, gas mask or hose mask, and have attached to their bodies a lifeline or rope, if the person in charge considers it necessary.

(4) The lifeline or rope shall be under the control of one or more fellow workmen, who shall remain outside the container ready to render assistance if necessary.

(5) After the work is finished, the men should at once take a bath and change their clothing, including shoes, if the foreman or other person in charge deems it necessary. Facilities for such baths shall be provided.

(b) The superintendent of the plant will be held responsible for the enforcement of the provisions of this section.

Notation

Cross References

This section cited in 34 Pa. Code § 5.101 (relating to scope).