Section 5.141. Nitrator house

(a) Floors. The floor of a nitrator house shall be covered with sheet lead or the nitrator shall stand in a suitable lead pan draining to the drowning tank. All seams and joints shall be lead-burned in a careful manner, so that there are no crevices in which nitroglycerin may lodge. The floor shall be so constructed as to be readily washed and drained.

(b) Thermometers. At least one reserve thermometer shall be kept in each nitrator house for use in case of emergency.

(c) Drowning tanks. Each nitrator house shall be provided with a drowning tank with a water capacity at least five times the amount of the acid charge, and with an air agitator and water supply. Valves shall be located conveniently for the operators in case of emergency.

(d) Operation. The operation of each nitrator house shall conform with the following:

(1) When, in the judgment of the Department or its authorized representative, fumes are being given off, adequate vent pipes shall be provided to carry all such fumes from the nitrator to the outside of the building.

(2) There shall be daily inspection of the nitrator as well as a test of its coils.

(3) No iron valves are permitted on any nitroglycerin pipelines, except quick-opening nitrator plug cocks which shall be frequently lubricated. All other valves or stop cocks on nitroglycerin pipelines or containers shall be of stoneware, earthenware, hard rubber or wood, and shall be kept clean and greased at all times.

(4) No repairs shall be made during nitration, except in emergencies.

(5) Nitrators shall be provided with coils for cooling by cold water, brine or other suitable means, and also with means for mechanical and compressed air agitation.

(6) No more than two nitrators shall be installed and not more than three employes shall be regularly employed in one building.

(7) During nitration, the attention of one employe shall be devoted solely to observing the thermometer and running in the glycerin.

(8) No removal of supplies, acids or glycerin drums shall occur in the nitrator house while nitration is going on.

(9) The nitrator house shall be located not less than the proper distance from the nearest operating building containing other employes. The glycerin heating house and acid tanks are excepted.

(10) No charge of nitroglycerin shall be sent to the separator house in a hose line while nitrating operations are in progress.

(11) Catch boxes shall be provided on all outlets for wash water and shall be kept clean.

(12) Floors shall be washed daily, at the conclusion of operations.