Section 5.181. General

(a) Railings and toeboards. Platforms, openings, and stairways shall be guarded with standard railings, as provided in Chapter 47, Subchapter G (relating to railings, toeboards, opensided floors, platforms, and runways), except where there is danger of explosive or inflammable dust collecting, in which case toeboards shall not be used. Metal shall not be used for railing and toeboards where its presence increases the danger of an explosion. No railings or toeboards shall be installed so as to interfere with safety exits.

(b) Walks or runways. Walks or runways shall not be built over the tops of tanks or vats but may be located at the sides of such containers if at least 3 feet, 6 inches below the top. When such conditions cannot be obtained, standard railings shall be installed, and toeboards where necessary.

(c) Escape from buildings. Explosives buildings two or more stories in height shall have at least one outside means of escape which shall be of the chute type or a sloping lateral runway. In no case will steps or ladders be considered a sufficient substitute.

(d) Removal of acid fumes. Provision shall be made for the removal of acid fumes at all stages of the nitrating process.

(e) Protection of employes. Employes shall be instructed to wear suitable protective clothing, such as rubber gloves, rubber aprons and rubber shoes or boots. Suitable respirators and goggles shall be provided by the employer.

(f) Separation of wringers. Each centrifugal wringing out waste acid shall be separated from other wringers by partitions or located at a safe distance from other centrifugals. The compartments created shall be so arranged that employes can quickly escape in case the cotton should ignite.

(g) Water facilities. Adequate water facilities shall be provided for firefighting apparatus, washing purposes and shower baths. The latter are necessary particularly in the event of acid burns.