Pennsylvania Code
Title 34 - LABOR AND INDUSTRY
Part I - Department of Labor and Industry
Chapter 47 - MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
Subchapter E - FOUNDRIES
SPECIFICATIONS
Section 47.169 - Brass foundries

(a) Generally. The regulations relating to dust, smoke, gases, fumes, ventilation, sanitation, heat, light, gangways, aisles, safety appliances, washrooms, cleaning rooms, drying and locker accommodations, as specified for iron and steel foundries, shall apply to brass foundries, except that main gangways shall be not less than 4 feet wide and gangways between molds on spill troughs not less than 3 feet wide.

(b) Platform. When the crown plate of an upright melting furnace is elevated above the surrounding floor in excess of 12 inches, the furnace shall be equipped with a platform guarded with a standard railing. The platform shall be constructed of metal or other fire-resistive material, extend along the front and sides of the furnace flush with the crown plate, be at least 4 feet in width, and be clear of all obstructions during pouring time. If the platform is elevated above the floor in excess of 12 inches, the lowering from the platform of crucibles containing molten metal shall be by mechanical means.

(c) Crucibles. When the combined weight of a crucible, tongs and molten metal exceeds 100 pounds, it shall be removed from the furnace and deposited on the floor by mechanical means.

(d) Smoke boxes. When smoke finish is desired on molds made on benches or tubs, smoke boxes which shall effectively trap the smoke shall be used and connected with flues to the outer air.

(e) Molders. When molders work side by side, at least 5 feet of space sideways shall be allowed for each employe, and a clear space of 3 feet shall be provided back of each employe.

(f) Ventilators. Hoods shall be provided directly above all brass melting furnaces using gas or oil as fuel, which effectively trap all gases and fumes generated in the melting of the metal. The hoods shall be provided with outlet pipes to lead the gases or fumes to the outer air. Ventilators shall be provided over all other furnaces used for melting brass or composition metal to effectively remove the gases above the furnaces.

(g) Light. Brass foundries shall be provided with natural light from at least two sides, or from at least one side with skylights in the roof.

(h) Legs and feet. Persons removing or handling pots containing molten metal from furnaces shall be provided with protection for the legs and feet.

(i) Dirt riddling. Gangway dirt and floor scrapings shall not be riddled in the room where workmen are employed, unless it is dampened so as to prevent the rising of dust.

(j) Stoves. When stoves for drying molds are located in the rooms used by workmen they shall be surrounded by a casing of fire-resistive material to the full height of the stove.

(k) Ceiling. No brass foundry shall be constructed after November 1, 1915, with a clearance less than 14 feet between the lowest point of the ceiling and the floor, except that where a peak, saw-tooth, monitor or arch roof is constructed, the side walls may be of a minimum height of 12 feet.