Pennsylvania Code
Title 34 - LABOR AND INDUSTRY
Part I - Department of Labor and Industry
Chapter 5 - BLASTING, DEMOLITION, FIREWORKS AND EXPLOSIVES
Subchapter D - EXPLOSIVES
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS: EXPLOSIVE VAPORS
Section 5.96 - Nitric acid
Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 38, September 21, 2024
(a) Due to the danger to workers from inhalation of nitrous fumes in case of fire or of the breakage of carboys, carboys containing nitric acid shall be stored in detached sheds with sandstone, brick, or other suitable flooring, in quantities not to exceed 100 carboys, in not more than four rows. Nitric acid in carboys may be stored in unlimited quantities in the open.
(b) The following notice will be supplied by the Department on application, and shall be posted at all places in plants where there is danger of poisoning by acid fumes:
ACID FUMES
WARNING-The Inhalation of Dense Acid Fumes May Cause Death. Employes are strictly prohibited from entering buildings where acid fumes exist, or tanks, or confined spaces which are not entirely clear of acid fumes, unless they wear the proper protective equipment such as gas masks, hose masks, etc. Employes working in tanks shall, in addition to the gas mask, hose mask, etc., wear a lifeline which is at all times in the hands of an assistant stationed outside of the tank. Employes who have been exposed to acid fumes and who feel weak, sick, short of breath, or who are attacked with cramps or coughing shall report this condition to their foreman or to the hospital at once, so that proper treatment can be given. Don't wait to get home. Delay may be fatal. Take no chances. Responsibility for complying with these regulations shall rest with the foreman or other person designated for that purpose by the management of the plant. Failure to comply with these regulations may subject the offender to a penalty of a fine or imprisonment.
(c) Water shall always be available for use in case of evolution of nitrous fumes caused by breakage or other accident, and all workers handling such acid shall be warned against sprinkling sawdust, earth, or anything of an organic nature on spilled acid. Only water or alkalies shall be used upon spilled nitric acid.
