Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 38, September 21, 2024
(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.
