S.I. No. 109/1975:

FACTORIES (CHEMICAL FACTORIES) REGULATIONS, 1975.

FACTORIES (CHEMICAL FACTORIES) REGULATIONS, 1975.

I, MICHAEL O'LEARY, Minister for Labour, in exercise of the powers conferred on me by sections 6 , 8 , 53 , 54 , 57 and 71 of the Factories Act, 1955 (No. 10 of 1955), and the Labour (Transfer of Departmental Administration and Ministerial Functions) Order, 1966 ( S.I. No. 164 of 1966 ), after consultation with the Minister for Health and after due compliance with the provisions of the Third Schedule to that Act, hereby make as special regulations the following regulations:

PART I.

1. (1) The Regulations may be cited as the Factories (Chemical Factories) Regulations, 1975.

(2) These Regulations shall come into operation on the 1st day of July, 1975.

2. In these Regulations--

"the Act" means the Factories Act, 1955 (No. 10 of 1955);

"appointed doctor" means either a registered medical practitioner specially appointed by written certificate of the Minister to be the appointed doctor for a factory for the purposes of these Regulations, or the certifying doctor for the district in which the factory is situated;

"approved" means approved for the time being by the Minister;

"bleaching powder" means the bleaching powder commonly called chloride of lime;

"respiratory protective equipment" means--

( a ) a helmet or face piece with necessary connections by means of which a person using it in a poisonous, asphyxiating or irritant atmosphere breathes ordinary air, or

( b ) any other suitable approved equipment;

"caustic" means hydroxide of potassium or sodium;

"caustic pot" means a metal pot fixed over a furnace or flue and surrounded by brickwork such as may be used for concentrating caustic liquor, whether such pot be used for concentrating or boiling caustic or other liquor;

"chemical factory" means any factory, or such parts of any factory, as are specified in the Schedule to these Regulations;

"chlorate" means chlorate or perchlorate;

"chrome process" means the manufacture of chromate or bichromate of potassium or sodium, or the manipulation, movement or other treatment of those substances in connection with their manufacture;

"efficient exhaust draught" means localised ventilaton effected by mechanical or other means for the removal of gas, vapour, fumes or dust, which prevents the gas, vapour fumes or dust from escaping into the air of any place in which work is carried on;

"inspector" means any inspector appointed by the Minister for the purposes of the Act;

"lifebelt" means a belt made of leather or other suitable material which can be securely fastened around the body, with a suitable length of rope attached to it, each of which is sufficiently strong to sustain the weight of a man;

"the Minister" means the Minister for Labour;

"nitro or amido process" means the manufacture of nitro or amido derivatives of phenol or its homologues and of benzene or its homologues, and the making of explosives with the use of any of those substances;

"suspension" means suspension by written certificate in a health register, signed by the appointed doctor, from employment in any process mentioned in the certificate.

3. Subject to Regulations 7 and 25 of these Regulations, these Regulations shall apply to the manufactures and processes incidental thereto carried on in chemical factories: Provided that nothing in these Regulations shall apply to--

( a ) the manufacture of any carbonate sulphate, nitrate or acetate of lead;

( b ) the manufacture of red lead, orange lead or of flaked litharge;

( c ) the manufacture and necessary purification of coal gas, water gas and producer gas for lighting, heating and power purposes;

( d ) the processes of textile printing, bleaching, dyeing, mercerising, tanning and brewing;

( e ) the distillation of alcohol, of wood (except where acetic acid is isolated or manufactured) and of shale in the manufacture of crude shale oil; or

( f ) processes carried on by way of experiment.

4. Whenever the Minister is satisfied that, by reason of exceptional circumstances in any chemical factory, or by reason of the infrequency of the process, or for any other reason, all or any of the requirements of these Regulations are not necessary for the protection of persons employed in such factory, he may by certificate in writing (which he may in his discretion revoke) exempt such factory from all or any of the provisions of these Regulations either absolutely or subject to such conditions as may be specified in the certificate.

5. It shall be the duty of the occupier of a chemical factory to comply with the provisions of these Regulations and it shall be the duty of all agents of such occupier to conduct their work in accordance with the provisions of these Regulations.

6. The Chemical Works Regulations, 1923 ( S.R. & O. No. 14 of 1923 ), are herby revoked.

PART II.

7. This part of these Regulations applies to all chemical factories.

8. The following provisions shall apply to every fixed vessel (whether a pot, pan, vat or other structure) which contains any dangerous material and is not so covered as to eliminate all reasonable risk of the accidental immersion of any portion of the body of a person employed, that is to say--

( a ) each such vessel, unless its edge is at least 1 metre above the adjoining ground or platform, shall be securely fenced to a height of at least 1 metre above such adjoining ground or platform;

( b ) a plank or gangway shall not be placed across or inside any such vessel unless such plank or gangway is--

(i) at least 500 millimetres wide, and

(ii) securely fenced on both sides, either by upper and lower rails to a height of 1 metre or by some other effective means;

( c ) where any such vessels adjoin and the space between them, exclusive of any surrounding brickwork or other work, is either--

(i) less than 500 millimetres in width, or

(ii) 500 millimetres or more in width but is not securely fenced on both sides to a height of at least 1 metre,

secure barriers shall be placed so as to prevent the passage of any person between such vessels:

Provided that paragraph (a) of this Regulation shall not apply to--

(i) that part of the sides of brine evaporating pans at which raking, drawing or filling is carried on, or

(ii) saturators used in the manufacture of sulphate of ammonia.

9. The following processes shall not be carried on except under an efficient exhaust draught--

( a ) drawing a charge from a salt cake furnace,

( b ) slaking of lime for use in a chemical process except when it is carried on in the open air, or by means of an enclosed mechanical or other appliance so constructed as to prevent the escape of steam or dust into the air of any place in which any person is employed,

( c ) any process involving action of acid or alkali on metal whereby there is a liability to the evolution of arseniuretted hydrogen.

10. All mills and screens for grinding and screening anhydrous lime and all mechanical conveyors used in connection therewith shall be so enclosed as to prevent the escape of dust.

11. (1) All places in which persons are employed and all means of access thereto shall be efficiently lighted by day and by night.

(2) No naked light, fixed or portable, shall be used and no person shall have in his possession any match or any apparatus of any kind for producing a naked light or spark in, on, or about any part of a chemical factory where there is liability to explosion from inflammable gas, vapour or dust.

(3) Stoves shall not be used for the artificial heating of places in a chemical factory in which there is danger of ignition of gas, vapour or dust; if steam pipes or radiators are used for the purpose of heating any place in a chemical factory, the steam pipes or heaters, as the case may be shall be so placed that there is a space of not less than two inches between them and the wall, and they shall be protected by a wire screen.

(4) A prominent notice, legible by day and by night, prohibiting--

( a ) smoking,

( b ) the use of naked lights, and

( c ) the carrying of matches, or any apparatus for producing a naked light or spark,

shall be affixed at every entrance of every room or place in which there is liability to explosion from inflammable gas, vapour or dust.

12. (1) A proper safety valve or other efficient means of relieving pressure shall be attached to every still and closed vessel--

( a ) in which gas is evolved,

( b ) into which gas is passed, or

( c ) in which the pressure is liable to rise to a dangerous degree,

and every such safety valve or other means of relieving pressure shall be properly maintained.

(2) Wherever any dangerous gas, vapour, fumes or dust is liable to be emitted as a result of pressure being relieved from any still or closed vessel, an efficient means shall be provided and maintained to prevent the gas, vapour, fumes or dust, as the case may be, from escaping into the air of any place in a chemical factory in which work is carried on.

(3) Nothing in this Regulation shall apply to metal bottles or cylinders used for the transport of compressed gas.

13. (1) There shall be provided in every chemical factory where dangerous gas or fume is liable to escape a sufficient supply of--

( a ) respiratory protective equipment,

( b ) oxygen and suitable means for its administration, and

( c ) life-belts.

(2) The respiratory protective equipment and other appliances required to be provided pursuant to paragraph (1) of this Regulation shall be maintained in good order and in locations in the chemical factory conveniently situated for their use and for rescue work.

(3) A notice in the approved form specifying the procedure to be adopted in case of gassing and burns shall be prominently affixed--

( a ) in every place in a chemical factory where the respiratory protective equipment and other appliances provided pursuant to paragraph (1) of this Regulation are located,

( b ) in different parts of the factory, and

( c ) in any place in a chemical factory where an inspector directs in writing that such a notice should be affixed.

(4) The equipment and appliances provided pursuant to paragraph (1) of this Regulation shall be inspected once every month by a competent person, conversant with their use, appointed by the occupier, and a record of their condition shall be entered in a book provided for that purpose, which book shall be produced when required by an inspector.

14. (1) Before any person enters, for any purpose except that of rescue, any absorber, boiler, culvert, drain, flue, gas purifier, sewer, still, tank, tower, vitriol chamber, or other place in a chemical factory where there is reason to apprehend the presence of dangerous gas or fumes, a responsible person appointed by the occupier for the purpose shall personally examine such place and shall certify in writing in a book to be kept for the purpose either that such place is isolated and sealed from every source of such gas or fumes and is free from danger or that it is not so isolated and sealed and free from danger.

(2) A person shall not enter any such place which is certified pursuant to paragraph (l) of this Regulation not to be so isolated and sealed and free from danger unless he is wearing respiratory protective equipment, and (where there are cross-stays or obstructions likely to cause entanglement) a life-belt, and the free end of the rope attached to the life-belt shall be left with a man outside such place, whose sole duty shall be to keep watch and to draw out the wearer of the life-belt from such place if he appears to be affected by gas or fumes. The belt and rope shall be so adjusted and worn that the wearer can be drawn up head foremost through any manhole or opening.

15. A person shall not enter any place specified in Regulation 14 of these Regulations for the purpose of rescue unless he is wearing respiratory protective equipment and a life-belt as provided for in that Regulation.

16. A sufficient supply of non-metallic spades, scrapers and pails shall be provided for the use of persons employed in cleaning out or removing the residues from any chamber, still, tank, or other vessel which has contained sulphuric or hydrochloric acid or other substance which may cause evolution of arseniuretted hydrogen.

17. In all places in a chemical factory where strong acids or dangerous corrosive liquids are used--

( a ) there shall be provided, for use in case of emergency--

(i) adequate and readily accessible means of drenching with cold water any person or persons and the clothing of any person or persons who has or have become splashed with such liquid;

(ii) a sufficient number of eye-wash bottles, filled with distilled water or other suitable liquid, kept in boxes or cupboards conveniently situated and clearly indicated by a distinctive sign which shall be visible at all times;

(iii) such other appliances, dressings and drugs as may be specified by the appointed doctor;

( b ) except where the manipulation of such acids and liquids is so carried on as to prevent risk of personal injury from splashing or otherwise, there shall be provided for any person or persons who has or have to manipulate such acids or liquids, sufficient and suitable goggles and gloves or other suitable protection for the eyes and hands. If gloves are provided they shall be collected, examined and cleaned at the close of the day's work and shall be repaired or renewed when necessary,

( c ) the notice required by Regulation 13 (3) of these Regulations shall be prominently affixed therein.

18. (1) An Ambulance Room shall be provided and maintained in good order in every chemical factory in which the total number of persons employed in the processes to which these Regulations apply at any one time is 250 or more.

(2) The Ambulance Room shall be a separate room used only for the purpose of treatment and rest. It shall have a floor space of not less than 9 square metres and smooth, hard and impervious walls and floor, and shall be provided with ample means of natural and artificial lighting. It shall contain at least--

( a ) a glazed sink with hot and cold water always available:

( b ) a table with a smooth top;

( c ) a means for the sterilisation of instruments;

( d ) a supply of suitable dressings, bandages and splints;

( e ) a couch;

( f ) a stretcher.

(3) In any chemical factory where persons of both sexes are employed, arrangements shall be made at the Ambulance Room for their separate treatment.

19. (1) There shall be provided and maintained in every chemical factory in the first aid boxes required to be provided under section 56 of the Act the following requisites and appliances--

( a ) a sufficient supply of waterproof plastic wound dressings of a grade or quality not lower than the standards specified in the British Pharmaceutical Codex including any supplement thereto (being a supplement current at the date of commencement of these Regulations or approved for the purposes of these Regulations). Each dressing shall be put up in an individual sealed pack marked clearly to indicate content;

( b ) a sufficient supply of waterproof plastic self-adhesive plaster of a grade or quality not lower than the standards specified in the British Pharmaceutical Codex including any supplement thereto (being a supplement current at the date of commencement of these Regulations or approved for the purposes of these Regulations).

(2) The requirements of this Regulation are in addition to, and not in substitution for, the requirements of the First Aid in Factories Regulations, 1956 ( S.I. No. 166 of 1956 ).

20. (1) A responsible person, trained in first aid treatment shall be placed in charge of each first aid box and Ambulance room provided pursuant to the Act and to these Regulations.

(2) For the purpose of this Regulation, a person shall not be deemed as being trained in first aid treatment unless he--

( a ) is a nurse registered by An Bord Altranais or by a corresponding body, or

( b ) is the holder of a certificate in first aid treatment issued within the immediately preceding three years, or is otherwise recognised as being qualified in first aid treatment, by a training organisation, or

( c ) he has held a grade not lower than two star private in the Army Medical Corps.

(3) In this Regulation "training organisation" means the Irish Red Cross Society, the St. John Ambulance Brigade of Ireland, the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, the Consultative Council on Ambulance Services, the Civil Defence Authority, or any other body approved for the purposes of this Regulation.

(4) The responsible person shall keep a record of all cases of accidents or sickness treated.

21. (1) It shall be the duty of the occupier of every chemical factory to ensure that a responsible person or responsible persons shall be readily available during working hours to summon an ambulance or other means of transport if required in the case of accident or illness of any person employed.

(2) A notice indicating the responsible person or responsible persons specified in paragraph (1) of this Regulation shall be prominently affixed in places in the chemical factory where it can be easily read by persons employed.

22. It shall be the duty of the occupier of a chemical factory to ensure to the satisfaction of the Minister, that a sufficient number of persons employed are effectively trained and practised in--

( a ) the use of the equipment and appliances specified in Regulation 13 of these Regulations,

( b ) administering First Aid.

23. Facilities for sitting shall be provided for all persons employed in a chemical factory whose work is done standing, so as to enable such persons to take advantage of any opportunities for resting which may occur in the course of their employment.

24. (1) Every person employed shall--

( a ) report to his foreman any defect in any fencing, respiratory protective equipment, appliance or other requisite provided in pursuance of these Regulations, as soon as he becomes aware of such defect;

( b ) use the articles, appliances or accommodation required by these Regulations for the purpose for which they are provided;

( c ) wear the respiratory protective equipment and life-belt where required under Regulations 14 and 15 of these Regulations.

(2) No person shall--

( a ) remove any fencing provided in pursuance of Regulation 8 of these Regulations unless duly authorised;

( b ) stand on the edge or on the side of any vessel to which Regulation 8 of these Regulations applies;

( c ) pass or attempt to pass any barrier erected in pursuance of Regulation 8 (c) of these Regulations;

( d ) place across or inside any vessel to which Regulation 8 of these Regulations applies any plank or gangway which does not comply with the provisions of Regulation 8 (b) of these Regulations or make use of any such plank or gangway while in such position;

( e ) take a naked light or any lamp or matches or any apparatus for producing a naked light or spark into, or smoke tobacco in any part of the chemical factory where there is liability to explosion from inflammable gas, vapour or dust;

( f ) use a metal spade, scraper or pail when cleaning out or removing the residues from any chamber, still, tank, or other vessel which has contained sulphuric acid or hydrochloric acid or other substance which may cause evolution of arseniuretted hydrogen;

( g ) remove from a First Aid Box, cupboard or the Ambulance room, any First Aid appliance or dressing except for the treatment of injuries in the chemical factory.

PART III.

25. This Part of these Regulations applies to any chemical factory or parts thereof in which--

( a ) caustic pots are used,

( b ) chlorate or bleaching powder is manufactured,

( c ) gas tar or coal tar is distilled or is used in any process of chemical manufacture,

( d ) a nitro or amido process is carried on,

( e ) a chrome process is carried on, or

( f ) crude shale oil is refined or processes incidental thereto are carried on.

26. Every caustic pot shall be of such construction that there shall be no foothold on the top or sides of the brickwork or flues; and the edge of every such pot constructed, rebuilt or replaced after the commencement of these Regulations shall be at least 1 metre in height above the adjoining ground or platform.

27. Before any person enters a gas tar or coal tar still for any purpose other than rescue--

( a ) the pitch discharge pipe or cock at the bottom of the still shall be disconnected,

( b ) the still shall be completely isolated from adjoining tar stills by disconnecting either--

(i) the pipe leading from the swan neck to the condenser worm, or

(ii) the waste gas pipe fixed to the worm end or receiver, and

( c ) blank flanges shall be inserted between any parts disconnected pursuant to paragraph (b) of this Regulation.

28. (1) No person shall enter a chamber for the purpose of withdrawing a charge of bleaching powder until--

( a ) the chamber is efficiently ventilated, and

( b ) the air in the chamber has been tested and found to contain not more than 5.7 grams of free chlorine gas per cubic metre.

(2) A register containing details of all tests pursuant to paragraph (1) (b) of this Regulation shall be kept in an approved form.

29. In any nitro or amido process--

( a ) if crystallised substances are broken or any liquor agitated by hand, effective means shall be taken to prevent, as far as practicable, the escape of dust or fumes into the air of any place in which any person is employed. The handles of all implements used in the operations shall be cleansed daily;

( b ) cartridges shall not be filled by hand except by means of a suitable scoop;

( c ) every drying stove shall be efficiently ventilated to the outside air in such a manner that hot air from the stove shall not be drawn into any workroom;

( d ) a person shall not enter a stove, to remove the contents therefrom, until a free current of air has been passed through the stove;

( e ) every vessel containing nitro or amido derivatives of phenol or its homologues or of benzene or its homologues shall, if steam is passed into or around it, or if the temperature of the contents be at or above the temperature of boiling water, be covered in such a way that steam or vapour shall be discharged into the open air at a height of not less than 7.5 metres from the ground or the working platform and at a point where it cannot be blown back again into any workroom;

( f ) in every room in which dust is generated or fumes are evolved, an efficient exhaust draught shall be provided.

30. (1) Every machine used for grinding or crushing caustic shall be enclosed.

(2) Where any of the following processes are carried on--

( a ) grinding or crushing of caustic;

( b ) packing of ground caustic;

( c ) grinding, sieving, evaporating or packing in any chrome process;

( d ) crushing, grinding or mixing of material or cartridge filling in a nitro or amido process,

an efficient exhaust draught shall be provided.

31. (1) Chlorate shall not be crystallised, ground or packed except in a room or place not used for any other purpose, the floor of which room or place shall be of cement or other smooth, impervious and incombustible material, and shall be thoroughly cleansed daily.

(2) Wooden vessels shall not be used for the crystallisation of chlorate, or to contain crystallised or ground chlorate;

Provided that this Regulation shall not prohibit the packing of chlorate for sale into wooden casks or other wooden vessels.

32. A person under the age of 18 years shall not be employed in a chrome process or in a nitro or amido process.

33. (1) There shall be provided and maintained for the use of all persons employed in--

( a ) a nitro or amido process, sufficient and suitable overalls or suits of working clothes and sufficient and suitable protective footwear;

( b ) grinding raw materials in a chrome process, sufficient and suitable overall suits;

( c ) the crystal department and in packing in a chrome process, sufficient and suitable protective coverings;

( d ) packing in a chrome process, sufficient and suitable respirators;

( e ) any room or place in which chlorate is crystallised, ground or packed, clothing of woollen material and boots or overshoes, the soles of which shall have no metal on them;

( f ) any room or place in which caustic is ground or crushed by machinery, sufficient and suitable goggles and gloves or other suitable protection for the eyes and hands;

( g ) bleaching powder chambers or in packing charges drawn from such chambers, a supply of flannel or other suitable respirators.

(2) ( a ) The overalls or suits of working clothes required to be provided by paragraphs (1) (a) and (b) of this Regulation shall be washed, cleansed or renewed at least once every week;

( b ) the filtering material of the respirators required to be provided by paragraph (1) (d) of this Regulation shall be washed or renewed daily;

( c ) the woollen clothing required to be provided by paragraph (1) (e) of this Regulation shall not be removed from the works for any purpose, but shall be washed daily after use and thoroughly dried before being worn again; all such clothing when no longer serviceable shall be destroyed;

( d ) if gloves are provided to comply with the provisions of paragraph (1) (f) of this Regulation, they shall be collected, examined and cleaned at the close of the day's work, and shall be repaired or renewed when necessary.

34. (1) There shall be provided and maintained for the use of all persons for whom overalls or suits of working clothes are required to be provided under Regulation 33 (1) of these Regulations--

( a ) a suitable cloakroom for clothing taken off during working hours, with adequate arrangements for drying the clothing, if wet; and

( b ) a suitable place, or places, separate from the cloakroom and from the meal room provided in pursuance of Regulation 35 of these Regulations for the storage of overalls or working suits.

(2) The accommodation so provided shall be placed under the charge of a responsible person, and shall be kept clean.

35. (1) There shall be provided and maintained for the use of all persons remaining in the chemical factory during the meal intervals who are employed in--

( a ) any nitro or amido process,

( b ) any chrome process,

( c ) the grinding or crushing of caustic by machinery or packing of ground caustic,

( d ) the making or packing of bleaching powder, including the drawing of the charges from the chambers,

( e ) the chrystallising, grinding or packing of chlorate,

( f ) distilling gas tar or coal tar (other than blast furnace tar) or in any process of chemical manufacture in which gas or coal tar (other than blast furnace tar) is used,

( g ) the manipulation of pitch (other than blast furnace pitch), or

( h ) the refining of crude shale oil,

suitable and adequate messroom or canteen accommodation, which shall be furnished with--

(i) sufficient tables and chairs or benches with back rests;

(ii) adequate means for cooking or warming food and for boiling water; and

(iii) arrangements for washing crockery and utensils.

(2) The messroom shall--

( a ) be sufficiently warmed for use during meal intervals,

( b ) be placed under the charge of a responsible person, and

( c ) be kept clean and well ventilated.

36. (1) In relation to a chemical factory to which this Part of these Regulations applies, washing facilities to be provided in accordance with section 53 of the Act for the use of persons employed in the factory shall be washing facilities which are adequate and suitable for the use of all persons so employed. The said facilities shall be kept in a clean and orderly condition, placed in the charge of responsible persons and be under cover.

(2) In case the facilities referred to in paragraph (1) of this Regulation are provided for the use of persons employed in--

( a ) any nitro or amido process,

( b ) any chrome process,

( c ) the grinding or crushing of caustic by machinery or packing of ground caustic,

( d ) the making or packing of bleaching powder, including the drawing of the charges from the chambers,

( e ) the crystallising, grinding or packing of chlorate,

( f ) distilling gas or coal tar (other than blast furnace tar), or in any process of chemical manufacture in which gas or coal tar (other than blast furnace tar) is used,

( g ) the manipulation of pitch (other than blast furnace pitch), or

( h ) the refining of crude shale oil,

the facilities shall be immediately accessible or where this is not reasonably practicable, conveniently accessible from the place in the factory where the process is carried on. The said facilities shall include clean running hot and cold or warm water, together with soap, non-abrasive nail brushes and clean towels or some other suitable means of drying, and either--

( a ) a trough with a smooth impervious surface of such length (or, in the case of a circular or oval trough, of such circumference) as to allow six hundred millimetres of length for every five persons making use thereof and fitted with suitable jets or sprays serving each six hundred millimetres of length or circumference (as the case may be) and with a waste pipe without a plug, or

( b ) for every five such persons at least one basin with a smooth impervious surface of suitable size fitted with suitable jets or sprays and with a waste pipe.

(3) Where the number of persons employed in a chemical factory to which paragraph (1) of this Regulation applies is not a multiple of five for the purposes of this Regulation the number of persons so employed shall be regarded as being the next higher number which is a multiple of five.

37. (1) There shall be provided for the use of all persons employed in--

( a ) a nitro or amido process,

( b ) the crystal department and the packing room in a chrome process,

( c ) the process of distilling gas or coal tar (other than blast furnace tar) and any process of chemical manufacture in which such tar is used,

( d ) the manipulation of pitch (other than blast furnace pitch), and

( e ) the refining of crude shale oil,

sufficient and suitable bath accommodation (douche or other) with hot and cold water laid on and a sufficient supply of soap and towels.

(2) A bath register shall be kept containing a list of all persons employed in the processes specified in paragraph (1) of this Regulation and an entry of the date when each such person takes a bath.

38. (1) A Health Register, containing the names of all persons employed to work in a chrome process or in a nitro or amido process, shall be kept in an approved form in any chemical factory where any such process is carried on.

(2) No person shall be newly employed to work in a chrome process or a nitro or amido process for more than fourteen days without a certificate of fitness granted after examination by the appointed doctor by signed entry in the Health Register required to be kept pursuant to paragraph (1) of this Regulation.

(3) The occupier shall arrange for every person employed to work in a chrome process or in a nitro or amido process to be examined by the appointed doctor once in each calendar month (or at such other intervals as may be prescribed in writing by the Minister) on a date or dates of which due notice shall be given to all persons concerned.

(4) Every person employed to work in a chrome process or in a nitro or amido process shall present himself at the appointed time for examination by the appointed doctor as provided in paragraphs (2) and (3) of this Regulation.

(5) The appointed doctor shall have power of suspension as regards all persons employed to work in a chrome or in a nitro or amido process, and no person after suspension shall be re-employed in such a process without written sanction from the appointed doctor entered in the Health Register.

(6) A person shall not introduce, keep, prepare or partake of any food, drink, or tobacco in any room or place in which a nitro or amido process is carried on or in the crystal department of a chrome process.

39. Every person employed--

( a ) in a process to which Regulation 33 (1) of these Regulations applies shall wear the protective clothing, footwear, respirators, goggles or gloves provided under Regulation 33 (1) of these Regulations and shall deposit overalls or suits of working clothing so provided as well as clothing put off during working hours, in the places provided under Regulations 34 (1) (a) and (b) of these Regulations,

( b ) in processes to which Regulation 36 (2) of these Regulations applies shall carefully wash the hands and face before partaking of any food, drink or tobacco or leaving the premises,

( c ) in any processes to which this Part of these Regulations applies shall use the protective appliances supplied in respect of any process in which he is engaged.

SCHEDULE.

FACTORIES TO WHICH THESE REGULATIONS APPLY.

Any factory or part of any factory in which--

( a ) the manufacture or recovery of any of the following is carried on--

(i) carbonates, chromates, chlorates, oxides or hydroxides, of potassium, sodium, iron, aluminium, cobalt, nickel, arsenic, antimony, zinc or magnesium;

(ii) ammonia and the hydroxide and salts of ammonium;

(iii) sulphurous, sulphuric, nitric, hydrochloric, hydroflouric, hydriodic, hydrosulphuric, boric, phosphoric, arsenic, lactic, acetic, oxalic, tartaric, or citric acids and their metallic or organic salts, and

(iv) cyanogen compounds,

( b ) a wet process is carried on--

(i) for the extraction of metal from ore or from any by-product or residual material, or

(ii) in which electrical energy is used in any process of chemical manufacture;

( c ) alkali waste or the drainage therefrom is subjected to any chemical process for the recovery of sulphur, or for the utilisation of any constituent of such waste or drainage;

( d ) carbon bisulphide is made or hydrogen sulphide is evolved by the decomposition of metallic sulphides, or hydrogen sulphide is used in the production of such sulphides;

( e ) bleaching powder is manufactured or chlorine gas is made or is used in any process of chemical manufacture;

( f ) (i) gas tar or coal tar or any compound, product or residue of such tars is distilled or is used in any process of chemical manufacture,

(ii) synthetic colouring matters or their intermediates are made;

( g ) the refining of crude shale oil or processes incidental thereto are carried on;

( h ) nitric acid is used in the manufacture of nitro compounds;

( i ) explosives are made with the use of nitro compounds.

GIVEN under my Official Seal, this 22nd day of May, 1975.

MICHAEL O'LEARY,

Minister for Labour.

EXPLANATORY NOTE.

These regulations specify measures which must be taken up for the safety, health and welfare of persons employed in factories where certain chemical processes are carried on. They require respiratory protective equipment to be provided and also specify first aid requisites to be kept in the first aid box.