[Cites 0, Cited by 0]
[Entire Act]
State of Maharashtra - Section
Section 73E in Maharashtra Factories Rules, 1963
73E. [ Safety measure in gas works. [Inserted by G.N. of 8th Oct. 1969 and numbered '73E' by *Corrigendum, I. and L.D., No.FAC/1168/142003, Lab-III, dated 3rd December, 1970.]
- In respect of any factory where inflammable gas is produced by carbonization of a coal, oil or any other similar substance, the following provisions shall be complied with, namely:-(i)No pipe, valve or any cover of any equipment into which gas is normally allowed to flow shall be opened unless it is ensured that the equipment is no more supplied with any inflammable or explosive gas at a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure.(ii)Before undertaking repairs of every sort to any pipe, valve or any other equipment connected with any part in the plant or machinery or any gas works (not being a gas-holder) it shall be ensured that the gas under pressure does not reach the point where such pipe, valve or equipment is being opened by the removal of any bolts and nuts or by cutting either by mechanical means or by application of heat and that such pipe, valve or equipment is so isolated from the gas-holder or any other equipment generating gas that no gas under the pressure reaches the point of repair.(iii)Before loosening the bolts and nuts or before undertaking the cutting of any pipe, valve or equipment in any gas works, a definite test shall be carried out by a competent person that no gas under pressure is fed to the point of repair. Details of the test carried out shall be mentioned in a certificate which shall be signed by the competent person. A copy of such certificate shall be displayed prominently near the place of repair and shall be made available on demand to every worker employed in connection with such repairs for his perusal.(iv)Every worker employed in connection with such repairs and working near any pipe, valve or other equipment while it is being opened shall be supplied with a mask and a respirator fed by air fresh from a point away from the point of repair. It shall be ensured that the worker shall wear the respirator while working near the point of repair.(v)Electrical wiring or any electrical equipment (not being electrical or welding equipment) used near the point of repair shall be so arranged that there are no trailing cables along the floor. All electrical equipment shall be of flame-proof type:Provided that the provisions of this rule shall not apply to mains and services, plant or machinery installed in the open air subject to the following conditions:-(a)The main or service shall be situated in the open air, and it shall contain only the following gases, separately or mixed at a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure, namely, town gas, coke-oven gas, producer gas, blast furnace gas or gases other than air, used in their manufacture;(b)The main or service shall not contain acetylene or any gas or mixture of gases to which acetylene has been intentionally;(c)The operation shall be carried out by an experienced person or persons and at least two persons (including those carrying out the operations) experienced in work on gas mains and over 18 years of age shall be present during the operation;(d)The site of the operation shall be free from any inflammable or explosive gas or vapour;(e)Where acetylene gas is used as a source of heat in connection with an operation, it shall be compressed and contained in a porous substance in a cylinder; and(f)Prior to the application of any flame to the gas main or service, this shall be pierced or drilled and the escaping gas ignited.Explanation. - (1) It shall not be considered effective measure to stop the gas under pressure from reaching the point of repair if only an inflated bladders is the obstruction between the source of gas under pressure and the point of repair:Provided that where gas valves cannot be provided, it shall be considered an effective measure to stop the gas pressure from reaching the point of repairs if inflated bags alone are inserted against gas pressures not in excess of those indicated below:-| Diameter (in) of gas main | Pressure in inches of water gauge |
| Upto and including 4 | 10 |
| 5 to 10 | 8 |
| 11 to 17 | 6 |
| 18 to 24 | 5 |
| Over 24 | 3 |