Disclosure to Promote the Right To Information

Whereas the Parliament of India has set out to provide a practical regime of right to information for citizens to secure access to information under the control of public authorities, in order to promote transparency and accountability in the working of every public authority, and whereas the attached publication of the Bureau of Indian Standards is of particular interest to the public, particularly disadvantaged communities and those engaged in the pursuit of education and knowledge, the attached public safety standard is made available to promote the timely dissemination of this information in an accurate manner to the public.

इंटरनेट मानक

“!ान $ एक न' भारत का +नम-ण”Satyanarayan Gangaram Pitroda

“Invent a New India Using Knowledge”

“प0रा1 को छोड न' 5 तरफ”Jawaharlal Nehru

“Step Out From the Old to the New”

“जान1 का अ+धकार, जी1 का अ+धकार”Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan

“The Right to Information, The Right to Live”

“!ान एक ऐसा खजाना > जो कभी च0राया नहB जा सकता है”Bhartṛhari—Nītiśatakam

“Knowledge is such a treasure which cannot be stolen”

“Invent a New India Using Knowledge”

है”ह”ह

IS 6819 (1973): Code of safety for calcium carbide [CHD 8:Occupational Safety, Health and Chemical Hazards]

lndian CODE *OF

fS:68ib-lb%

Standard SAFETY FOR

CALCIUM CARBIDE

Chemical Hazards Sectional Committee, CDC 18

Chairman

BRIG G.R. CHAINANI

Members .

SHRI S. C. KALE (Alternate to Brig G. R. Chainani )

SHRI R. S. AGARWAL SHRI A. K. SINGH ( Alternate )

SHRI K.D. AMRE SHRI .J. P. CHOPRA ( Alternate )

SHRI G. S. APTE SHRI K. BALASUBRAMANIAM SHRI K. R. BULUSU

SHRI B. N. ~PATHAK ( Alternate) BRIG P. R. CHAUHAN CHEMIST AND METALLURGIST-II,

RESEARCH, DESIGNS AND S T A N D A R D s ORGANIZATION, LUCKNOW

DR D. CHOUDHURY

SHRI D. K. SIRKAR ( Alternate ) SHRI J. M. DAVE

DR JAGDISH SHANKAR SHR~ JOGINDER SINGH

Da A. K. MUKHERJEE SHRI D. V. SINGH ( Alternate )

SHRI M.P. MUKHERJI

SHRI K. SANKARAN ( Alternate ) SHRI 0. P. NANGIA

SHRI A. G. SESHAN ( Alternate )

Representing

Directorate General, Factory Advice Service & Labour Institutes ( Ministry of Labour, Employ- ment & Training ), Bombay

Ministry of Defence ( DGI )

National Organic Chemical Industries Ltd, Bombay

Ministry of Petroleum & Chemicals King Institute, Madras Central Public Health Engineering Research

Institute ( CSIR ), Nagpur 1

National Safety Council, Bombay Railway Board ( Ministry of Railways )

Indian Chemical Manufacturers’ Association, Calcutta

Ministry of Health & Family Planning ( Department of Health ), New Delhi

Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Bombay Directorate General of Technical Development,

New Delhi Hindustan Steel Ltd, Ranchi

Department of Explosives ( Ministry of Industrial Development ), Nagpur

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Hindustan. Organic Chemicals Ltd, Rasayani ( Maharashtra )

( Continued on page 2 )

@ CoPyright 1973

INDIAN STANDARDS INSTITUTION

This publication is protected under the Indian Copyright Act (XIV of 1957 ) and reproduction in whole or in part by any means except wrth written permission of the publisher shall be deemed to be an infringement of copyright under the said Act.

( Continucdfrom page I )

Members. ii@resentiflg

SHRI N. D. PATWARDHAN SHRI R. M. DIKSHIT ( Alternate)

Ministry of Defence ( DGI )

Szm P. S. RAMACHANDRAN Directorate General of Health Services ( Ministry of

DR S. S. GOTHOSKAR ( Alternate) Health & Family Planning ), New Delhi

SHRI D. DAJ GUPTA, Director ( Chem)

Director General,_ISI ( Ex-oficio Member )

Secretary

SHRI A. K. BHATTACHARYA

Deputy Director ( Chem ), IS1

Industrial Chemical Hazards Subcommittee, CDC 18 : 4

Conuener

!%RI S. C. KALE Directorate General, Factory Advice Service & Labour Institutes (Ministry of Labour, Employment & Training ), Bombay

Members

BRIG P. R. CHAUHAN CHEMIST AND METALLURGIST-II,

R E s E A R c H, DESIGNS AND STANDARDS ORGANIZATION, LUCKNOW

DR D. CHOUDHURY SHRI J. M. DAVE

DR R. M. DESAI

SHRI S. GAJENDRA SINGH

National Safety Council, Bombay Railway Board ( Ministry of Railways )

Union Carbide India Ltd, Calcutta Ministry of Health & Family Planning ( Department

of Health ), New Delhi Indian Chemical Manufacturers’

Calcutta Association,

Directorate General, Ordnance Factories (Ministry of Defence ), Calcutta

SHRI S. C. DASGUPTA ( Alternate ) SHRI P. M. JHAVERI Association of Man-Made Fibre Industry, Bombay SHRI JOGINDER SINGH Directorate General of Technical Development,

New Delhi SHRI M. P. MUKHERJI Department of Explosives ( Ministry of Industrial

Development ), Nagpur &RI K. SANKARAN ( Alternate )

SHRI B. N. PATHAK Central’ Public Health Engineering Research Institute ( CSIR ), Nagpur

SHRI V. P. THERG ONKAR ( Alternate ) SHRI V. S. RAMANATHAN Central Revenues Control Laboratory, New Delhi

SHRI C. PARTHA~ARTHY ( Alternate ) SHRI S. S. RAMA~WAMY D. C. M. Chemical Works, New Delhi

DR R. K. GUPTA ( Alternate ) SHRI K. K. SUBRAMANIAM

SHRI P. CHAWLA ( Alternate ) National Organic Chemical Industries Ltd, Bombay

1 ( Continued on page 8 )

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IS : 6819 - 1973

Ildiapl Standard CODE. OF SAFETY FOR

CALCIUM CARBIDE

0. FOREWORD

0.1 This Indian Standard was adopted by the Indian Standards Institution on 30 January 1973, after the draft finalized by the Chemical Hazards Sectional Committee had been approved by the Chemical Division Council.

0.2 Calcium carbide ( CaC, ) is mainly used for producing acetylene. On coming into contact with moisture it produces acetylene gas and calcium hydroxide. Knowledge of the hazards involved as well as the correct measures to avoid these is, carbide.

therefore, necessary while using calcium

0.3 A complete knowledge and understanding of the hazards associated with calcium carbide is essential for its safe handling. Apart from the usual common precautions and alertness to be exercised while handling any hazardous chemical, some specific precautions are required which are covered in this code of safety.

0.4 In the preparation of this code, considerable assistance has been derived from Chemical Safety Data Sheet SD - 23, published by Manufac- turing Chemists’ Association, Inc, Washington DC, USA.

1. SCOPE

1.1 This code describes properties of calcium carbide, the nature of hazards associated with it and essential information on storage, handling, packing, labelling, disposal of waste, cleaning and repair of containers, selection and training of personnel, personal protective equipment and first aid.

1.1.1 This code does not deal with specification for design of buildings, chemical engineering phtS, storage vessels, equipment for operations , control and waste disposal.

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IS : 6819 - 1973

2. TERMINOLOGY

2.1 For the purpose of this standard, the definitions given in IS : 4155- 1966* shall apply.

3. PROPERTIES OF CALCIUM CARBIDE

3.1 Physical and Chemical Properties -Some of the important physical and chemical properties are:

a) Physical state Rock-like solid, hard, sharp, granu- lar, irregular surface when fresh; tends towards softness and crum- bling when partially decomposed

b) Colour Ranges from grey to bluish-black

c) Odour Odour of acetylene is always present when calcium carbide is exposed to air. The odour is penetrating and somewhat reminiscent of garlic

d) Relative density 2.22 approximately ( water = 1 )

e) Melting point 2 300°C approximately

f ) Reactivity Calcium carbide reacts with water or moistened materials or water solutions exothermally to form acetylene gas and calcium hydro- xide. Acetylene is lighter than air; highly inflammable, with a wide explosive range ( 2.5 to 82 percent by volume in air ) ; and has a comparatively low ignition, temperature. Calcium hydroxide is a mild caustic and on prolonged exposure causes irritation to skin and mucous membrane

4. HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH CALCIUM CARBIDE

4.1 Health -Hazards

4.1.1 Calcium carbide as such is practically inert when dry but in the presence of water reacts exothermally to form acetylene gas and calcium

.*Glossary of terms relating to chemica and radiation hazards and haza?dous chemicals,

IS :-6819 - 1973 ’

hydroxide. Calcium hydroxideis irritant to skin and mucous membranes on prolonged contact. The effects are local and limited to the areas exposed to contact.

4.1.2 Toxicity

4.1.2.1 Systemic efects - Systemic effects from continued exposure have not been noted.

4.1.2.2 Local effects - Local effects from repeated contact of calcium carbide dust with skin are usually seen. The cause being rapid reaction with moisture on the skin or mucous membrane which is covered by calcium carbide dust. This may occur from perspiration when the personnel are exposed to large quantities of calcium carbide dust or from carbide inside the gloves. Under such konditions enough calcium hydroxide may be formed with generation of heat to cause an acute superficial dermatitis resembling the so called ‘ lime burn ‘. If calcium carbide dust gets in the eye it will cause marked irritation, with swelling of conjunctiva and lids, and may cause damage to the cornea.

4.2 Fire and Explosion Hazards - Calcium carbide itself presents no . fire hazard as long as all sources of exposure to water are excluded from it.

When exposed to moist air or water, acetylene gas is generated, Acetylene is a highly inflammable gas, lighter than air, with a wide explosive range [see 3.1 (f) ] and a low ignition temperature.

5. STORAGE AND HANDLING

5.1 Storage

5.1.1 Chlcium carbide shall be stored in dry places and in water-tight sealed mild steel containers.

5.1.2 The location of such storage buildings should be separated from other buildings and adequate ventilation provided.

5.1.3 No flammable and explosive material shall be permitted to be carried to the storage area of calcium carbide.

5.1.4 When sealed containers of calcium carbide are involved in a fire, ~the drums may be ruptured by falling debris. Water used for extinguish- ing the fire may then penetrate to the calcium carbide. Non-water extinguishing agents such as carbon dioxide and sand are recommended where calcium carbide containers might be ruptured.

5.1.5 Sensitive acetylides of copper silver or high copper alloys may form on surfaces of such metals and serve as possible sources of ignition. These 1 metals should not be present in carbide storage rooms and buildings,

I§ : 6819 - 1973

5.2 Handling

5.2.1 Calcium carbide as such is practically inert when dry, but in presence of water reacts to form acetylene gas and calcium hydroxide. So calcium carbide should be handled under dry conditions only and all care should be taken to keep it away from moisture.

5.2:2 Spills and Leaks - Punctured or leaking container of calcium carbide should be taken care of as soon as it is detected. The contents should be promptly transferred to another container. The transfer should be made in a well-ventilated area, away from all sources of ignition.

5.2.2.1 Spilled calcium carbide should be swept up immediately. If not dirty or contaminated, it may be transferred into a container along with other carbide. If dirty or contaminated, it should be taken outside the buildings and scattered on the ground in an isolated location and wetted down with water to decompose the carbide completely.

6. LABELLING

6.1 All containers of calcium carbide shall bear the label given in Fig. 3 of IS : 1260-1958*. The lower half of the label shall have the following words printed in red letters. Any other label or warning or other statements required by statute, regulations or ordinance should also be used in com-

, bination or separately.

CALCIUM CARBIDE

EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE VAPOURS ARE LIBERATED IN CONTACT WITH MOISTURE. KEEP AWAY FROM FIRE, SPARKS, OR HEATED SURFACE. STORE IN DRY PLACE AND IN CLOSED CONTAINERS. USE ONLY WITH ADEQUATE VENTILATION. IN CASE OF FIRE DO NOT USE WATER.

7. PREVENTIVE MEASURES

7.1 General - Calcium carbide presents no serious health hazard. Prevention depends chiefly on observance of good personal hygiene.

7.2 Employee Education and Training

7.2.1. Personnel engaged in handling calcium carbide should be thoroughly instructed about its properties as described in 3. Special instructions should be given for exercising care in handling containers to prevent punctures and to keep the materials away from sources of moisture.

*Code of symbols for labelling of dangerous goods.

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7.2.2 Personnel engaged in handling calcium carbide ,should first remove dust from their clothing and exposed portions of body with a dry cloth and then wash thoroughly with soap and water after work. They should change clothes, whenever they get contaminated with carbide dust, and also when the clothes get wetted due to perspiration. Calcium carbide should not be allowed’ to get inside of work gloves.

7.3 Personal Protective Equipment - Personnel who are exposed to unusual quantities of dust should use goggles for the protection of the eyes and respiratory equipment particularly dust masks. In hot weather, the use of protective creams ( water repellent types ) or ointments may prove to be beneficial, particularly, for persons who suffer from skin irritation. These should be applied especially around the neck and wrists where friction and moisture aggravates when in contact with calcium carbide~dust. However, use of creams or ointments is not a substitute for good personal hygiene.

8. FIRST AID

8.1 The only specific first aid measures recommended are in case of calcium carbide coming in contact with eyes, when it may cause serious damage if not promptly taken care of. The eyes should be immediately flushed with plenty of water, and care should be taken that all particles of calcium carbide are promptly washed’ out. The washing should be continued for at least 15 minutes and the case should be referred to a physician.

9. WASTE DISPOSAL

9.1 There is usually no waste disposal problem for calcium carbide as such. For spills and leakage, see 5.2.2 and 5.2.2.1.

9.1.1 Calcium hydroxide ( hydrated lime) is a byproduct from the reaction of calcium carbide and water. This is of commercial value as an acid neutralizing agent, for agricultural purposes, whitewash, etc.

9.1.2 If the hydrated lime is to be discarded, common practice is to drain the slurry residue into a settling pit. Clear liquid can be drained off the top, and the pit emptied of semi-dry solid lime as required.

9.1.3 Waste from acetylene generators should not be dumped directly into closed sewers or drains because of the danger of explosions from acetylene in solution in the waste water, or from unreacted carbide,

t

is :’ 8819 - 1979

( Continued_from page 2 )

Members Representing

SHRI S. A. TRIVEDI Navin Fluorine Industries, Bhestan SHRI J. N. PAREKH ( Alternate )

SHRI H. K. VENXATARAMAIH Hindustan Organic Chemicals Ltd, Rasayani ( Maharashtra )

SHRI S. S. SHRIVASTAVA ( Altcmate)

Panel for Drafting Safety Codes for Hazardous Chemicals, CDC 18 : 4 : 1 1

Convener

DR B. N. CHAKRAVARTY Hindustan Steel Ltd, Ranchi

Members

SHRI V. N. GODB~LE Albright, Morarji and Pandit Ltd, Bombay SHRI H. T. KAPADIA Dharamsi Morarji Chemical Co Ltd, Thana

SHRI S. K. B~A-~TACHARYA ( Alternate ) SHRI A. S. MEHTA

SHRI P. A. PHADKE ( Alternate) Gwalior Rayon Silk Mfg ( Wvg ) Co Ltd, Nagda

SHRI B. S. NARAYANA Reckitt & Colman ofIndia Ltd, Calcutta SHRI D. DAS GUPTA ( Alternate )

DR K. V. NAYAR Fertilizers & Chemicals Travancore Udyogamandal

Ltd,

DR J. XAVIER ( Alternate) / SHRI Y. R. PAKKALA The Fertilizer Corporation of India Ltd, Bombay SHRI S. S. RAMA~WAMY D. C. M. Chemical Works, New Delhi

DR R. K. GUPTA ( Alternate ) DR S. R. SRINIVASAN Polyolefins Industries Ltd, Bombay SHRI T. R. SRINIVASAN Herdillia Chemicals Ltd, Bombay

SHRI S. K. GANGOPADHYAY ( Alternate) SHRI K. K. SUBRAMANIAM

SHRI P. CHAWLA ( Alternate ) National Organic Chemical Industries Ltd, Bombay

DR S. I. TARAPOREWALA National Rayon Corporation Ltd, Bombay SHRI L. M. DESHMUKH ( Alternate )

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