The Philippines, Occupational Safety and Health Standards
RULE
1090
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
Occupational Safety and Health Standards (As Amended).
Bureau of Working Conditions, Department of Labour and
Employment, Manila, Philippines. Second Publication, as amended,
1990. Copyright Reserved per P.D. 49
RULE 1090
1091 : Scope:
The provisions of this Rule shall apply to all workplaces in
which hazardous substances in solid, liquid or gaseous forms are
manufactured, handled and used or in which flammable, irritating,
offensive or toxic dusts, fibers, gases, mists or vapors are
generated or released in quantities injurious to health.
1092 : Definitions:
When used in this Rule the following shall mean as follows:
(1) "Hazardous materials or substances" mean substances in
solid, liquid or gaseous forms known to constitute
poison,
fire, explosion or health hazard.
(2) "Corrosive"'then referred to the action on inanimate
surface such as metal, glass or wood means that a
substance
will cause the wearing away, or the gradual changing or
destroying of the texture or substance of such
materials.
When referred to the action on living tissue, means
that it
will cause more or less severe destruction of the
tissue by
chemical action.
(3) "Hot"means that a material or substance possesses or is
characterized by a relatively high temperature.
(4) "Gases" means normally aeroform fluid which have neither
shape nor specific volume but tend to expand
indefinitely
and which can be changed to the liquid or solid state
by
the effect of increased pressure or decreased
temperature.
(5) "Fumes" means suspended solid particles which are generated
by condensation from gaseous state, generally after
volatilization from molten metals.
(6) "Vapor" means gaseous form of substances which are normally
in the liquid or solid state, and which can be changed
to
these states either by increasing the pressure or
decreasing the temperature.
(7) "Mists" means suspended liquid droplets generated by
condensation from the gaseous to the liquid state or by
breaking up of a liquid into a dispersed state, such as
by
atomizing, foaming or splashing.
(8) "Fibers" means any tough solid substance composed of
thread-like tissue, whether of mineral, vegetable or
animal
origin.
(9) "Dust" means solid particles capable of being blown about
or suspended in the air generated by handling,
crushing,
cutting, drilling, grinding, rapid impact, spraying,
detonations, or disintegration of inorganic or organic
materials and are of a composition similar to the
substance
or substances from which derived.
(10) "Toxic" means acting or likely to act as a poison, or may
chemically produce injurious or deadly-effect.
(11) "Irritating" means causing undue sensitiveness of an organ
or part of the body.
1093 : General Rules:
1093.01 : Reduction of Hazards:
When practicable, harmless substances shall be substituted for
hazardous substances or the process shall be revised to reduce
worker exposure to the hazards.
1093.02 : Control of Processes:
Any one or a combination of the following methods shall be used:
(1) Hazardous processes shall be carried on in separate rooms
or building with a minimum number of workers equipped
with
suitable protective equipment and trained thoroughly in
safety practices for daily operations and for
emergencies.
(2) The process or operation shall be carried out in an
air-tight enclosure to prevent personal contact with
the
harmful substances and the escape of dusts, fibers,
fumes,
gases, mists, or vapors into the air or room in which
persons work.
(3) Where airtight enclosures or apparatus cannot be used,
harmful dusts, fibers, fumes, gases, mists, or vapors
shall
be removed at or near their point or origin by means of
fume chambers or suction hoods properly connected to
efficient exhaust system, and
(4) Control by general ventilation to provide a continual
inflow of fresh air to keep the concentration of
contaminants within safe limits.
1093.03 : Use of Personal Protective Equipment:
(1) Workers shall be provided with, and shall use personal
protective clothing and equipment in accordance with
the
requirements of Rule 1080.
(2) Personal protective equipment shall also be used to
supplement control methods when such measures cannot
adequately eliminate the hazard or when other measures
are
not possible.
1093.04 : Marking of Containers:
All containers with hazardous substances shall be properly
labeled. No employer within the scope of this Rule shall accept
any container of hazardous substances for use, handling or
storage unless such container are labeled.
(1) Specific Labelling Requirements: Labels shall-contain the
following information:
a. symbol of the relevant category of hazard of the substance
contained; categories of hazards shall be explosive,
flammable, oxidizing, toxic, corrosive and radioactive;
symbols shall be in accordance with Figure 10 a;
b. trade name may be used in addition to the chemical name of
the substance;
c. a description of the principal risk or risks;
d. a statement of the necessary precautions to be taken; and
e. if necessary, a statement of the first-aid or other simple
measures to be taken in case of injury or emergency.
(2) Other Aspects of Labelling - :
a. Shape of labels-warning labels shall be in rectangular
shapes;
b. size of symbols-the height of the danger symbol shall be in
relation to the size of the package or container upon
which
the label will be placed.
c. text on the labels shall be adequate in sizes to be clear
and legible, and
d. in black on a white background.
(3) Marking of Labels: All required markings shall be either
lithographed or press-printed or engraved upon a paper
label securely attached or applied to the outside
surface
of the container. Receptacles of over 18.92 liters (5
gallons) capacity may be marked with letters stencilled,
stamped, or uniformly printed not less than 2.54 cm. (1
in.) in height. Marking shall not be defaced or
obliterated
by rain or other weather elements.
(4) Responsibility for Labelling: (a). The primary
responsibility for the correct labelling of packages
and
containers of hazardous substances manufactured locally
shall fall upon the manufacturer's. For hazardous
substances imported from foreign countries for purposes
of
distribution and retail to local users, responsibility
for
correct labelling of containers shall be the importer,
distributor or retailer. (b). When hazardous sub-
stances
in a factory undergo a series of distribution or
repacking
processes over which the manufacturer has no contact,
responsibility for labelling shall fall upon the
distributors, wholesalers or retailers. (c). The
employer
shall be responsible for labelling hazardous substances
for
use in his workplace other than those supplied by manu-
facturers or distributors; (d). In case of transfer of
hazardous substances from original containers to other
containers, the employer shall be responsible for the
proper labelling and identification of such substances,
and
(e) Unlabelled hazardous substances received by the
employer shall be properly labelled and identified by
him.
(5) Samples of Labels: The sample labels in Figure 10a shall be
used as guide.
(6) Condensing of Labels: Where small containers present a
problem in labelling for lack of adequate space, the
following shall be applied:
a. retain the symbol and the name of the product;
b. retain the statement of hazards;
c. consider omission of precautionary measures if they are
clearly indicated in the symbol and in the statement of
hazards; and
d. include precautionary measures for any additional hazards
which may be present because of the characteristic of
the
container, the nature of its use, and the training and
experience of the user.
1093.05 : Testing of Atmosphere:
The atmosphere of workrooms shall be tested periodically at such
intervals as may be necessary but not longer than annually, to
ensure that the concentration of irritating or toxic dusts,
fibers, fumes, gases, mists or vapors are kept within the
threshold limit values specified in Rule 1070.
1093.06 : Ventilation and Exhaust Equipment:
Ventilation and exhaust equipment shall be inspected and tested
periodically for safe and efficient operational performance.
1093.07 : Prevention of Dust Accumulation:
(1) All parts of structure or equipment in which harmful dust
is liberated shall be designed and installed so that
the
surfaces on which dust can accumulate are reduced to a
minimum and shall be frequently cleaned.
(2) In rooms where materials producing flammable dusts are
processed, handled and stored;
a. dusts shall be removed daily from floors, equipment and
other horizontal surfaces, preferably by means of
appropriate vacuum apparatus; and
b. all fixtures, ledges, projections, bearings, sidewalks,
ceilings and other parts shall be cleaned and freed of
dusts at least once a week.
(3) Floors:
Where practicable, floors or rooms in which harmful
dust is
liberated shall:
a. be smooth, impervious and easy to clean; and
b. not be covered with loose sheets, metal or other materials
under which dust can accumulate.
1093.08 : Cleaning:
Where toxic and irritating substances are being handled,
manufactured or used, the floors, walls, structural surfaces,
work benches, tables and equipment shall be thoroughly cleaned
daily by means o:f vacuum cleaning, wet brushing or sweeping,
outside of working hours.
1093.09 : Precautionary Measures for Emergencies:
(1) Warning Devices:
In all workplaces where hazardous substances are
manufactured, handled or used, suitable warning device
shall be installed wherever possible, to alert the
personnel in case of the liberation of dangerous
quantities
of said substances.
(2) Training of Personnel:
Workers shall be trained on procedures to control the
liberation of hazardous sub- stances, eliminate
pollution,
and to evacuate from the affected area in an orderly
manner.
1093.10 : Working Clothing:
All personnel exposed to irritating or toxic substances shall be
provided with appropriate protective clothing including head
covering which shall:
(1) be removed before eating or leaving the premises and kept
in places provided for the purpose;
(2) not be taken out of the factory by the users for any
purpose; and
(3) be maintained in good condition and washed or cleaned at
least once a week.
1093.11 : Spillage:
Spillage of irritating or toxic substances shall be removed as
quickly as possible by the best ' technical and scientific means
possible and available.
1093.12 : Instruction on Health Hazards:
All workers shall be thoroughly informed of the health hazards
connected with their work and the measures to be taken to protect
themselves there-from.
1093.13 : Meals:
The introduction, preparation and consumption of food, drink and
tobacco in the workroom shall be prohibited.
1093.14 : Personal Cleanliness:
All workers exposed to toxic substances which enter the body
through ingestion, shall be required to wash their faces and
hands thoroughly before eating, drinking, smoking or before
leaving the premises.
1093.15 : Time for use of Washrooms:
A time allowance for the use of the washroom before the meal
period and for the use of the shower bath at the end of the days'
work shall be allotted to each worker employed in the manufacture
or handling of the following:
(1) Irritating or toxic dry mineral or organic substances such
as arsenic, chrome, lead, manganese, mercury,
phosphorus,
zinc and their compounds;
(2) Superphosphates and their compounds;
(3) Dust-producing toxic dyestuffs and pigments;
(4) Dust-producing and coal-tar products such as pitch and
soot; and
(5) Radioactive substances.
1093.16 : Medical Aid:
All workers exposed to irritating or toxic substances shall be
required to report promptly any physical complaints.
1093.17 : Exposure Records:
The employer shall maintain accurate record of employee exposure
to potentially toxic materials which are required to be measured
or monitored. This record shall be open to authorized agents and
the workers exposed to such hazards.
1094 : Hot and Corrosive Substances:
1094.01 : Protection of Structure & Equipment:
In all workplaces where corrosive gases, fumes, mists or vapors
are generated and liberated, adequate measures shall be taken to
prevent damage to structural parts and factory equipment by
corrosion.
1094.02 : Handling:
(1) Corrosive or hot liquids should be handled in bulk by
gravity system or pressure pump system,-extending to
the
point or points of use so as to eliminate transporting
in
small container.
(2) Emptying receptacles containing corrosives or hot liquids
not provided with drain cock shall be by pumps, tipping
appliances or other suitable apparatus.
(3) Where portable receptacles are used for corrosive liquids,
transport inside factories shall be effected without
the
escape of fumes or mists and preferably by mechanical
means.
(4) Receptacles shall be kept securely closed except during
extraction of the contents.
1094.03 : Spillage of Acids and Alkalies:
(1) Floors in rooms where corrosive liquids are manufactured,
handled or used shall be kept as dry as possible.
(2) Spillage should be avoided. Spilled corrosive liquid shall
be guarded until removed to prevent workers from
stepping
or getting into contact with it.
(3) Spilled or escaping corrosive acid shall not be absorbed by
sawdust, waste cloth or other organic materials but
shall
be flushed out with water or neutralized with chalk or
lime.
1094.04 : Diluting Acids:
When diluting acid with water, the acid shall be poured slowly
into the water, with constant stirring of the mixture. Water
shall never be poured into acid.
1094.05 : Physical Contact With Corrosive Substances:
(1) Workers exposed to physical contact with corrosive or hot
liquids or to caustic compounds of calcium, potassium,
sodium or their dusts, shall be provided with and shall
use
protective clothing and equipment conforming to the
requirements of Rule 1080.
(2) In workrooms where corrosive liquids are manufactured,
handled or used, clean running water, and quick
operating
eye fountains and shower baths shall be installed and
maintained in or adjacent to such workrooms readily
accessible to all workers.
1095 : Storage:
1095.01 : Vats and links:
(1) Vats, pans, and open tanks containing hot corrosive or
toxic liquids shall, when the opening or top is less
than
1 m (3.3 ft) above the floor or working level, be
either:
a. raised so the top will not be less than 1 m (3.3 ft.) from
the floor or working level, or
b. guarded on all sides by enclosures or by standard railings
and when the top is less than 15 cm. (6 in.) above the
floor, shall be provided with standard toe-boards.
The provisions of a. and b. shall apply to every vat, pan or tank
irrespective of the nature of the liquid it may contain.
(2) Where vats, pans or open tanks containing hot, corrosive or
toxic liquids adjoin, the space shall be fenced.
(3) Vats, pans, or open tanks containing hot, corrosive or
toxic liquids shall be provided with pipes or drains of
sufficient capacity to carry off the contents without
spilling or-their backing up on the floor.
(4) Above-ground tanks containing hot, corrosive or poisonous
liquids shall be:
a. surrounded by pits, catch basins or depressions of
sufficient size to hold the entire contents in case of
rupture; and
b. provided with overflow pipes leading to tanks or to safe
places outside the building.
(5) Walkways shall not cross over open vats, pans or tanks
containing hot, corrosive or toxic liquids. Where it is
necessary to install service walkways for access to
agitator drives or valves or for taking samples, such
walkways shall be:
a. not less than 50 cm (20 in.) in width,
b. provided on both sides with standard railings and
toeboards; and
c. kept clean and dry at all times.
1095.02 : Storage Tanks for Non-flammable Hazardous Liquids:
(1) Tanks used for storage of non-flammable hazardous liquids
shall be:
a. located above ground or floor level;
b. supported so that leakage from any part of the tank will be
noticeable;
c. surrounded with pits, catch basins or depressions of
sufficient size to hold the entire contents of the
largest
tank in the event of rupture;
d. covered with protective paint to prevent corrosion from
moisture or fumes; and
e. provided with stairways or permanent ladders and platforms,
where necessary, for convenient and safe access to all
parts of the tank and with floors or platforms
preferably
of metal grating.
(2) Tanks used for storing non-flammable hazardous liquids
shall not be placed above passageways.
(3) Tanks used for storing non-flammable hazardous liquids
stored in pits below ground level:
a. the pits shall be of concrete or masonry with sufficient
space between the walls and the tanks to permit the
passage
of any person at any point; and
B. the tanks shall be mounted 38 to 45 cm. (15 to 18 in.)
above the bottom of the pit.
(4) Pits containing sunken tanks used for storing non-flammable
hazardous liquids shall be provided with covers and
fixed
ladders for safe access.
(5) All control-valves for sunken tanks used for storing
non-flammable hazardous liquids shall be:
a. situated or of such design that they can be turned without
any person entering the pit, and
b. provided with locking devices operated from the outlets of
the pit.
(6) Workers entering storage tanks and pits containing
hazardous liquids shall be provided with personal
protective clothing and equipment conforming to the
requirements of Rule 1080.
(7) Tanks used for storing corrosive or caustic liquids shall
be provided with:
a. a permanent open wet pipe not less than 5 cm. (2 in.) in
diameter at the highest point in the tank; and
b. a drain connection at the lowest point in the tank
discharging into a safe place.
(8) Tanks used for storing corrosive or caustic liquids shall
have the filling connections at the top and the
discharge
pipes 15 cm. (6 in.) above the bottom.
1095.03 :
Drums containing acids shall be stored in cool places with the
bung up. They shall be carefully opened each time the drum has
been moved or once a week if stored for a period of time to
relieve any internal pressure and subsequently sealed again.
1095.04 : Carboys for Acids:
(1) Carboys containing acids shall be encased singly in baskets
or in boxes cushioned with non-combustible packing
material.
(2) Carboys containing acids shall be stored in separate store
rooms or buildings with concrete floors having
anti-acid
protection or with brick floors properly drained to
catch
basins, dry and protected from dampness, extreme heat
or
sudden change in temperature.
(3) Carboys containing acids shall not be piled one on top of
another but should be placed in suitable storage racks
or
on wooden strips laid on the floor.
(4) Special handling equipment such as two-wheeled carboy
trucks shall be provided for transporting carboys
containing acids to and from storage.
(5) Adequate equipment shall be provided and used for the
emptying of carboys.
(6) Empty acid carboys shall be stored apart from filled
carboys.
(7) Empty carboys shall be thoroughly washed out by turning
them upside down over and upward with stream of water
and
drained before they are stored.
(8) Carboys together with their baskets or boxes shall be
examined as to their condition before they are filled
with
acid.
1096 : Use of Lead and Its Compounds:
1096.01 : Definitions:
"Lead Compounds" means any organic or inorganic derivatives of
lead.
1096.02 : Control Measures:
(1) A substitute substance or agent less injurious or harmful
shall be used instead of lead such as zinc oxide or
titanium oxide instead of white lead in paint
manufacture.
(2) Processes involving the use of lead and its compounds shall
be enclosed and mechanical handling methods should be
used
or employed .
1096.03 : Storage and Handling:
Stocks of lead materials shall be kept in special storage rooms
outside the workrooms. Work- rooms in which lead materials are
handled shall be located in relation to other parts of the shop
of factory in as small an area as possible to confine the lead
and to concentrate control measures in that area.
1096.04 : Local Exhaust System:
Properly designed exhaust systems, capable of carrying or drawing
of air contaminants to maintain or control the threshold limit
value of lead in the atmosphere, shall be provided for all
processes which generate lead, fumes or dusts. The contaminants
removed shall not be allowed to re-enter the workrooms or to
pollute other parts of the workplace or the surrounding areas.
1096.05 : Personal Protective-Equipment:
Appropriate protective equipment and clothing such as overalls,
head covering, goggles, gloves, aprons and respirators shall be
issued free of charge to lead workers by the employer who shall
see to their proper use and maintenance.
1096.06 : Smoking or Eating:
Smoking, chewing, eating and the keeping of food in workrooms
where lead or its compounds are used and handled shall not be
allowed.
1096.07 : Storage Lockers:
Suitable storage lockers for-street and work-clothes shall be
issued to-each worker exposed to lead and its compounds. Adequate
washing facilities shall be provided.
1096.08 : Physical Examination:
Workers exposed to lead shall be subjected to periodic physical
examination and laboratory examination at intervals of not more
than six (6) months and where the degree of contamination rises
above the threshold limit value, such physical examination shall
be conducted at least once every three (3) months and a record
of such examinations shall be open to authorized agents and to
the exposed workers.
The International Labour Organization is a United Nations specialized agency.