Handling and processing of cotton

Rule 114(1) item 25 · Schedule XXV

Medical surveillance (statutory)

Sch XXV para 5: the occupier arranges medical examination by a qualified practitioner experienced in lung ailments at least once in 6 months, including a lung-function test, immunoglobulin test and any other test needed to detect the disease; continuous surveillance to detect susceptible workers and transfer them out of exposure before irreversible damage. No specific Form number / “Certifying Surgeon” designation stated.

Hazard & health effects

Agent: Cotton dust (and associated endotoxin)

Health effects: Byssinosis (chronic airflow obstruction, classic “Monday chest tightness”); chronic bronchitis.

Controls & PPE

Engineering controls: LEV at carding/blowing/opening; dust suppression; air monitoring; spirometry-based surveillance and early transfer of susceptible workers.

PPE: Dust respirator; coveralls.

Statutory vs annotation: only the operation name, schedule number and medical-examination clause are statutory. The hazard, health-effects, controls and PPE notes are occupational-hygiene context.

Reference information for occupational-health professionals — not medical advice, and not a substitute for examination by a qualified physician.

Other dangerous operations

All 25 dangerous operations — s.87 / Rule 114

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