Hazardous process
Man-made Fibre (Cellulosic and non-cellulosic) Industry
A hazardous process listed in the First Schedule to the Factories Act 1948 (s.2(cb)).
Typical industries: Viscose rayon (cellulosic), nylon/polyester/acrylic (non-cellulosic) fibre plants.
Principal hazards
- Carbon disulphide and hydrogen sulphide (viscose process)
- Solvents (e.g. DMF), caprolactam, acrylonitrile (non-cellulosic)
- Acids/alkalis; heat; fibre/fine dust
Health effects
CS2 neuro/cardiovascular toxicity and psychiatric effects, H2S poisoning, solvent toxicity, reproductive effects, dermatitis, respiratory irritation.
Key engineering controls
Closed spinning lines with CS2/H2S detection and LEV; solvent-vapour control and recovery; biological monitoring for CS2; enclosure of acid/spin baths; ventilation of fibre dust.
PPE
- CS2/H2S and organic-vapour (air-fed) respirators
- Chemical gloves and protective clothing
- Goggles/face shields
- Personal gas monitors
- Safety boots
Statutory vs annotation: only the industry name is First-Schedule statutory text. The hazards, health effects, controls and PPE are standard occupational-hygiene practice, not statutory text.
This page is a statutory / occupational-health reference for factory Occupational Health Centres. It is not medical or legal advice. Verify against the current bare Act, Rules and your State amendments before acting.
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