Manufacturing processes and operations involving carbon disulphide
A hazardous process listed in the First Schedule to the Factories Act 1948 (s.2(cb)).
Typical industries: Carbon-disulphide manufacture/use (viscose, rubber chemicals, solvents, fumigation).
Principal hazards
- Carbon disulphide vapour (highly flammable, very low autoignition, neurotoxic/cardiotoxic)
Health effects
CS2 encephalopathy and psychiatric disturbance, peripheral neuropathy, accelerated atherosclerosis/coronary disease, reproductive and ocular effects; severe fire/explosion risk.
Key engineering controls
Fully closed handling with CS2 vapour detection and LEV; elimination of ignition sources (very low autoignition temperature) and inerting; solvent recovery; biological and exposure monitoring; cardiovascular/neurological medical surveillance.
PPE
- Air-fed / supplied-air respirators (CS2 has poor warning properties)
- Chemical-resistant gloves and clothing
- Goggles/face shields
- Anti-static FR clothing
- Personal CS2 monitors
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.