Hazardous process
Pulp and paper (including paper products) industries
A hazardous process listed in the First Schedule to the Factories Act 1948 (s.2(cb)).
Typical industries: Pulp mills, paper and board mills, paper-product converting.
Principal hazards
- Chlorine / chlorine dioxide and sulphur compounds (bleaching, kraft process - H2S, methyl mercaptan)
- Strong alkalis and acids
- Heat, steam and high noise
- Wood/paper dust
Health effects
Chlorine/ClO2 respiratory irritation and pulmonary oedema, H2S poisoning, chemical burns, scalds, hearing loss, dermatitis.
Key engineering controls
Closed bleaching systems with chlorine/ClO2 gas detection and scrubbers; enclosed digesters with H2S monitoring and confined-space permits; chemical containment/bunding; steam insulation; noise control.
PPE
- Acid-gas / chlorine cartridge or air-fed respirators
- Chemical splash suits, aprons and gloves
- Face shields/goggles
- Hearing protection
- 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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