Ensuring Safety in Chemical Plants: What Does the Factories Act Say About Reactors and Centrifuges?

Hi there, we work with chemicals, reactors, centrifuges, a hydrogenation plant, a nitrogen plant, various stationary and mobile equipment, DG sets, etc. Can someone please tell me what the Factories Act states regarding this?

Safety Requirements for Reactors and Centrifuges

For example, should all reactors have safety relief valves? Is it mandatory? What about centrifuges?

I have been searching the internet for information but with no luck. Please share your knowledge with us so that we can ensure our factory is a safe working zone.

Warm regards.

Attribution: https://www.citehr.com/445746-safety...#ixzz2QE7fPGjx

Your specifications range far and wide and are highly technical. I presume you could gain some insight if you were to go through the Factories Rules of every state, BIS standards specifications, and the instructions of the State and Central Pollution Control Boards on the subject. Similar topics have been discussed in these forums previously, and you can utilize the "search" option to compile them. Additionally, make use of the links provided on your screen. It would be beneficial if you could also share your experiences with the members of this forum to enrich our knowledge.

Best regards,
Kumar S.

I agree with Mr. Kumar S. In addition:

Safety Provisions in the Factories Act 1948

Regarding the safety provisions, Chapter IV of the Factories Act 1948 (Sec 21 to 41) describes in detail the general safety provisions for all factories. There are no specific provisions for chemical plants. Since in chemical plants, we use all the vessels as described above.

Reactors, Centrifuges, and Hydrogenation Plant Safety Measures

For reactors, the following safety measures are a must:

1. Proper earthing. Connectivity of the same must be regularly checked.
2. Regular maintenance of condensers is required to avoid vapor accumulation in the area.
3. Proper flameproof site glass lights.
4. Proper safety in case of vessel entry.
5. Proper insulation.
6. Provision of safety valves.
7. Safety of the persons working on the same.
8. Proper exhaust system.
9. Proper ventilation.
10. For the centrifuge process, antistatic bags should be used. The scoop must be earthed. Dissipators work well.
11. In the winter season, all employees must be cautioned to wear woolen clothes as they generate static charge.
12. Mobile phones must not be allowed in the plants.
13. Antistatic shoes should be used.
14. Any other points as per the internal safety requirements.

Further, for the hydrogenation plant, there is a provision to get the same inspected by the Inspector of Factories every six months (kindly refer to your state factories rules).

Procedures Before Equipment Installation

Before installing any equipment, the following procedures are adopted to create and maintain safety in the processes:

- URS (User Requirements)
- DQ (Design Qualification)
- VQ (Validation Qualification)
- IQ (Installation Qualification)
- PQ (Performance Qualification)

Additionally, always have MSDS available, and training for the same is required on a regular basis.

With best regards,