R 408.16354 Digesters and blow pits, general.

Rule 6354. (1) An employer shall ensure that a means of egress is provided at each end of the room at every floor level of a digester building. (2) An employer shall ensure that a batch type digester has all of the following: (a) A blowoff valve located so it can be operated from another room, remote from safety valve. (b) Blow valves on rotary digesters pinned or locked in a closed position during the cooking period. (c) Pipes, valves, and fittings classified as heavy duty between the digester and blow pit. These pipes, valves, and fittings shall be inspected at least semiannually to determine the degree of deterioration and shall be replaced when necessary. (d) Through bolts instead of cap bolts on pipe joints. (3) A side opening to a blow pit is preferred on the side of the pit instead of on the top. The opening shall be as small as possible when located on the top, and shall be protected as prescribed in General Industry Safety and Health Standard Part 2 “Walking-Working Surfaces,” as referenced in R 408.16302. (4) Access to a blow pit shall be by a ladder designed to keep the door open when the ladder is in place, or an employee is within the pit. (5) Blow-pit hoops shall be maintained in a safe condition. (6) Personal protective equipment as prescribed in R 408.16313 and General Industry Safety and Health Standard Part 33 “Personal Protective Equipment,” as referenced in R 408.16302, shall be provided and worn when repairing or removing old brick lining from a digester. (7) An employer shall ensure that fresh air is blown constantly into the digester while employees are inside. Supplied-air respirators shall be available if the fresh air supply fails or is inadequate. (8) An inspector shall not enter a digester unless a lifeline is securely fastened to his or her body by means of a safety belt and at least 1 other experienced employee is stationed outside the digester to handle the line and to summon assistance. All ladders and lifelines shall be inspected before each use.