Section 408.16354. Digesters and blow pits, general.

(1) A means of egress shall be provided at each end of the room at every floor level of a digester building.

(2)  A batch type digester shall have 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. If the opening is on top, the opening shall be protected by a standard barrier as prescribed in General Industry Safety Standard Part 2  “Floor  and  Wall  Openings,   Stairways,  and  Skylights,”  as  referenced   in R 408.16302. 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.

(4)   Blow-pit hoops shall be maintained in a safe condition.

(5)     Personal protective equipment as prescribed in R 408.16313 and General Industry Safety 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.

(6)   Fresh air shall be blown constantly into the digester while employees are inside. Supplied-air respirators shall be available if the fresh air supply fails or is inadequate.

(7)   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.

History: 1979 AC; 2014 AACS.