Disclosure to Promote the Right To Information

Whereas the Parliament of India has set out to provide a practical regime of right to information for citizens to secure access to information under the control of public authorities, in order to promote transparency and accountability in the working of every public authority, and whereas the attached publication of the Bureau of Indian Standards is of particular interest to the public, particularly disadvantaged communities and those engaged in the pursuit of education and knowledge, the attached public safety standard is made available to promote the timely dissemination of this information in an accurate manner to the public.

इंटरनेट मानक

“!ान $ एक न' भारत का +नम-ण”Satyanarayan Gangaram Pitroda

“Invent a New India Using Knowledge”

“प0रा1 को छोड न' 5 तरफ”Jawaharlal Nehru

“Step Out From the Old to the New”

“जान1 का अ+धकार, जी1 का अ+धकार”Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan

“The Right to Information, The Right to Live”

“!ान एक ऐसा खजाना > जो कभी च0राया नहB जा सकता है”Bhartṛhari—Nītiśatakam

“Knowledge is such a treasure which cannot be stolen”

“Invent a New India Using Knowledge”

है”ह”ह

IS 9278 (1979): Code of safety for zinc phosphide [CHD 8:Occupational Safety, Health and Chemical Hazards]

IS:9278-1979

Indian Standard CODE OF SAFETY FOR

ZINC PHOSPHIDE

Chemical Hazards Sectional Committee, CDC 18

Chairman

SHRI S. C. KALE

Representing

Directorate General, Factory Advice Service & Labour Institutes ( Ministry of Labour ),

DR V. P. GUPTA ( Alternate to Shri S. C. Kale )

Bombay

Members

SERI K. D. ADORE National Organic Chemical Industries Ltd, Bombay

SHRI M. C. PATWARDHAN ( Alternate ) SHRI C. N. CHANDRASERKARAN Directorate General Ordnance Factories

DR D. CHOUDRURY ( Ministry of Defcnce ), Calcutta

Indian Chemical Manufacturers’ Association, Calcutta

SNRI D. K. SIRKAR ( Alternate ) &RI A. M. DAND Indian Petrochemicals Ltd, Baroda

SIIRI D.L. VYAS ( Alternate ) DEPUTY DIRECTOR ( CHEBI ),

RESEARCH, DESIGNS AND Railway Board ( Ministry of Railways )

STANDaRDS ORGANIZATION, LUCKNOW

DR S. S. GOTHOSKAR Directorate General of Health Services, New Delhi

SHltI R. BlLASUBRAhlANYAN f Alternate 1

SHRI d. HINC.&& SHRI J. J. ADHIA ( Alternate )

Century Rayon, Kalyan

DR V. R. B. MATHUR Directorate General of Technical Development, New Delhi

SHRI I. N. MURTY Controllerate of Explosives, Nagpur SHRI CHARANJIT LAL ( Alternate )

SI~RI 0. P. NAN~IA Hindustan Organic Chimicals Ltd, Rasayani SHRI A. G. SESHAN ( Alternate )

DR D. J. PARIKH National Institute of Occupational Health, Ahmadabad

DR K. NARAYANA RAO DR S. B. RAY

Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Bombay

MAJ B. S. YADAV ( A[ternatc ) Ministry of Defence ( DGI )

( Continued on page 2 )

NJ Copyight 1980 INDIAN STANDARDS INSTITUTION

This publication is protected under the Indian Copyright Act ( XIV of 1957 ) and reproduction in whole or in part by any means except with written permission of thr publisher shall be deemed to be an infringement of copyright under the said Act.

I

IS : 9278 - 1979

( Continuedfrom page 1 )

Members Representing

REPRESENTATIVE National Safety Council, Bombay SHRI N. RAGHAVAN ( Alternate )

SHRI S. C. ROY BARDHAN Indian Explosives Ltd, Gomia DR K.V. SRSHADRI ( Alternate )

DR G. M. SAXENA, Director General ISI ( Ex-ojicio Member ) Director ( Chem )

Secretaries

SHRI G. P. SARASWAT Deputy Director ( Chem ), ISI

SHRI S. RAVI SHANRAR Assistant Director ( Chem ), ISI

Industrial Chemical Hazards Subcommittee, CDC 18 : 4

SHRI S. C. KALE Directorate General, Factorv Advice Service & Labour Institutes ( Ministry of Labour ), Bombay

Mem hers

DR V. P. GUPTA ( Alternate to Shri S. C. Kale )

SHRI G. R. BALASUBRAMANIAN DR D. CHOUDHURY DR S. R. CROWDHURY

DEPUTY DIRECTOR ( CHEM ), RESEARCH, DESIGNS AND STANDARDS ORGANIZATION,

Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Bombay Union Carbide India Ltd, Calcutta All India Institute of Hygiene Sr Public Health,

Calcutta Railway Board ( Ministry of Railways )

LUCENOW SBRI P. V. KANGO Indian Chemical Manufacturers’ Association,

Bombay DR P. V. SUBRAMANIA~I ( Alternate )

SHRI D. P. KANITKAR Hindustan Organic Chemicals Ltd, Rasayani SHRI H. R. VENLATARBMAIAH

( Alternate ) DR C. R. KRISHNAMURTI Industrial Toxicology Research Ccntre ( CSIR ),

Lucknow DR P. N. VISWANATIIAN ( Alternate )

SHRI I. N. MURTY Controllerate of Explosives, Nagpur SHRI CHARANJIT LAL ( Alternate )

DR V. M. I. NAMBISSA~ Directorate General Ordnance Factories ( Ministry of Defence ), Calcutta

SHRI K. NAND KU~~AR Association of Man-made Fibres, Bombay SHRI C. HINGARI~ ( Alternate )

( Continucd on page 7 )

2

IS:9278 - 1979

Indian Standard CODE OF SAFETY FOR

ZINC PHOSPHIDE

0. FOREWORD-

0.1 This Indian Standard was adopted by the Indian Standards Institution on 12 November 1979, after the draft finalized by the Chemical Hazards Sectional Committee had been approved by the Chemical Division Council.

0.2 Zinc phosphide is a quick-acting rodenticide used in baits to control rats, mice and other harmful rodents in fields, warehouses, homes, and other premises.

0.3 Zinc phosphide is presently covered as an approved insecticide under the Insecticides Act, 1968, and an Indian Standard Specification for zinc phosphide for use as pesticide, IS : 1251-1973, exists.

1. SCOPE

1.1 This code describes properties of zinc phosphide; nature of hazards associated with it; safety measures for controlling hazards; and essential information on storage, handling, packing, first-aid and medical treatment.

1.1.1 This code does not, however, deal with specifications for design of buildings, process equipment, methods of manufacture, dosages and directions For use.

2. TERMXNOLOGY

2.1 For the purpose of this standard, the definitions given in IS : 4155-1966* shall apply.

3. GENERAL DESCRIPTION AND PROPERTIES OF ZINC PHOSPHIDE

3.1 Description - Zinc phosphide is a dark-grey powder used as rodenticide for the control of rats, mice and other rodents. It acts as a

*Glossary of terms relating to chemical and radiation hazards and hazardous chemicals.

3

IS:9278 -1979

stomach poison by producing toxic phosphine gas. Zinc phosphide is stable under dry conditions though it reacts with acids and rather slowly with water to liberate phosphine gas; consequently, cases of phosphine poisoning from zinc phosphide are rare. Toxicity of zinc phosphide: Acute oral LDss dose ( rat ) : 45’7 mg/kg.

3.2 Properties of Phosphine Gas

a> b) 4 d

Chemical formula PH3

Molecular weight 34’04

Odour Carbide or garlic like

Toxicity to mammals:

i) Acute inhalation LDss ( rat ) 28 ppm/5 h

ii) Single exposure* not more than once a week:

7 hours 1 hour 5 minutes

iii) Repeated exposures*; h/day:

5 days/week

1 ppm 25 ppm 50 PPm

0’3 ppm

iv) No chronic toxicity to man has been observed for phosphine.

4. NATURE OF HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH ZINC PHOSPHIDE

4.1 General Hazards - Metal phosphides are in general acutely toxic. Inhalation of small quantities of zinc phosphide and dust during manufacture or formulation may result in symptoms such as vomitting and diarrhoea, cyanosis, rapid and soft pulse, restlessness and fever, several hours after exposure.

4.1.1 Symploms of Poisoning - Poisoning occurs mostly after oral ingestion. Symptoms are: nausea, vomitting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain. There may be a sympton-free period followed by gastro-intestinal disturbances, evidence of liver damage and no haemorrhages in the skin. Cardiovascular collapse and neurological symptoms with coma may lead to death.

*These values of TL have also been recommended by the American Conference of GovernmentTndustrial Hygieniitl, 1977.

4

IS:9278-1979

4.2 Fire-Hazard - On contact with acids, or water, zinc phosphide preparations liberate phosphine gas which is flammable. The lower explosion point of phosphine in air is 1’79 percent ( v/v ).

NOTE - Flammability of phosphine gas appears to be due to traces of diphosphine ( PsH, ), formation of which is controlled during manufacture by adding fire retardants.

5. STORAGE AND HANDLING

5.1 Storage

5.1.1 In Manufacturing Plant - To avoid contamination always store zinc phosphide in plainly labelled metal drums in separate, closed, dry, well-lit rooms/premises of sufficient dimensions and far away from rooms/ premises used for storing other articles especially food stuff.

WARJVING - Do not keep/store zinc phosphide in proximity in the same room with chlorates and other oxidizing agents.

5.2 Handling - Always observe the following safety measures while handling or using zinc phosphide.

5.2.1

a)

b)

4

4

e)

5.2.2

4

b)

c)

In Manufacturing Plant

Wear rubber gloves and suitable respirators while handling zinc phosphide;

Do not inhale dusts during packing or storage operations;

Smoking, drinking or eating in the plant should be strictly prohibited;

Employees in plant should wash/bathe on leaving work and they should be educated in the hazards of zinc phosphide; and

Odours of phosphine should never be relied upon as an indication of its poisonous concentration. It would be advisable to monitor it from time to time.

In Ajjdication Work

Wear rubber gloves while mixing zinc phosphide with baits and placing baits in rodent affected areas;

Keep away from children, domestic animals, heat and foodstuff;

Avoid contact with containers containing copper;

5

IS : 9278 - 1979

d) Never use water instead of oil while mixing zinc phosphide with bait material; and

e) Remove and bury all baiting residues and animals killed by zinc phosphide, as these may kill scavenging birds and animals.

6. FIRST-AID AND MEDICAL MANAGEMENT

6.1 First-Aid - Induce vomitting by administering a tablespoon of salt in a glass of warm water to the victim. Repeat treatment until vomitted fluid is clear. If skin or clothes are contaminated remove clothing and wash affected parts thoroughly with soap and water.

6.2 Medical Treatment - 0’2 percent ( m/v ) cupric sulphate solution may act as an ametic and produce insoluble cupric phosphide, which shall be removed by giving gastric lavage, with 1 : 5 000 potassium permanganate solution. General supportive measures include administra- tion of Vitamin K to control haemorrhagic manifestations. Sedate the patient with morphine, if needed.

6.3 Employee Education - Safety generally depends to a great extent upon the effectiveness of employee education, proper safety instructions, intelligent supervision and use of safety equipment. Training classes should be conducted to maintain high degree of safety in handling procedures. Workers should be thoroughly informed of the hazards that may result from improper handling of zinc phosphide. Each employee should know what to do in an emergency and should be fully informed as to first-aid measures.

6

X3 : 9278 - 1979

( Contiflued_f+om~page 2 )

Members

SHRI P. K. PANDIT

Representing

National Environmental Engineering Research Institute ( CSIR ), Nagp& -

SRRI S. S. MUDRI ( Alternate ) DR D. J. PARIKR National Institute of Occupational Health,

Ahmadabad SHRI K. D. PURI DCM Chemical Works. New Delhi

DR R. K. GUPTA ( Alternate ) SIIRI V. V. M. RAO Hindustan Petroleum Corporation, Bombay

SRRI D. V. A. RAJU ( Alternate ) REPRESENTATIVE Central Revenues Control Laboratory,

New Delhi SERI KE~HAV PRASAD ( Alternate )

REPRESENTATIVE Directorate General of Technical Development, New Delhi

REPRESENTATIVE National Safety Council, Bombay SHRI N. RA~RAVAN ( Alternate )

DR S. R. SRINIVASAN Polyolefins Industries Ltd, Bombay SHRI SATISEI CHANDRA ( Alternate )

SHRI K. K. SUBRAMANIAN National Organic Chemical Industries Ltd, Bombay _

SHRI M. C. PATWARDRAN ( Alternate ) SHRI S. A. TRIVEDI Navin Fluorine Industries, Bhestan

SHRI J. N. PAREKH ( Alternate )

Panel for Drafting Safety Codes for Hazardous Chemicals,

CDC18:4:1

Convener

Dn B. N. CHAKRAVARTI

Members

Hindustan Steel Ltd, Ranchi

SHRI DURGESH CHANDRA Century Rayon, Kalyan SHRI J. J. ADHIA ( Alternate )

SHRI V. N. GODBOLE Albright, Morarji and Pandit Ltd, Bombay SHRI K. R. PRABHT; ( Alternate )

SHRI S. K. JANA Birla Jute Manufacturing Co Ltd, Calcutta SERI MAHEBH KARAN ( Alternate ) SRRI S. S. RUNGTA ( Alternafe )

SHRI H. T. KAPADIA Dharamsi Morarji Chemical Co Ltd, Thane DR M. S. VAIDYA ( Alternate )

SHRI M. K. MAHESHW_~RI Gwalior Rayon Silk Mfg ( Wvg ) Co Ltd, Nagda SERI P. A. PRADKE ( Alternate )

SHRI P. N. MEHROTRA Ministry of Home Affairs SHRI G. B. MENON ( Alternate )

SRRI B. S. NARAYANA Reckitt & Colman of India Ltd, Calcutta SHRI D. D.ks GUPTA( Alternate )

( Continued on page 8 )

7

IS t 9238 - 1979

( Continuedfrom pagr 7 )

Mrm bcrs Rcprcstnting

SHRI Y. R. PAKKALA Fertilizer Corporation of India Ltd, Bombay DR H. P. PATEL Atul Products Ltd, Bulsar SHI‘I K. D. PURI DCM Chemical Works, New Delhi

DR R. K. GUPTA ( Altcrnatc ) DR S. R. SRINIVASAN Polyolefins Industries Ltd, Bombay SHRI T. R. SRINIVASAN Herdillia Chemicals Ltd, Bombay

SRRI S. K. GANQOPADHYA ( Alternate ) SHRI K. K. SURRAMANIAM National Organic Chemical Industries Ltd,

Bombay SRRI M. C. PATWARDHAN ( Alternate )

SEIRI H. K. VENKATRAMSAH Hindustan Organic Chemicals Ltd, Rasayani SHRI A. G. SESEAN ( Alternate )

SERI R. N. WALLIA National Rayon Corporation Ltd, Bombay SHRI L. M. DESHMUKH ( Alternate )

DR J. XAVIER Fertilizers & Chemicals Travancore Ltd, Udyogmandal

s