The Factories Act
The Factories Act
The Factories Act
CONTENTS
(3) It shall come into force on the 1st day of April, 1949.
Section 2. Interpretation.-
Provided that the State Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, amend the First
Schedule by way of addition, omission or variation of any industry specified in the said
Schedule;
(l) "worker" means a person employed directly or by or through any agency (including a
contractor) with or without the knowledge of the principal employer whether for
remuneration or not in any manufacturing process, or in cleaning any part of the
machinery or premises used for a manufacturing process, or in any other kind of work
incidental to, or connected with the manufacturing process, or the subject of the
manufacturing process but does not include any member of the armed forces of the
Union;
(m) "factory" means any premises including the precincts thereof-
o (i) whereon ten or more workers are working, or were working on any day of the
preceding twelve months, and in any part of which a manufacturing process is
being carried on with the aid of power, or is ordinarily so carried on, or
o (ii) whereon twenty or more workers are working, or were working on any day of
the preceding twelve months, and in any part of which a manufacturing process is
being carried on without the aid of power, or is ordinarily so carried on,- but does
not include a mine subject to the operation of the Mines Act, 1952 (XXXV of
1952) or a mobile unit belonging to the armed forces of the Union, a railway
running shed or a hotel, restaurant or eating place;
Explanation I.---For computing the number of workers for the purposes of this clause all
the workers in different groups and relays in a day shall be taken into account;
Explanation II.---For the purposes of this clause, the mere fact that an Electronic Data
Processing Unit or a Computer Unit is installed in any premises or part thereof, shall not
be construed to make it a factory if no manufacturing process is being carried on in such
premises or part thereof ;
(n) "occupier" of a factory means the person, who has ultimate control over the affairs of
the factory,
Provided that-
(i) in the case of a firm or other association of individuals, any one of the
individual partners or members thereof shall be deemed to be the occupier;
(ii) in the case of a company, any one of the directors, shall be deemed to be the
occupier:
(iii) in the case of a factory owned or controlled by the Central Government or
any State Government, or any local authority, the person or persons appointed to
manage the affairs of the factory by the Central Government, the State
Government or the local authority, as the case may be, shall be deemed to be the
occupier :
Provided further that in the case of a ship which is being repaired, or on which maintenance work
is being carried out, in a dry dock which is available for hire,
(1) the owner of the dock shall be deemed to be the occupier for the purposes of any matter
provided for by or under-
(a) section 6, section 7, section 7A, section 7B, section 11 or section 12;
(b) section 17, in so far as it relates to the providing and maintenance of sufficient
and suitable lighting in or around the dock;
(e) section 18, section 19, section 42, section 46, section 47 or section 49, in
relation to the workers employed on such repair or maintenance;
(2) the owner of the ship or his agent or master or other officer-in-charge of the ship or any
person who contracts with such owner, agent or master or other officer-in-charge to carry out the
repair or maintenance work shall be deemed to be the occupier for the purposes of any matter
provided for by or under section 13, section 14, section 16 or section 17 (save as otherwise
provided in this proviso) or Chapter IV (except section 27) or section 43, section 44 or section
45, Chapter VI, Chapter VII, Chapter VIII or Chapter IX or section 108, section 109 or section
110, in relation to-
(a) the workers employed directly by him or by or through any agency; and
(b) the machinery, plant or premises in use for the purpose of carrying out such
repair or maintenance work by such owner, agent, master or other officer-in-
charge or person ;
(o) [Omitted];
(p) "prescribed" means prescribed by rules made by the State Government under this Act;
(q) [Omitted];
(r) where work of the same kind is carried out by two or more sets of workers working
during different periods of the day, each of such sets is called a "group" or "relay" and
each of such periods is called a "shift".
In this Act references to time of day are references to Indian Standard Time being five and a half
hours, ahead of Greenwich Mean Time:
Provided that for any area in which Indian Standard Time is not ordinarily observed the State
Government may make rules-
The State Government may, on its own or on an application made in this behalf by an occupier,
direct by an order in writing and subject to such conditions as it may deem fit, that for all or any
of the purposes of this Act different departments or branches of a factory of the occupier
specified in the application shall be treated as separate factories or that two or more factories of
the occupier specified in the application shall be treated as a single factory.
Provided that no order under this section shall be made bythe State Government on its own
motion unless an opportunity of being heard is given to the occupier.
In any case of a public emergency the State Government may, by notification in the Official
Gazette, exempt any factory or class or description of factories from all or any of the provisions
of this Act except section 67 for such period and subject to such conditions as it may think fit:
Provided that no such notification shall be made for a period exceeding three months at a time.
Explanation.- For the purposes of this section 'public emergency' means a grave emergency
whereby the security of India or of any part of the territory thereof is threatened, whether by war
or external aggression or internal disturbance.
Section 6. Approval, licensing and registration of factories.-
(a) requiring for the purposes of this Act, the submission of plans of any class or description of
factories to the Chief Inspector or the State Government ;
(aa) requiring the previous permission in writing of the State Government or the Chief
Inspector to be obtained for the site on which the factory is to be situated and for the
construction or extension of any factory or class or description of factories;
(b) requiring for the purpose of considering applications for such permission the
submission of plans and specificatioqns;
(c) prescribing the nature of such plans and specifications and by whom they shall be
certified;
(d) requiring the registration and licensing offactories, or any class or description of
factories, and prescribing the fees payable for such registration and licensing and for the
renewal of licences;
(e) requiring that no licence shall be granted or renewed unless the notice specified in
section 7 has been given.
(2) If on an application for permission referred to in clause (aa) of sub-section (1) accompanied
by the plans and specifications required by the rules made under clause (b) of that sub-section,
sent to the State Government or Chief Inspector by registered post, no order is communicated to
the applicant within three months from the date on which it is so sent, the permission applied for
in the said application shall be deemed to have been granted.
(3) Where a State Government or a Chief Inspector refuses to grant permission to the site,
construction or extension of a factory or to the registration and licensing of a factory, the
applicant may within thirty days from the date of such refusal, appeal to the Central Government
if the decision appealed for was of the State Government, and to the State Government in any
other case.
Explanation. - A factory shall not be deemed to be extended within the meaning of this section
by reason only of the replacement of any plant or machinery, or within such limils as may be
prescribed, of the addition of any plant or machinery. If such replacement or addition does not
reduce the minimum clear space required for safe working around the plant or machinery or
adversely affect the environment conditions from the evolution or emission of steam, heat or dust
or Iumes which are injurious to health.
(1) The occupier shall, at least fifteen days before he begins to occupy or, use any premises as a
factory, send to the Chief Inspector a written notice containing-
(a) the name and situation of the factory;
(b) the name and address of the occupier;
(bb) thc name and address of the owner of the premises or building (including the
precincts thereof ) referred to in section 93;
(c) the address io which communication relating to the factory may be sent;
(d) the nature of the manufacturing process-
o (i) carried on in the factory during the last twelve months in the case offactories in
existence on the date of the commencement of this Act, and
o (ii) to be carried on in the factory during the next twelve months in the case of all
factories;
(e) the total rated horse power installed or to be installed in the factory, which shall not
include the rated horsc power of any separate standby plant;
(f) the name of the rnanager of the factory for the purposes of this Act;
(g) the number of workers likely to be employed in the factory:
(h) the average number of workers per day employed during the last twelve months in the
case of a factory in existence on the date of the commencement of this Act;
(i) such other particulars as may be prescribed.
(2) In respect of all establishments, which come within the scope of the Act for the first time the
occupier shall send a written notice to the Chief Inspector containing the particulars specified in
sub-section (1) within thirty days from the date of the commencement of this Act.
(3) Before a factory engaged in a manufacturing process which is ordinarily carried out for less
than one hundred and eighty working days in the year, resumes working, thc occupier shall send
a written notice to the Chief Inspector containing the particulars specified in sub-section (1) that
least thirty days before the date of the commencement of work.
(4) Whenever a new manager is appointed, the cccupies shall send to the Inspector a written
notice and to the Chief Inspector a copy thereof within seven days from the date on which such
person takes over charge.
(5) During a period for which no person has been designated as manager of a factory or during
which the person designated does not manage the factory, any person found acting as manager,
or if no such person is found, the occupier himself, shall be deemed to be the manager of the
factory for the purposes of this Act.
(1) Every occupier shall ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and w,elfare
of all workers while they are at work in the factory.
(2) Without prejudice to the generality of the provisions of sub-section (1), the matters to which
such duty extends, shall include-
(a) the provision and maintenance of plant and systems of work in the factory that are
safe and without risks to health;
(b) the arrangement in the factory for ensuring safety and absence of risks to health in
connection with the use, handling, storage and transport of articles and substances;
(c) the provision of such information, instruction, training and supervisions as are
necessary to ensure the health and safety of all workers at work;
(d) the maintenance of all places of work in the factory in a condition that is safe and
without risks to health and the provision and maintenance of such means of access to, and
egress from, such place as are safe and without such risks;
(e) the provision, maintenance or monitoring of such working environment in the factory
for the workers that is safe, without risks to health and adequate as regards facilities and
arrangements for their welfare at work.
(3) Except in such cases as may be prescribed, every occupier shall prepare, and, as often as may
be appropriate, revise, a written statement of his general policy with respect to the health and
safety of the workers at work and the organisation and arrangements for the time being in force
for carrying out thatpolicy, and to bring the statement and any revision thereof to the notice of all
the workers in such manner as may be prescribed.
Section 7B. General duties of manufacturers, etc., as regards articles and sub-stancesfor
use in factories.-
(1) Every person who designs, manufactures, imports or supplies any article for use in any
factory shall-
(a) ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that the article is so designed and
constructed as to be safe and withovt risks to the health of the workers when properly
used;
(b) carry out or arrange for tlle carrying out of such tests and examination as may be
considered necessary for the effective implementation of the provisions of clause (a);
(c) take such steps as may be necessary to ensure that adequate information will be
available-
o (i) in connection with the use of the article in any factory;
o (ii) about the use for which it is designed and tested; and
o (iii) about any conditions necessary to ensure that the article, when put to such
use, will be safe, and without risks to the health of the workers:
Provided that where an article is designed or manufactured outside India, it shall be obligatory on
the part of the importer to see-
(a) that the article conforms to the same standards if such article is manufactuted in India,
or
(b) if the standards adopted in the country outside for the manufacture of such article is
above the standards adopted in India, that the article conforms to such standards
(2) Every person, who undertakes to design or manufacture any article for use in any factory,
may carry out or arrange for the carrying out of necessary research with a view to the discovery
and, so far as is reasonably practicable, the elimination or minimisation of any risks to the health
or safety of the workers to which the design or article may give rise.
(3) Nothing contained in sub-sections (1) and (2) shall be construed to require a person to repeat
the testing examination or research which has been carried out otherwise than by him or at his
instance on so far as it is reasonable for him to rely on the results thereof for the purposes of the
said sub-sections.
(4) And duty imposed on any person by sub-sections (1) and (2) shall extend only to things done
in the course of business carried on by him and to matters within his control.
(5) Where a person designs, manufactures, imports or supplies an aricle on the basis of a written
undertaking by the user of such article to take the steps specified in such undertaking to ensure,
so far as is reasonably practicable, that the article will be. safe and without risks to the health of
the workers when properly used, the undertaking shall have the effect of relieving the person
designing, manufacturing, importing or supplying the article from the duty imposed by clause (a)
of sub-section (1) to such extent as is reasonably having regard to the terms of the undertaking.
(6) For the purposes of this section, an article is not to be regarded as properly used if it is used
without regard to any information or advice relating to its use which as been made available by
the person who has designed, manufactured, imported or supplied the article.
Section 8. Inspectors.-
(1) The State Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint such persons as
possessing the prescribed qualification to be Inspectors for the purposes of this Act and may
assign to them such local limits as it may think fit.
(2) The State Government may, by notification in the Offlcial Gazette, appoint any person to be a
Chief Inspector who shall, in addition to powers conferred on Chief Inspector under this Act,
exercise the powers of an Inspector throughout the State.
(2A) The State Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint as many
Additional Chief Inspectors, Joint Chief Inspectors and Deputy Chief Inspectors and as many
other offlcers as it thinks fit to assist the Chief Inspector and to exercise such of the powers of
the Chief Inspector as may be specified in such notification.
(2B) Every additional Chief Inspector, Joint Chief Inspector, Deputy Chief Inspector and every
other officer appointment under sub-section (2A) shall, in addition to the powers of a Chief
Inspector specified in the notification by which he is appointed, exercise the power of an
Inspector throughout the State.
(3) No person shall be appointed under sub-section (1), sub-section (2), sub-section (2A) or sub-
section (5), or having been so appointed, shall continue to hold office, who is or becomes
directly or indirectly interested in a factory or in any process or business carried on therein or in
any patent or machinery connected therewith.
(5) The State Government may also, by notification as aforesaid, appoint such public officers as
it thinks fit to be additional Inspectors for all or any of the purposes of this Act, within such local
limits as it may assign to them respectively.
(6) In any area where there are more Inspectors than one the State Government may, by
notification as aforesaid, declare the powers which such Inspectors shall respectively exercise
and the Inspector to whom the prescribed notices are to be sent.
(7) Every Chief Inspector, Additional Chief Inspector, Joint Chief Inspector, Deputy Chief
Inspector, Inspector and every other officer appointed under this section, shall be deemed to be a
public servant within the meaning of the Indian Penal Code (XLV of 1860), and shall be
offlcially subordinate to such authority as the State Government may specify in this behalf.
Subject to any rules made in this behalf, an Inspector may, within the local limits for which he is
appointed,-
(a) enter with such assistants, being persons in the service of the Government, or any
local or other public authority or with an expert, as he thinks fit, any place which is used,
or which he has reason to believe, is used as a factory;
(b) make examination of the premises, plant, machinery, article or substance;
(c) inquire into any accident or dangerous occurrence, whether resulting in bodily injury,
disability or not, and take on the spot or otherwise statements of any person which he
may consider necessary for such inquiry;
(d) require the production of any prescribed register or any other document relating to the
factory;
(e) seize, or take copies of, any register, record or other document or any portion thereof,
as he may consider necessary in respect of any offence under this Act, which he has
reason to believe, has been committed;
(f) direct the occupier that any premises or any part thereof, or anything lying therein,
shall be left undisturbed (whether generally or in partticular respects) for so long as is
necessary for the purpose of any examination under clause (b);
(g) take measurements and photographs and make such recordings as he considers
necessary for the purpose of any examination under clause (b), taking with him any
necessary instrument or equipment;
(h) in case of any article of substance found in any premises, being an article or substance
which appears to him as having caused or is likely to cause danger to the health or safety
of the workers, direct it to be dismantled or subject it to any process or test (but not so as
to damage or destroy it unless the same is, in the circumstances necessary, for carrying
out the purposes of this Act), and take possession of any such article or substance or a
part thereof, and detain it for so long as is necessary for such examination;
(i) exercise such other powers as may be prescribed.
(1) The State Government may appoint qualified medical practitioners to be certifying surgeons
for the purposes of this Act within such local limits or for such factory or class or description of
factories as it may assign to them respectively.
(2) A certifying surgeon may, with the approval of the State Government, authorise any qualified
medical practitioner to exercise any of his powers under this Act for such period as the certifying
surgeon may specify and subject to such conditions as the State Government may think fit to
impose, and references in this Act to a certifying surgeon shall be deemed to include references
to any qualified medical practitioner when so authorised.
(3) No person shall be appointed to be, or authorised to exercise the powers of, a certifying
surgeon, or having been so appointed or authorised, continue to exercise such powers, who is or
becomes the occupier of a factory or is or becomes directly or indirectly interested therein or in
any process or business carried on therein or in any patent or machinery connected therewith or
is otherwise in the employ of the factory:
Provided that the State Government may, by order in writing and subject to such conditions as
may be specified in the order exempt any person or class of persons from the provisions of this
sub-section in respect of any factory or class or description of factories.
(4) The certifying surgeon shall carry out such duties as may be prescribed in connection with-
(a) the examination and certification of young persons under this Act;
(b) the examination of persons engaged in factories in such dangerous Occupations or
processes as may be prescribed;
(c) the exercising of such medical supervisions as may be prescribed for any factory or
class or description of factories where-
o (i) cases of illness have occurred, which it is reasonable to believe are due to the
nature of the manufacturing process carried on, or other conditions of work
prevailing, therein;
o (ii) by reason of any change in the manufacturing process carried on or in the
substances used therein or by reason of the adoption of any new manufacturing
process, or of any new substance for use in a manufacturing process, there is a
likelihood of injury to the health of workers employed in that manufacturing
process;
o (iii) young persons are, or are about to be, employed in any work which is likely
to cause injury to their health.
(1) Every factory shall be kept clean and free from effluvial arising from any drain, privy or
other nuisance, and in particular-
(a) accumulation of dirt and refuse shall be removed daily by sweeping or by any other
effective method from the floors and benches of workrooms and from staircases and
passages and disposed of in a suitable manner;
(b) the fiLoor of every workroom shall be cleaned at least once in every week by
washing, using disinfectant where necessary, or by some other effective method;
(c) where a floor is liable to become wet in the course of any manufacturing process to
such extent as is capable of being drained, effective means of drainage shall be provided
as maintained;
o (d) all inside walls and partitions, all ceilings or tops of rooms and all walls, sides
and tops of passages and staircases shall- (i) where they are 'tpainted otherwise
than with washable water paint or varnished, be repainted or revarnished at least
once in every period of five years;
o (i-a) where they are painted with washable water paint, be repainted with at least
one coat of such paint at least once in every period ofthree years and washed at
least once in every period of six months;
o (ii) where they are painted or varnished or where they have smooth impervious
surfaces, be cleaned at least one in every period of fourteen months by such
methods as may be prescribed;
o (iii) in any other case, be kept whitewashed, or colour washed, and the
whitewashing or colourwashing shall be carried out at least once in every period
of fourteen months;
(dd) all doors and window-frames and other wooden or metallic framework and shutters
shall be kept painted or varnished and the painting or varnishing shall be carried out at
least once in every period of five years;
(e) the dates on which the processes required by clause (d) are carried out shall be entered
in the prescribed register.
(2) If, in view of the nature of the operations carried on in a factory or class or description of
factories or any part of a factory or class or description of factories, it is not possible for the
occupier to comply with all or any of the provisions of sub-section (1), the State Government
may by order exempt such factory or class or descriptien of factories or part from any of the
provisions of that sub-section and specify alternative methods for keeping the factory in a clean
state.
(1) Effective arrangements shall be made in every factory for the treatment of wastes and
effluents due to the manufacturing process carried on therein, so as to render them innocuous,
and for their disposal.
(2) The State Government may make rules prescribing the arrangements to be made under sub-
section (1) or requiring that the arrangements made in accordance with sub-section (1) shall be
approved by such authority as may be prescribed.
(1) Effect and suitable provisions shall be made in every factory for securing and maintaining in
every workroom-
(2) The State Government may prescribe a standard of adequate ventilation and reasonable
temperature for any factory or class or description of factories or parts thereof and direct that
proper measuring instruments, at such places and in such position as may be specified, shall be
provided and such records, as may be prescribed, shall be maintained.
(3) If it appears to the Chief Inspector that excessively high temperature in any factory can be
reduced by the adoption of suitable measures, he may, without prejudice to the rules made under
sub-section (2), serve on the occupier, an order in writing specifying the measures which, in his
opinion should be adopted, and requiring them to be carried out before a specified date.
(1) In every factory in which, by reason of the manufacturing process carried on, there is given
off any dust or fume or other impurity of such a nature and to such an extent as is likely to be
injurious or offensive to the workers employed therein, or any dust in substantial quantities,
effective measures shall be taken to prevent its inhalation and accumulation in any workroom,
and if any exhaust appliance is necessary for this purpose, it shall be applied as near as possible
to the point of origin of the dust, fume or other impurity, and such point shall be enclosed so far
as possible.
(2) In any factory no stationary internal combustion engine shall be operated unless the exhaust
is conducted into the open air, and no other internal combustion engine shall be operated in any
room ualess effective measures have been taken to prevent such accumulation offumes therefrom
as are likely to be injurious to workers employed in the room.
(1) In respect of all factories in which the humidity of the air is artificially increased, the State
Government may make rules,-
(3) If it appears to an Inspector that the water used in a factory for increasing humidity which is
required to be effectively purified under sub-section (2) is not effectively purified he may serve
on the manager of the factory an order in writing, specifying the measures which in his opinion
should be adopted, and requiring them to be carried out before specified date.
No room in any factory shall be overcrowded to an extent injurious to the health of the workers
employed therein.
(2) Without prejudice to the generality of sub-section (1), there shall be in every workroom of a
factory in existence on the date of commencement of this Act at least 9.9 cubic metres and of a
factory built after the commencement ofthis Act at least 14.2 cubic metres of space for every
worker employed therein, and for the purposes of this sub-section no account shall be taken of
anyspace which is more than 4.2 metres above the level of the fioor of the room.
(3) If the Chief Inspector by order in writing so requires, there shall be posted in each workroom
of a factory a notice specifying the maximum number of workers who may, in compliance with
the Provisions of this section, be employed in the room.
(4) The Chief Inspector may, by order in writing exempt, subject to such conditions, if any, as he
may thing fit to impose, any workroom from the provisions of this section, if he is satisfied that
compliance therewith in respect of the room is unnecessary in the interest of the health of the
workers employed therein.
(1) In every part of a factory where workers are working or passing, there shall be provided and
maintained sufficient and suitable lighting, natural or artificial, or both.
(2) In every factory all glazed windows and skylights used for the lighting of the workroom shall
be kept clean on both the inner and outer surfaces and, so far as compliance with the provisions
of any rules made under sub-section (3) of section 13 will allow, free from obstruction.
(3) In every factory effective provision shall, so far as is practicable, be made for the prevention
of-
(a) glare, either directly from a source of light or by reflection from a smooth or polished
surface;
(b) the formation of shadows to such an extent as to cause eye-strain or the risk of
accident to any worker.
(4) The State Government may prescribe standards of sufficient and suitable lighting for
factories or for any class or description offactories or for any manufacturing process.
(1) In every factory effective arrangements shall be made to provide and maintain at suitable
points conveniently situated for all workers employed therein a sufficient supply of wholesome
drinking water.
(2) All such points shall be legibly marked "drinking water" in a language understood by a
majority of the workers employed in the factory and no such points shall be situated within 1[six
metres of any washing place, urinal, latrine, spittoon, open drain carrying sullage or effluent or
any other source of contamination unless a shorter distance is approved in writing by the Chief
Inspector.
(3) In every factory wherein more than two hundred and fifty workers are ordinarily employed,
provisions shall be made for cooling drinking water during hot weather by effective means and
for distribution thereof.
(4) In respect of all factories or any class or description of factories the State Government may
make rules for securing compliance with the provisions of sub-sections (1), (2) and (3) and for
the examination by prescribed authorities of the supply and distribution of drinking water in
factories.
(a) sufficient latrine and urinal accommodation of prescribed types shall be provided
conveniently situated and accessible to workers at all times while they are at the factory;
(b) separate enclosed accommodation shall be provided for male and female workers;
(c) such accommodation shall be adequately lighted and ventilated and no latrine or
urinal shall, unless specially exempted in writing by the Chief Inspector, communicate
with any workroom except through an intervening open space or ventilated passage;
(d) all such accommodation shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition at all
times;
(e) sweepers shall be employed whose primary duty it would be to keep clean all latrines,
urinals and washing places.
(2) In every factory wherein more than twohundred and fifty workers are ordinarily employed-
(a) all latrine and urinal accommodation shall be of prescribed sanitary types;
(b) the floors and internal walls, up to a height of ninety centimetres of the latrines and
urinals and the sanitary blocks shall be laid in glazed tiles or otherwise finished to
provide a smooth polished impervious surface;
(c) without prejudice to the provisions of clauses (d) and (e) of sub-section (1), the fioors,
portions of the walls and blocks so laid or finished and the sanitary pans of latrines and
urinals shall be thoroughly washed and cleaned at least once in every seven days with
suitable detergents or disinfectants or with both.
(3) The State Government may prescribe the number of latrines and urinals to be provided in any
factory in proportion to the number of male and female workers ordinarily employed therein, and
provide for such further matters in respect of sanitation in factories, including the obligation of
workers in this regard, as it considers necessary in the interest of the health of the workers
employed therein.
(1) In every factory there shall be provided a sufficient number of spittoons in convenient places
and they shall be maintained in a clean and hygienic condition.
(2) The State Government may make rules prescribing the type and numbers of spittoons to be
provided and their location in any factory and provide for such further matters relating to their
maintenance in a clean and hygienic condition.
(3) No person shall spit within the premises of a factory except in the spittoons provided for the
purpose and a notice containing this provision and the penalty for its violation shall be
prominently displayed at suitable places in the premises.
(4) Whoever spits in contravention of sub-section (3) shall be punishable with fine not exceeding
five rupees.
(i) every moving part of a prime-mover and every fiywheel connected to a prime-mover,
whether the prime-mover or flywheel is in the engine-house or not;
(ii) the headrace and tailrace of every water-wheel and water-turbine;
(iii) any part of a stock bar which projects beyond the head stock of a lathe; and
(iv) unless they are in such position or of such construction as to be safe to every person
employed in the factory as they would be if they were securely fenced, the following,
namely:-
o (a) every part of an electric generator, a motor or rotary convertor;
o (c) every dangerous part of any other machinery; shall be securely fenced by
safeguards of a substantial construction which shall be constantly maintained and
kept in position while the parts of machinery they are fencing, are in motion or in
use:
Provided that for the purpose of determining whether any part of machinery in such position or is
of such construction as to be safe as aforesaid, account shall not be taken of any occasion when-
(i) it is necessary to make an examination of any part of the machinery aforesaid while it
is in motion or, as a result of such examination to carry out lubrication or other adjusting
operation while the machinery is in motion, being an examination of operation which it is
necessary to be carried out while that part of the machinery is in motion. or
(ii) in the case of any part of a transmission machinery used in such process as may be
prescribed (being a process of a continuous nature, the carrying on of which shall be or is
likely to be substantially interfered with by the stoppage of that part of the machinery), it
is necessary to make an examination of such part of the machinery while it is in motion
or, as a result of such examination, to carry out any mounting or shipping of belts or
lubrication, or other adjusting operation while tlle machinery is in motion, and such
examination or operation is made or carried out in accordance with the provisions of sub-
section (1) of section 22.
(2) The State Government may by rules prescribe such further precautions as it may consider
necessary in respect of any particular machinery or part thereof or exempt, subject to such
condition as may be prescribed, for securing the sefety ofthe workers, any particular machinery
or part thereof from the Provisions of this section.
(1) Where in any factory it becomes necessary to examine any part of machinery referred to in
section 21, while the machinery is in motion, or, as a result of such examination, to carry out-
(a) in a case referred to in clause (i) of the proviso to sub-section (1) of section 21,
lubrication or other adjusting operation; or
(b) in a case referred to in clause (ii) of the proviso aforesaid, any mounting or shipping
of belts or lubrication or other adjusting operation,
while the machinery is in motion, such - examination or operation shall be made or carried out
only by a specially trained adult male worker wearing tight fitting clothing (which shall be
supplied by the occupier) whose name has been recorded in the register prescribed in this behalf
and who has been furnished with a certificate of his appointment, and while he is so engaged,-
(a) such worker shall not handle a belt at a moving pulley unless-
o (i) the belt is not more than fifteen centimetres in width;
o (ii) the pulley is normally for the purpose of drive and not merely a fiy-wheel or
balance wheel (in which case belt is not permissible);
o (iii) the belt joint is either laced or fiush with the belt;
o (iv) the belt, including the joint and the pulley rim, are in good repair;
o (v) there is reasonable clearance between the pulley and any fixed plant or
structure;
o (vi) secure foothold and, where necessary, secure handhold, are provided for the
operator; and
o (vii) any ladder in use for carrying out any examination or operation aforesaid is
securely fixed or lashed or is firmly held by a second person ;
(b) without prejudice to any other provision of this Act relating to the fencing of
machinery, every set screw, bolt and key on any revolving shaft, spindle, wheel or
pinions and all spur, worm and other toothed or friction gearing in motion with which
such worker would otherwise be liable to come into contact, shall be securely fenced to
prevent such contact.
(2) No woman or young person shall be allowed to clean, lubricate or adjust any part of a prime-
mover or of any transmission machinery while prime-mover or transmission machinery is in
motion, or to clean, lubricate or adjust any part of any machine if the cleaning, lubrication or
adjustment thereof would expose the woman or young person to risk of injury from any moving
part either of that machine or of any adjacent machinery.
(3) The State Government may, by notification in the Offlcial Gazette prohibit, in any specified
factory or class or description of factories, the cleaning, lubricating or adjusting by any person of
specified parts of machinery when those palts are in motion.
(1) No young person shall be required or allowed to work at any machine to which this section
applies, unless he has been fully instructed as to the dangers arising in connection with the
machine and the precautions to be observed, and-
(a) has received sufficient training in work at the machine, or (b) is under adequate supervision
by a person who has a thorough knowledge and experience of the machine.
(2) Sub-section (1) shall apply to such machines as may be prescribed by the State Government,
being machines which in its opinion are of such a dangerous character that young persons ought
not to work at them unless the foregoing requirements are complied with.
Section 24. Striking gear and devices for cutting off power.-
(a) suitable striking gear or other efficient mechanical appliance shall be provided and
maintained and used to move driving belts to and from fast and loose pulleys wnich form
part of the transmission machinery, and such gear or appliances shall be so constructed,
placed and maintained so as to prevent the belt fiom creeping back on to the first pulley;
(b) driving belts whennot in use shall not be allowed to rest or ride upon shafting in
motion.
(2) In every factory suitable devices for cutting off power in emergencies from running
machinerv shall be provided and maintained in every workroom:
Provided that in respect of factories in operation before the commencement of this Act, the
provisions of this sub-section shall apply only to workrooms in which electricity is used as
power.
(3) When a device, which can inadvertently shift from "off" to "on" position, is provided in a
factory- to cut off power, arrangements shall be provided for locking the device in safe position
to prevent accidental starting of the transmission machinery or other machines to which the
device it fitted.
No traversing part of a self-acting machine in any factory and no material carried thereon shall, if
the space over which it runs is a space over which any person is liable to pass, whether in the
course of his employment or otherwise, be allowed to run on its outwards or inward traverse
within a distance forty-five centimetres from any fixed structure which is not part of the
machine:
Provided that the Chief Inspector may permit the continued use of a machine installed before the
commencement of this Act which does not comply with the requirements of this section on such
conditions for ensuring safety as he may think fit to impose.
(1) In all machinery driven by power and installed in any factory after the commencement of this
Act,-
(a) every set screw, bolt or key on any revolving shaft, spindle, wheel or pinion shall be
so sunk, encased or otherwise effectively guarded as to prevent danger;
(b) all spur, worm and other toothed or friction gearing which does not require frequent
adjustment while in motion shall be completely encased, unless it is so situated as to be
as safe as it would be if it were completely encased.
(2) Whoever sells or lets on hire or, agent of a seller or hirer, causes or procures to be sold or let
on hire, for use in a factory any machinery driven by power which does not comply with the
provisions of sub-section (1) or any rules made under sub-section (3), shall be punishable with
imprisonment for a term which may extend to three months or with fine which may extend to
five hundred rupees or with both.
(3) The State Government may make rules specifying further safeguards to be provided in
respect of any other dangerous part of any particular machine or class or description of machines.
No woman or child shall be employed in any part of a factory for pressing cotton in which a
cotton-opener is at work:
Provided that if the feed-end of a cotton-opener is in a room separated from the delivery end by a
partition extending to the roof or to such height as the Inspector may in any particular case
specify in writing, women and children may be employed on the side of the partition where the
feed-end is situated.
(a) where the cage is supported by rope or chain, there shall be at least two ropes or
chains separately connected with the cage and balance weight, and each rope or chain
with its attachments shall be capable of carrying the whole weight of the cage together
with its maximum load;
(b) efficient devices shall be provided and maintained capable of supporting the cage
together with its maximum load in the event of breakage of the ropes, chains or
attachments;
(c) an efficient automatic device shall be provided and maintained to prevent the cage
from over-running.
(3) The Chief Inspector may permit the continued use of a hoist or lift installed in a factory
before the commencement of this Act which does not fully comply with the provisions of sub-
section (1) upon such conditions for ensuring safety as he may think fit to impose.
(4) The State Government may, if in respect of any class or description of hoist or lift, is of
opinion that it would be unreasonable to enforce any requirements of sub-sections (1) and (2), by
order direct that such requirement shall not apply to such class or description of hoist or lift.
Explanation.- For the purposes of this section, no lifting machine or appliance shall be deemed to
be a hoist or lift unless it has a platform or cage, the direction or movement of which is restricted
by a guide or guides.
(1) In any factory the following provisions shall be complied with in respect of every lifting
machine (other than a hoist and lift) and every chain, rope and lifting tackle for the purpose of
raising or lowering persons, goods or materials:-
(a) all parts, including the working gear, whether fixed or movable, of every lifting
machine and every chain, rope or lifting tackle shall be-
o (i) of good construction, sound material and adequate strength and free from
defects;
o (ii) properly maintained; and
(2) The State Government may make rules in respect of any lifting machine or any chain, rope or
lifting tackle used in factories-
(a) prescribing further requirements to be compiled with in addition to those set out in
this section ;
(b) providing for exemption from compliance with all or any of the requirements of this
section, where in its opinion, such compliance is unnecessary or impracticable.
(3) For the purposes of this section a lifting machine or a chain, rope or lifting tackle shall be
deemed to have been thoroughly examined if a visual examination supplemented, if necessary,
by other means and by the dismantling of parts of the gear, has been carried out as carefully as
the conditions permit in order to arrive at a reliable conclusion as to the safety of the parts
examined.
(a) "lifting machine" means a crane, crab, winch, teagle, pully block, gin wheel,
transporter or runway;
(b) "lifting tackle" means any chain sling, rope sling, hook, shackle, swivel,
coupling, socket, clamp, tray or similar appliance, whether fixed or movable, used
in connection with the raising or lowering of persons, or loads by use lifting
machines.
(1) In every factory in which the process of grinding is carried on there shall be permanently
affixed to or placed ear each machine in use a notice indicating the maximum safe working
peripheral speed of every grindstone or abrasive wheel, the speed of the shaft or spindle upon
which the wheel is mounted, and the diameter of the pulley upon such shaft or spindle necessary
to secure such safe working peripheral speed.
(2) The speeds indicated in notices under sub-section (1) shall not be exceeded.
(3) Effective measure shall be taken in every factory to ensure that the safe working peripheral
speed of every revolving vessel, cage, basket, flywheel pulley, disc or similar appliance driven
by power is not exceeded.
(2) The State Government may make rules providing for the examination and testing of any plant
or machinery such as is referred to in sub-section (1) and prescribing such other safety measures
in relation thereto as may in its opinion, be necessary in any factory or class or description of
factories.
(3) The State Government may, by rules, exempt, subject to such conditions as may be specified
therein, any part of any plant or machinery referred to in sub-section (1) from the provisions of
this section.
In every factory-
(a) all floors, steps, stairs, passengers and gangways shall be of sound construction, and
properly maintained and shall be kept free from obstructions and substances likely to
cause persons to slip and where it is necessary to ensure safety, steps, stairs, passages and
gangways shall be provided with substantial handrails;
(b) there shall, so far as is reasonably practicable, be provided, and maintained safe
means of access to every place at which any person is at any time required to work;
(c) when any person has to work at a height from where he is likely to fall, provision
shall be made, so far as is reasonably practicable, by fencing or otherwise, to ensure the
safety of the person so working.
(1) In every factory every fixed vessel, sump, tank, pit or opening in the ground or in a floor
which, by reason of its depth, situation, construction or contents, is or may be a source of danger,
shall be either securely covered or securely fenced.
(2) The State Government may, by order in writing, exempt, subject to such conditions as may
be prescribed, any factory or class or description of factories in respect of any vessel, sump, tank,
pit or opening from compliance with the provisions of this section.
(1) No person shall be employed in any factory to lift, carry or move any load so heavy as to be
likely to cause him an injury.
(2) The State Government may make rules prescribing the maximum weights which may be
lifted, carried or moved by adult men, adult women, adolescents and children employed in
factories or in any class or description of factories or in carrying on in any specified process.
Section 35. Protection of eyes. -
In respect of any such manufacturing process carried on in any factory as may be prescribed,
being a process which involves-
(a) risk of injury to the eyes from particles or fragments thrown off in the course of the
process, or
(b) risk to the eyes by reason of exposure to excessive light, the State Government may
by rules require that effective screens or suitable goggles shall be provided for the
protection of persons employed on, or in the immediate vicinity of, the process.
(1) No person shall be required or allowed to enter any chamber, tank, vat, pit, pipe, flue or other
confined space in any factory in which any gas, fume, vapour or dust is likely to be present to
such an extent as to involve risk to persons being overcome thereby, unless it is provided with a
manhole of adequate size or other effective means of egress.
(2) No person shall be required or allowed to enter any confined space as is referred to in sub-
section (1), until all practicable measures have been taken to remove any gas, fume, vapour or
dust, which may be present so as to bring its level within the permissible limits and to prevent
any ingress of such gas, fume, vapour or dust and unless-
(a) a certificate in writing has been given by a competent person, based on a test carried
out by himself that the space is reasonably free from dangerous gas, fume, vapour or
dust: or
(b) such person is wearing suitable breathing apparatus and a belt securely attached to a
rope the free end of which is held by a person outside the confined space.
In any factory-
(a) no portable electric light or any other electric appliance of voltage exceeding twenty-
four volts shall be permitted for use inside any chamber, tank, vat, pit, pipe, flue or other
confined space unless adequate safety devices are provided; and
(b) if any inflammable gas, fume or dust is likely to be present in such chambers tank,
vat, pipe, flue or other confined space, no lamp or light other than that of flame-proof
construction shall be permitted to be used therein.
Where in any factory any manufacturing process produces dust, gas, fume or vapour of such
character and to such extent as to be likely to explode on ignition, all practicable measures shall
be taken to prevent any such explosion by-
(a) effective enclosure of the plant or machinery used in the process;
(b) removal or prevention of the accumulation of such dust, gas, fume or vapour;
(c) exclusion or effective enclosure of all possible sources of ignition.
(2) Where in any factory the plant or machinery used in a process such as is referred to in sub-
section (1), is not so constructed as to withstand the probable pressure which such an explosion
as aforesaid would produce, all practicable measures shall be taken to restrict the spread and
effects of the explosion by the provision in the plant or machinery of chokes, baffles, vents or
other effective appliances.
(3) Where any part of the plant or machinery in a factory contains any explosive or inflammable
gas or vapour under pressure greater than atmospheric pressure, that part shall not be opened
except in accordance with the following provisions, namely:-
(a) before the fastening of any joint of any pipe connected with the part or the fastening
of the cover of any opening into the part is loosened, any flow of the gas or vapour into
the part of any such pipe shall be effectively stopped by a stop-valve or other means;
(b) before any such fastening as aforesaid is removed, all practicable measures shall be
taken to reduce the pressure of the gas or vapour in the part or pipe to a atmospheric
pressure;
(c) where any such fastening as aforesaid has been loosened or removed effective
measures shall be taken to prevent any explosive or inflammable gas or vapour from
entering the part or pipe until the fastening has been secured, or, as the case may be,
securely replaced:
Provided that the provisions of this sub-section shall not apply in the case of plant or machinery
installed in the open air.
(4) No plant, tank or vessel which contains or has contained any explosive or inflammable
substance shall be subjected, in any factory, to any welding, brazing, soldering or cutting
operation which involves the application of heat unless adequate measures have first been taken
to remove such substance and any fumes arising therefrom or to render such substance and
fumes non- explosive or non-inflammable and no such substance shall be allowed to enter such
plant, tank or vessel after any such operation until the metal has cooled sufficiently to prevent
any risk of igniting the substance.
(5) The State Government may by rules exempt, subject to such conditions as may be prescribed,
any factory or class or description of factories from compliance with all or any of the provisions
of this section.
(1) In every factory, all practicable measures shall be taken to prevent outbreak of fire and its
spread, both internally and externally, and to provide and maintain-
(a) safe means of escape for all persons in the event of a fire, and
(b) the necessary equipment and facilities for extinguishing fire.
(2) Effective measures shall be taken to ensure that in every factory all the workers are familiar
with the means of escape in case of fire and have been adequately trained in the routine to be
following in such cases.
(3) The State Government may make rules, in respect of any factory or class or description of
factories, requiring the measures to be adopted to give effect to the provisions of sub-sections (1)
and (2).
(4) Notwithstanding anything contained in clause (a) of sub-section (1) or sub-section (2), if the
Chief Inspector, having regard to the nature of the work carried on in any factory, the
construction of such factory, special risk to life or safety, or any other circumstances, is of the
opinion that the measures provided in the factory, whether as prescribed or not, for the purposes
of clause (a) of sub-section (1) or sub-section (2), are inadequate, he may, by order in writing,
require that such additional measures as he may consider reasonable and necessary, be provided
in the factory before such date as is specified in the order.
If it appears to the Inspector that any building or part of a building or any part of the ways,
machinery or plant in a factory is in such a condition that it may be dangerous to human life or
safety, he may serve on the occupier or manager or both of the factory an order in writing
requiring him before a specified date-
(a) to furnish such drawings, specifications and other particulars as may be necessary to
determine whether such buildings, ways, machinery or plant can be used with safety, or
(b) to carry out such tests in such manner as may be specified in the order, and to inform
the Inspector of the results thereof.
(1) If it appears to the Inspector that any building or part of a building or any part of the ways,
machinery or plant in a factory is in such a condition that it is dangerous to human life or safety,
he may serve on the occupier or manager or both of the factory an order in writing specifying the
measures, which in his opinion should be adopted and requiring them to be carried out before a
specified date.
(2) If it appears to the Inspector that the use of any building or part of a building or any part of
the ways, machinery or plant in a factory involves imminent danger to human life or safety he
may serve on the occupier or manager or both of the factory an order in writing prohibiting its
use until it has been properly repaired or altered.
the occupier shall, if so required by the State Government by notification in Official Gazette,
employ such number of Safety Officers as may be specified in that notification.
(2) The duties, qualifications and conditions of service of Safety Officers shall be such as may be
prescribed by the State Government.
The State Government may make rules requiring the provision in any factory or in any class or
description of factories of such further devices and measures for securing safety of persons
employed therein as it may deem necessary.
(1) The State Government may, for purposes of advising it to consider applications for grant of
permission for the initial location of a factory involving a hazardous process or for the expansion
of any such factory, appoint a Site Appraisal Committee consisting of-
(a) the Chief Inspector of the State who shall be its Chairman;
(b) a representative of the Central Board for the Prevention and Control of Water
Pollution appointed by the Central Government under section 3 of the Water (Prevention
and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 (6 of 1974) ;
(c) a representative of the Central Board for the Prevention and Control of Air Pollution
referred to in section 3 of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 (14 of
1981);
(d) a representative of the State Board appointed under section 4 of the Water (Prevention
and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 (6 of 1974);
(e) a representative of the State Board for the Prevention and Control of Air Pollution
referred to in section 5 of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 (14 of
1981);
(f) a representative of the Department of Environment in the State;
(g) a representative of the Meteorological Department of the Government of India;
(h) an expert in the field of occupational health; and
(i) a representative of the Town Planning Department of the State Government,
and not more than five other members who may be co-opted by the State Government who shall
be- ,
(i) a scientist having specialised knowledge of the hazardous process which will be
involved in the factory,
(ii) a representative of the local authority within whose jurisdiction the factory is to be
established, and
(iii) not more than three other persons as deemed fit by the State Government
(2) The Site Appraisal Committee shall examine an application for the establishment of a factory
involving hazardous process and make its recommendation to the State Government within a
period of ninety days of the receipt of such application in the prescribed form.
(3) Where any process relates to a factory owned or controlled by the Central Government or to a
corporation or a company owned or controlled by the Central Government, the State Government
shall co-opt in the Site Appraisal Committee a representative nominated by the Central
Government as a member of that Committee.
(4) The Site Appraisal Committee shall have power to call for any information from the person
making an application for the establishment or expansion of a factory involving a hazardous
process.
(5) Where the State Government has granted approval to an application for the establishment of
expansion of a factory involving a hazardous process, it shall not be necessary for an applicant to
obtain a further approval from the Central Board or the State Board established under the Water
(Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, l974 (6 of 1974) and the Air (Prevention and Control
of Pollution) Act, 1981 {14 of 1981).
(1) The occupier of every factory involving a hazardous process shall disclose in the manner
prescribed, all informations regarding dangers including health hazards and the measures to
overcome such hazards arising from the exposure to or handling of the materials or substances in
the manufacture, transportation, storage and other processes, to the workers employed in the
factory, the Chief Inspector, the local authority, within whose jurisdiction the factory is situate,
and the general public in the vicinity.
(2) The occupier shall, at the time of registering the factory involving a hazardous process lay
down a detailed policy with respect to the health and safety of the workers employed therein and
intimate such policy to the Chief Inspector and the local authority and, thereafter, at such
intervals as may be prescribed, inform the Chief Inspector and the local authority of any change
made in the said policy.
(3) The information furnished under sub-section (1) shall include accurate information as to the
quantity, specifications and other characteristics of wastes and the manner of their disposal.
(4) Every occupier shall, with the approval of the Chief Inspector, draw up an on-site emergency
plan and detailed disaster control measures for his factory and make known to the workers
employed therein and to the general public living in the vicinity of the factory, the safety
measures required to be taken in the event of an accident taking place.
(a) if such factory engaged in a hazardous process on the commencement of the Factories
(Amendment) Act, 1987 within a period of thirty days of such commencement; and
(b) if such factory purposes to engage in a hazardous process at any time after such
commencement, within a period of thirty days before the commencement of such process,
inform the Chief Inspector of the nature and details of the process in such form and in such
manner as may be prescribed.
(6) Where any occupier of a factory contravenes the provisions of sub-section (5), the license
issued under section 6 to such factory shall, notwithstanding any penalty to which the occupier of
the factory shall be subjected to under the provisions of this Act, be liable for cancellation.
(7) The occupier of a factory involving a hazardous process shall, with the previous approval of
the Chief Inspector, lay down measures for the handling usage, transportation and storage of
hazardous substances inside the factory premises and the disposal of such substances outside the
factory premises and publicise them in the manner prescribed among the workers and the general
public living in the vicinity.
(a) maintain accurate and up-to-date health records or, as the case may be, medical
records, of the workers in the factory who are exposed to any chemical, toxic or any other
harmful substances which are manufactured, stored, handled or transported and such
records shall be accessible to the workers subject to such conditions as may be
prescribed;
(b) appoint persons who possess qualifications and experience in handling hazardous
substances and are competent to supervise such handling within the factory and to
provide at the working place all the necessary facilities for protecting the workers in the
manner prescribed:
Provided that where any question arises as to the qualifications and experience of a person so
appointed, the decision of the Chief Inspector shall be final;
(1) The Central Government may, in the event of the occurrence of an extraordinary situation
involving a factory engaged in a hazardous process, appoint an Inquiry Committee to inquire into
the standards of health and safety observed in the factory with a view to finding out the causes of
any failure or neglect in the adoption of ally measures or standards prescribed for the health and
safety of the workers employed in the factory or the general public affected, or likely to be
affected, due to such failure or neglect and for the prevention and recurrence of such
extraordinary situations in future in such factory or elsewhere.
(2) The Committee appointed under sub-section (1) shall consist of a Chairman and two other
members and the terms of reference of the Committee and the tenure of office of its members
shall be such as may be determined by the Central Government according to the requirements of
the situation.
(1) Where the Central Government is satisfied that no standards of safety have been prescribed in
respect of a hazardous process or class of hazardous processes, or where the standards so
prescribed are inadequate, it may direct the Director-General of Factory Advice Service and
Labour Institutes or any Institution specialised in matters relating to standards of safety in
hazardous processes, to lay down emergency standards for enforcement of suitable standards in
respect of such hazardous processes.
(2) The emergency standards laid down under sub-section (1) shall, until they are incorporated in
the rules made under this Act, be enforceable and have the same effect as if they had been
incorporated in the rules made under this Act.
Section 41F. Permissible limits of exposure of chemical and toxic substances.-
(1) The maximum permissible threshold limits of exposure of chemical and toxic substances in
manufacturing processes (whether hazardous or otherwise) in any factory shall be of the value
indicated in the Second Schedule.
(2) The Central Government may, at any time, for the purpose of giving effect to any scientific
proof obtained from specialised institutions or experts in the field, by notification in the Official
Gazette, make suitable changes in the said Schedule.
(1) The occupier shall, in every factory where a hazardous process takes place, or where
hazardous substances are used or handled, set up a Safety Committee consisting of equal number
of representatives of workers and management to promote co-operation between the workers and
the management in maintaining proper safety and health at work and to review periodically the
measures taken in that behalf.
Provided that the State Government may, by order in writing and for reasons to be recorded,
exempt the occupier of any factory or class of factories from setting up such Committee.
(2) The composition of the Safety Committee, the tenure of office of its members and their rights
and duties shall be such as may be prescribed.
(1) Where the workers employed in any factory engaged in a hazardous process have reasonable
apprehension that there is a likelihood of imminent danger to their lives or health due to any
accident, they may, bring the same to the notice of the occupier, agent, manager or any other
person who is in-charge of the factory or the process concerned directly or through their
representatives in the Safety Committee and simultaneously bring the same to the notice of the
Inspector.
(2) Tt shall be the duty of such occupier, agent, manager or the person in-charge of the factory or
process to take immediate remedial action if he is satisfied about the existence of such imminent
danger and send a report forth-with of the action taken to the nearest Inspector.
(3) If the occupier, agent, manager or the person in-charge referred to in sub-section (2) is not
satisfied about the existence of any imminent danger as apprehended by the workers, he shall,
nevertheless, refer the matter forth-with to the nearest Inspector whose decision on the question
of the existence of such imminent danger shall be final.
NOTES.- New Chapter IVA inserted in the Act.- The Factories (Amendment) Act, 1987, has
inserted this new chapter in the Act after Chapter IV.
The new Chapter lays down provisions relating to hazardous process in sections 41A to 41H.
Under provisions of section 41A of this Chapter the State Government in empowered to form a
Site Appraisal Committee to examine the application for establishment of a factory involving
hazardous process and send its recommendations to the State Government. The chairman and
members of the Committee will be persons as specified in the section. Powers of the Committee
are also specified. The proposal for establishment or expansion of such a factory, if approved by
the State Government, has to be further approved by the authorities mentioned in the section.
Duties and responsibilities of the occupier of such a factory have been specified in sections 41B
and 41C.
Section 41D empowers the Central Government to appoint Inquiry Committee to enquire
whether such a factory is observing the standards of health and safety of workers as well as of
the general public as prescribed and make recommendations. Its recommendations shall be
however of advisory nature The Committee shall have a chairman and two members. The
Central Government shall determine the tenure of office of the members.
Section 41E empowers the Central Government to take certain steps for laying down emergency
standards and enforcement thereof in case no standard of safety has been prescribed for
hazardous processes.
Section 41F enjoins that the maximum permissible limits of exposure of chemical and toxic
substances in manufacturing processes (whether hazardous or otherwise) in any factory shall be
of the value indicated in the Second Schedule. The section empowers the Central Government to
make suitable changes in the said Schedule by notification in the Official Gazette.
Section 41G requires the occupier of a factory in which a hazardous process takes place to set up
a Safety Committee with equal number of representatives of workers for the purpose of
enforcing the safety measures in the factory. The State Government may, however, exempt any
factory for reasons to be recorded in writing, any factory from setting up such a Committee.
Section 41H gives the right to workers of a factory in which a hazardous process takes place to
bring to the notice of the occupier, agent, manager or any other person who is in-charge of the
factory or the Inspector of the area, of their apprehension about any imminent danger and the
person or persons informed must enquire immediately on receipt of the information and take
remedical action.
(a) adequate and suitable facilities for washing shall be provided and maintained for use
of the workers therein;
(b) separate and adequately screened facilities shall be provided for the use of male and
female workers;
(c) such facilities shall be conveniently accessible and shall be kept clean.
(2) The State Government may, in respect of any factory or class or description of factories or of
any manufacturing process, prescribe standards of adequate and suitable facilities for washing.
The State Government may, in respect of any factory or class or description of factories make
rules requiring the provision therein of suitable place for keeping clothing not worn during
working hours and for the drying of wet clothing.
(1) In every factory suitable arrangements for sitting shall be provided and maintained for all
workers obliged to work in a standing position, in order that they may take advantage of any
opportunities for rest which may occur in the course of their work.
(2) If, in the opinion of the Chief Inspector, the workers in any factory engaged in a particular
manufacturing process or working in a particular room, are able to do their work efficiently in a
sitting position, he may, by order in writing, require the occupier of the factory to provide before
a specified date such seating arrangements as may be practicable for all workers so engaged or
working.
(3) The State Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, declare that the provisions
of sub-section (1) shall not apply to any specified factory or class or description of factories or to
any specified manufacturing process.
(1) There shall, in every factory, be provided and maintained so as to be readily accessible during
all working hours first-aid boxes or cupboards equipped with the prescribed contents, and the
number of such boxes or cupboards to be provided and maintained shall not be less than one for
every one hundred and fifty workers ordinarily employed at any one time in the factory.
(2) Nothing except the prescribed contents shall be kept in a first-aid box or cupboard.
(3) Each first-aid box or cupboard shall be kept in the charge of a separate responsible person,
who holds a certificate in first-aid treatment recognized by the State Government and who shall
always be readily available during the working hours of the factory.
(4) In every factory wherein more than five hundred workers are ordinarily employed there shall
be provided and maintained an ambulance room of the prescribed size, containing the prescribed
equipment and in the charge of such medical and nursing staff as may be prescribed and those
facilities shall always be made readily available during the working hours of the factory.
Section 46. Canteens.-
(1) The State Government may make rules requiring that in any specified factory wherein more
than two hundred and fifty workers are ordinarily employed, a canteen or canteens shall be
provided and maintained by the occupier for the use of the workers.
(2) Without prejudice in the generality of the foregoing power, such rules may provide for-
(1) In every factory wherein more than one hundred and fifty workers are ordinarily employed
adequate and suitable shelters or rest-rooms and a suitable lunch-room, with provision for
drinking water, where workers can eat meals brought by them, shall be provided and maintained
for the use of the workers:
Provided that any canteen maintained in accordance with the provisions of section 46 shall be
regarded as part of the requirements of this sub-section:
Provided further that where a lunch-room exists no worker shall eat any food in the work-room.
(2) The shelters or rest-room or lunch-room to be provided under sub-section (1) shall be
sufficiently lighted and ventilated and shall be maintained in a cool and clean condition.
(a) prescribe the standards, in respect of construction accommodation, furniture and other
equipment of shelters, rest-rooms and lunch-rooms to be provided under this section;
(b) by notification in the Official Gazette, exempt any factory or class or description of
factories from the requirements of this section.
(2) Such rooms shall provide adequate accommodation, shall be adequately lighted and
ventilated, shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition and shall be under the charge of
women trained in the care of children and infants.
(a) prescribing the location and the standards in respect of construction, accommodation;
furniture and other equipment of rooms to be provided, under this section;
(b) requiring the provision in factories to which the section applies, of additional facilities
for the care of children belonging to women workers, including suitable provision of
facilities for washing and changing their clothing;
(c) requiring the provision in any factory of free milk or refreshment or both for such
children;
(d) requiring that facilities shall be given in any factory for the mothers of such children
to feed them at the necessary intervals.
(1) In every factory wherein five hundred or more workers are ordinarily employed the occupier
shall employ in the factory such number of welfare officers as may be prescribed.
(2) The State Government may prescribe the duties, qualifications and conditions of service of
officers employed under sub-section (1). 50. Power to make rules to supplement this Chapter. -
(a) exempting, subject to compliance with such alternative arrangements for the welfare
of workers as may be prescribed, any factory or class or description of factories from
compliance with any of the provisions of this Chapter,
(b) requiring in any factory or class or description of factories that representatives of the
workers employed in the factories shall be associated with the management of the welfare
arrangements of the workers.
No adult worker shall be required or allowed to work in a factory for more than forty-eight hours
in any week.
Section 52. Weekly holidays. -
(1) No adult worker shall be required or allowed to work in a factory on first day of the week
(hereinafter referred to as the said day), unless-
(a) he has or will have a holiday for whole day on one of three days immediately before
or after the said day, and
(b) the manager of the factory has, before the said day or the substituted day under clause
(a), whichever is earlier,-
o (i) delivered a notice at the office of the Inspector of his intention to require the
worker to work on the said day and of the day which is to be substituted, and
o (ii) displayed a notice to that effect in the factory:
Provided that no substitution shall be made which will result in any worker working for more
than ten days consecutively without a holiday for a whole day.
(2) Notices given under sub-section (1) may be canceled by a notice delivered at the office of the
Inspector and a notice displayed in the factory not later than the day before the said day or the
holiday to be canceled, whichever is earlier.
(3) Where, in accordance with the Provisions of sub-section (1), any worker works on the said
day and has had a holiday on one of the three days immediately before it, that said day shall, for
the purpose of calculating his weekly hours of work, be included in the preceding week.
(1) Where, as a result of the passing of an order of the making of a rule under the provisions of
this Act exempting a factory or the workers therein from the provisions of section 52, a worker is
deprived of any of the weekly holidays for which provision is made in sub-section (1) of that
section he shall be allowed, within the month in which the holidays were due to him or within
the two months immediately following that month, compensatory holidays of equal number to
the holidays so lost.
(2) The State Government may prescribe the manner in which the holidays for which provision is
made in sub-section (1) shall be allowed.
Subject to the provisions of section 51, no adult worker shall be required or allowed to work in a
factory for more than nine hours in any day.
Provided that subject to the previous approval of the Chief Inspector the daily maximum
specified in this section may be exceeded in order to facilitate the change of shifts.
(2) The State Government or, subject to the control of the State Government, the Chief Inspector,
may, by written order and for the reason specified therein, exempt any factory from the
provisions of sub-section (1) so however that the total number of hours worked by a worker
without an interval does not exceed six.
The period of work of an adult worker in a factory shall be so arranged that inclusive of his
intervals for rest under section 55, they shall not spreadover more than ten and a half hours in
any day:
Provided that the Chief Inspector may, for reasons to be specified in writing, increase the
spreadover up to twelve hours.
(a) for the purposes of sections 52 and 53, a holiday for a whole day shall mean in his
case a period of twenty-four consecutive hours beginning when his shift ends;
(b) the following day for him shall be deemed to be the period of twenty-four hours
beginning when such shift ends, and the hours he has worked after midnight shall be
counted in the previous day.
(1) Work shall not be carried on in any factory by means of a system of shifts so arranged that
more than one relay of workers is engaged in work of the same kind at the same time.
(2) The State Government or subject to the control of the State Government, the Chief Inspector,
may, by written order and for the reasons specified therein, exempt on such conditions as may be
deemed expedient, any factory or class or description of factories or any department or section of
a factory or any category or description of workers therein from the provisions of sub-section (1).
(1) Where a worker works in a factory for more than nine hours in any day or for more than
forty-eight hours in any week, he shall, in respect of overtime work, be entitled to wages at the
rate of twice his ordinary rate of wages.
(2) For the purposes of sub-section (1), "ordinary rate of wages" means the basic wages plus such
allowances, including the cash equivalent of the advantage accuring through the concessional
sale to workers of foodgrains and other articles, as the worker is for the time being entitled to,
but does not include a bonus and wages for overtime work.
(3) Where any workers in a factory are paid on a piece-rate basis, the time-rate shall be deemed
to be equivalent to the daily average of their full- time earnings for the days on which they
actually worked on the same or identical job during the month immediately preceding the
calendar months during which the overtime work was done, and such time-rates shall be deemed
to be the ordinary rates of wages of those workers:
Provided that in the case of a worker who has not worked in the immediately preceding calender
month on the same or identical job, the time-rate shall be deemed to be equivalent to the daily
average of the earnings of the worker for the days on which he actually worked in the week in
which the overtime work was done.
Explanation. - For the purposes of this sub-section in computing the earnings for the days on
which the worker actually worked, such allowances including the cash equivalent of the
advantage accruing through the concessional sale to workers of foodgrains and other articles, as
the worker is for the time being entitled to, shall be included but any bonus or wages for
overtime work payable in relation to the period with reference to which the earnings are being
computed shall be excluded.
(4) The cash equivalent of the advantage accruing through the concessional sale to a worker of
foodgrains and other articles shall be computed as often as may be prescribed on the basis of the
maximum quantity of foodgrains and other articles admissible to a standard family.
Explanation I. - "Standard family" means a family consisting of the worker, his or her spouse
and two children below the age of fourteen years requiring in all three adult consumption units.
Explanation 2. - "Adult consumption unit" means the consumption units of a male above the age
of fourteen years, and the consumption unit of a female above the age of fourteen years and that
of a child below the age of fourteen years shall be calculated at the rates of 8 and 6, respectively
of one adult consumption unit.
(a) the manner in which the cash equivalent of the advantage accruing through the
concessional sale to a worker of foodgrains and other articles shall be computed; and
(b) the registers that shall be maintained in a factory for the purpose of securing
compliance with the provisions of this section.
No adult worker shall be required or allowed to work in any factory on any day on which he has
already been working in any other factory, save in such circumstances as may be prescribed.
(2) The periods shown in the notice required by sub-section (1) shall be fixed beforehand in
accordance with the following provisions of this section, and shall be such that workers working
for those periods would not be working in contravention of any of the provisions of sections 51,
52, 54, 55, 56 and 58.
(3) Where all the adult workers in a factory are required to work during the same periods, the
manager of the factory shall fix those periods for such workers generally.
(4) Where all the adult workers in a factory are not required to work during the same periods, the
manager of the factory shall classify them into groups according to the nature of their work
indicating the number of workers in such group.
(5) For each group, which is not required to work on a system of shifts, the manager of the
factory shall fix the periods during which the group may be required to work.
(6) Where any group is required to work on system of shifts and the relays are to be subject to
pre-determined periodical changes or shifts, the manager of the factory shall fix the periods
during which each relay of the group may be required to work.
(7) Where any group is to work on a system of shifts and the relays are to be subject to pre-
determined periodical changes of shifts, the manager of the factory shall draw up a scheme of
shifts, whereunder the period during which any relay or group may be required to work and the
relay which will be working at any time of the day shall be known for any day.
(8) The State Government may prescribe forms of the notice required by sub-section (1) and the
manner in which it shall be maintained.
(9) In the case of a factory beginning work after the commencement of this Act, a copy of the
notice referred to in sub-section (1) shall be sent in duplicate to the Inspector before the day on
which work is begun in the factory.
(10) Any proposed change in the system of work in any factory which Will necessitate a change
in the notice referred to in sub-section (1) shall be notified to the Inspector in duplicate before
the change is made, and except with the previous sanction of the Inspector, no such change shall
be made until one week has elapsed since that last change.
(1) The manager of every factory shall maintain a register of adult workers, to be available to the
Inspector at all times during working hours, or when any work is being carried on in the factory,
showing-
(a) the name of each adult worker in the factory;
(b) the nature of his work;
(c) the group, if any, in which he is included;
(d) where his group works on shift, the relay to which he is allotted; and
(e) such other particulars as may be prescribed:
Provided that if the Inspector is of opinion that any muster-roll or register maintained as a part of
the routine of a factory gives in respect of any or all the workers in the factory the particulars
required under this section, he may, by order in writing, direct that such muster-roll or register
shall to the corresponding extent be maintained in place of, and be treated as, the register of adult
workers in that factory.
(1A) No adult worker shall be required or allowed to work in any factory unless his name and
other particulars have been entered in the register of adult workers.
(2) The State Government may prescribe the form of the register of adult workers, the manner in
which it shall be maintained and the period for which it shall be preserved.
Section 63. Hours of work to correspond with notice under section 61 and register under
section 62. -
No adult worker shall be required or allowed to work in any factory otherwise than in accordance
with the notice of periods of work for adults displayed in the factory and the entries made
beforehand against his name in the register of adult workers of the factory.
(1) The State Government may make rules defining the persons who hold positions of
supervision or management or are employed in a confidential position in a factory or
empowering the Chief Inspector to declare any person, other than a person defined by such rules
as a person holding position of supervision or management or employed in a confidential
position in a factory if, in the opinion of the Chief Inspector, such person holds such position or
is so employed and the provision of this Chapter, other than the provisions of clause (b) of sub-
section (1) of section 66 and of the proviso to that sub-section, shall not apply to any person so
defined or declared :
Provided that any person so defined or declared shall, where the ordinary rate of wages of such
person does not exceed the wage limit specified in sub-section (6) of section 1 of the Payment of
Wages Act, 1936 (4 of 1936), as amended from time to time, be entitled to extra wages in respect
of overtime work under section 59.
(2) The State Government may make rules in respect of adult workers in factories providing for
the exemption, to such extent and subject to such conditions as may be prescribed-
(a) of workers engaged on urgent repairs, from the provisions of sections 51, 52, 54, 55
and 56;
(b) of workers engaged in work in the nature of preparatory or complementary work
which must necessarily be carried on outside the limits laid down for the general working
of the factory, from the provisions of sections 51, 54, 55 and 56;
(c) of workers engaged in work which is necessarily so intermittent that intervals during
which they do not work while on duty, ordinarily amount to more than the intervals for
rest required by or under section 55, from the provisions of sections 51, 54, 55 and 56;
(d) of workers engaged in any work which for technical reasons must be carried on
continuously from the provisions of sections 51, 52, 54, 55 and 56;
(e) of workers engaged in making or supplying articles of prime necessity which must be
made or supplied every day, from the provisions of section 51 and section 52;
(f) of workers engaged in a manufacturing process which cannot be carried on except
during fixed seasons, from the provisions of section 51, section 52 and section 54;
(g) of worker engaged in a manufacturing process, which cannot be carried on except at
times dependent on the irregular action of natural forces, from the provisions of sections
52 and 55;
(h) of workers engaged in engine-rooms of boiler-houses or in attending to power-plant
or transmission machinery, from the provisions of section 51 and section 52; (i) of
workers engaged in the printing of newspapers, who are held up on account of the
breakdown of machinery, from the provisions of sections 51, 54 and 56.
Explanation. - In this clause the expression "newspapers" has the meaning assigned to it in the
Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867 (XXV of 1867);
(3) Rules made under sub-section (2) providing for any exemption may also provide for any
consequential exemption from the provisions of section 61 which the State Government may
deem to be expedient, subject to such conditions as it may prescribe.
(4) In making rules under this section, the State Government shall not exceed, except in respect
of exemption under clause (a) of sub-section (2), the following limits of work inclusive of
overtime : -
(i) the total number of hours of work in any day shall not exceed ten;
(ii) the spreadover, inclusive of intervals for rest, shall not exceed twelve hours in any
one day;
Provided that the State Government may, in respect of any or all of the categories of workers
referred to in clause (d) of sub-section (2), make rules prescribing the circumstances in which,
and the conditions subject to which, the restrictions imposed by clause (i) and clause (ii) shall not
apply in order to enable a shift worker to work the whole or part of a subsequent shift in the
absence of a worker who has failed to report for duty;
(iii) the total number of hours of work in a week including overtime, shall not exceed
sixty;
(iv) the total number of hours of overtime shall not exceed fifty for any one quarter.
Explanation.- "Quarter" means a period of three consecutive months beginning on the 1st of
January, the 1st of April, the 1st of July or the 1st of October.
(5) Rules made under this section shall remain in force for not more than five years.
(1) Where the State Government is satisfied that, owing to the nature of the work carried on or to
other circumstances, it is reasonable to require that the periods of work of any adult worker in
any factory or class or description of factories should be fixed beforehand, it may, by written
order, relax or modify the provisions of section 61 in respect of such workers therein, to such
extent and in such manner as it may think fit, and subject to such conditions as it may deem
expedient to ensure control over periods of work.
(2) The State Government or, subject to the control of the State Government the Chief Inspector
may, by written order, exempt on such conditions as it or he may deem expedient, any or all of
the adult workers in any factory or group or class or description of factories from any or all of
the provisions of sections 51, 52, 54 and 56 on the ground that the exemption is required to
enable the factory or factories to deal with an exceptional pressure of work.
(5) Any exemption granted under sub-section (2) shall be subject to the following conditions,
namely:
(i) the total number of hours of work in any day shall not exceed twelve;
(ii) the spreadover, inclusive of intervals for rest, shall not exceed thirteen hours in any
one day;
(iii) the total number of hours of work in any week, including overtime, shall not exceed
sixty;
(iv) no worker shall be allowed to work overtime, for more than seven days at a stretch
and the total number of hours of overtime work in any quarter shall not exceed seventy-
five.
Explanation. - In this sub-section "quarter" has the same meaning as in sub-section (4) of section
64.
Section 66. Further restriction on employment of women. -
(1) The provisions of this Chapter shall, in their application to women in factories, be
supplemented by the following further restrictions, namely:-
(a) no exemption from the provisions of section 54 may be granted in respect of any
woman;
(b) no woman shall be required or allowed to work in any factory except between the
hours 6 A.M. and 7 P.M.;
Provided that the State Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, in respect of any
factory or group or class or description of factories, vary the limits laid down in clause (b), but so
that no such variation shall authorise the employment of any woman between the hours of 10
P.M. and 5 A.M..
(c) there shall be no change of shifts except after a weekly holiday or any other holiday.
(2) The State Government may make rules providing for the exemption from the restrictions set
out in sub-section (1), to such extent and subject to such conditions as it may prescribe, of
women working in fish-curing or fish- canning factories, where the employment of women
beyond the hours specified in the said restrictions, is necessary to prevent damage to, or
deterioration in any raw material.
(3) The rules made under sub-section (2) shall remain in force for not more than three years at a
time.
No child who has not completed his fourteenth year shall be required or allowed to work in any
factory.
A child who has completed his fourteenth year or an adolescent shall not be required or allowed
to work in any factory, unless -
(a) a certificate of fitness granted with reference to him under section 69, is in the custody
of manager of the factory, and
(b) such child or adolescent carries while he is at work, a token giving a reference to such
certificate.
(2) The certifying surgeon, after examination, may grant to such young person, in the prescribed
form, or may renew-
(a) certificate of fitness to work in a factory as a child, if he is satisfied that the young
person has completed his fourteenth year, that he has attained the prescribed physical
standards and that he is fit for such work;
(b) a certificate of fitness to work in a factory as an adult, if he is satisfied that the young
person has completed his fifteenth year and is fit for a full day's work in a factory:
Provided that unless the certifying surgeon has personal knowledge of the place where the young
person proposes to work and of the manufacturing process in which he will be employed, he
shall not grant or renew a certificate under this sub-section until he has examined such place.
(a) shall be valid only for a period of twelve months from the date thereof:
(b) may be made subject to conditions in regard to the nature of the work in which the
young person may be employed, or requiring reexamination of the young person before
the expiry of the period of twelve months.
(4) A certifying surgeon shall revoke any certificate granted or renewed under sub-section (2) if
in his opinion the holder of it is no longer fit to work in the capacity stated therein in a factory.
(5) Where a certifying surgeon refuses to grant or renew a certificate or a certificate of the kind
requested or revokes a certificate, he shall, if so requested by any person who could have applied
for the certificate or the renewal thereof, state his reasons in writing for so doing.
(6) Where a certificate under this section with reference to any young person is granted or
renewed subject to such conditions as are referred to in clause (b) of sub-section (3), the young
person shall not be required or allowed to work in any factory except in accordance with those
conditions.
(7) Any fee payable for a certificate under this section shall be paid by the occupier and shall not
be recoverable from the young person, his parents or guardian.
(1) An adolescent, who has been granted certificate of fitness to work in a factory as an adult
under clause (b) of sub-section (2) of section 69, and who while at work in a factory carries a
taken giving reference to the certificate, shall be deemed to be an adult for all the purposes of
Chapters VI and VIII;
(1A) No female adolescent or a male adolescent who has not attained the age of seventeen years
but who has been granted a certificate of fitness to work in a factory as an adult, shall be required
or allowed to work in any factory except between 6 A.M. and 7 P.M.
Provided that the State Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, in respect of any
factory or group or class or description of factories,-
(i) vary the limits laid down in this sub-section so, however, that no such section shall
authorise the employment of any female, adolescent between 10 P.M. and 5 A.M.
(ii) grant exemption from the provisions of this sub-section in case of serious emergency
where national interest is involved. (2) An adolescent who has not been granted a
certificate of fitness to work in a factory as an adult under the aforesaid clause (b) shall,
notwithstanding his age, be deemed to be a child for all the purposes of this Act.
(a) for more than four and a half hours in any day;
(b) during the night.
Explanation. - For the purpose of this sub-section "night" shall mean a period of at least twelve
consecutive hours which shall include the interval between 10 P.M. and 6 A.M.
(2) The period of work of all children employed in a factory shall be limited to two shifts which
shall not overlap or spreadover more than five hours each; and each child shall be employed in
only one of the relays which shall not, except with the previous permission in writing of the
Chief Inspector, be changed more frequently than once in a period of thirty days.
(3) The provisions of section 52 shall apply also to child workers and no exemption from the
provisions of that section may be granted in respect of any child.
(4) No child shall be required or allowed to work in any factory on any day on which he has
already been working in another factory.
(5) No female child shall be required or allowed to work in any factory except between 8 A.M.
and 7 P.M.
(1) There shall be displayed and correctly maintained in every factory in which children are
employed, in accordance with the provisions of sub-section (2) of section 108, a notice of
periods of work for children, showing clear}y for every day the periods during which children
may be required or allowed to work.
(2) The periods shown in the notice required by sub-section (1) shall be fixed beforehand in
accordance with the method laid down for adult workers in section 61, and shall be such that
children working for those periods would not be working in contravention of any of the
provisions of section 71.
(3) The provisions of sub-sections (8), (9) and (10) of section 61 shall apply also to the notice
required by sub-section (1) of this section.
(1) The manager of every factory in which children are employed shall maintain a register of
child workers, to be available to the Inspector at all times during working hours or when any
work is being carried on in a factory, showing -
(1A) No child worker shall be required or allowed to work in any factory unless his name and
other particulars have been entered in the register of child workers.
(2) The State Government may prescribe the form of the register of child workers, the manner in
which it shall be maintained and the period for which it shall be preserved.
Section 74. Hours of work to correspond with notice under section 72 and register under
section 73. -
No child shall be employed in any factory otherwise than in accordance with the notice of
periods of work for children displayed in the factory and the entries made beforehand against his
name in the register of child workers of the factory.
(a) that any person working in factory without a certificate of fitness is a young person, or
(b) that a young person working in a factory with a certificate of fitness is no longer fit to
work in the capacity stated therein, -
he may serve on the manager of the factory a notice requiring that such person or young person,
as the case may be shall be, examined by a certifying surgeon, and such person or young person
shall not, if the Inspector so directs, be employed, or permitted to work, in any factory until he
has been so examined and has been granted a certificate of fitness or a fresh certificate of fitness,
as the case may be, under section 69, or has been certified by the certifying surgeon examining
him not to be a young person.
(a) prescribing the forms of certificate of fitness to be granted under section 69, providing
for the grant of duplicates in the event of loss of the original certificate, and fixing the
fees which may be charged for such certificates and renewals thereof and such duplicates;
(b) prescribing the physical standards to be attained by children and adolescents working
in factories;
(c) regulating the procedure of certifying surgeons under this Chapter;
(d) specifying other duties which certifying surgeons may be required to perform in
connection with the employment of young persons in factories, and fixing the fees which
may be charged for such duties and the persons by whom they shall be payable.
The provisions of this Chapter shall be in addition to, and not in derogation of, the provisions of
the Employment of Children Act, 1938 (XXVt of 1938).
(1) The provisions of this Chapter shall not operate to prejudice of any right to which a worker
may be entitled under any other law or under the terms of any award, agreement including
settlement or contract of service:
Provided that if such award, agreement (including settlement) or contract of service provides for
a longer annual leave with wages than provided in this Chapter, the quantum of leave, which the
worker shall be entitled to, shall be in accordance with such award, agreement or contract of
service, but in relation to matters not provided for in such award, agreement or contract of
service or matters which are provided for less favourable therein, the provisions of sections 79 to
82, so far as may be, shall apply.
(2) The provisions of this Chapter shall not apply to workers in any factory of any railway
administered by the Government, who are governed by leave rules approved by the Central
Government
(1) Every worker who has worked for a period of 240 days or more in a factory during a calendar
year shall be allowed during the subsequent calendar year, leave with wages for a number of
days calculated at the rate of -
(i) if an adult, one day for every twenty days of work performed by him during the
previous calendar year;
(ii) if a child, one day for every fifteen days of work performed by him during the
previous calendar year.
shall be deemed to be days on which the worker has worked in a factory for the purpose of
computation of the period of 240 days or more, but he shall not earn leave for these days.
Explanation 2. - The leave admissible under this sub-section shall be exclusive of all holidays
whether occurring during or at either end of the period of leave.
(2) A worker whose service commences otherwise than on the first day of January shall be
entitled to leave with wages at the rate laid down in clause (t) or, as the case may be, clause (ii)
of sub-section (1) if he has worked for two-thirds of the total number of days in the remainder of
the calendar year.
(i) where the worker is discharged or dismissed or quits employments before the expiry
of the second working day from the date of such discharge, dismissal or quitting; and
(ii) where the worker is superannuated or dies while in service, before the expiry of two
months from the date of such superannuation or death.
(4) In calculating leave under this section, fraction of leave of half a day or more shall be treated
as one full day's leave and fraction of less than half a day shall be omitted.
(5) If a worker does not in any one calendar year takes the whole of the leave allowed to him
under sub-section (1) or sub-section (2), as the case may be, any leave not taken by him shall be
added to the leave to be allowed to him in the succeeding calendar year:
Provided that the total number of days of leave that may be carried forward to a succeeding year
shall not exceed thirty in the case of an adult or forty in the case of a child:
Provided further that a worKer, who has applied for leave with wages but has not been given
such leave in accordance with any scheme laid down in sub-sections (8) and (9) or in
contravention of sub-section (10) shall be entitled to carry forward the leave refused without any
limit.
(6) A worker may at any time apply in writing to the manager of a factory not less than fifteen
days before the date on which he wishes his leave to begin, to take all the leave or any portion
thereof allowable to him during the calendar year:
Provided that the application shall be made not less than thirty days before the date on which the
worker wishes his leave to begin, if he is employed in a public utility service as defined in clause
(n) of section 2 of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 (XIV of 1947):
Provided further that the number of times in which leave may be taken during any year shall not
exceed three.
(7) If a worker wants to avail himself of the leave with wages due to him to cover a period of
illness, he shall be granted such leave even if the application for leave is not made within the
time specified in sub-section (6); and in such a case wages as admissible under section 81 shall
be paid not later than fifteen days, or in the case of a public utility service not later than thirty
days from the date of the application for leave.
(8) For the purpose of ensuring the continuity of work, the occupier or manager of the factory, in
agreement with the Works Committee for the factory constituted under section 3 of the Industrial
Disputes Act, 1947 (XIV of 1947), or a similar Committee constituted under any other Act or if
there is no such Works Committee or a similar Committee in the factory, in agreement with the
representatives of t.he workers therein chosen in the prescribed manner, may lodge with the
Chief Inspector a scheme in writing whereby the grant of the leave allowable under this section
may be regulated.
(9) A scheme lodged under sub-section (8) shall be displayed at some conspicuous and
convenient place in the factory and shall be in force for a period of twelve months from the date
on which it comes into force, and may thereafter be renewed with or without modification for a
further period of twelve months at a time, by the manager in agreement with the Works
Committee or a similar Committee, or as the case may be, in agreement with the representatives
of the workers as specified in sub-section (8), and a notice of renewal shall be sent to the Chief
Inspector before it is renewed.
(10) An application for leave which does not contravene the provisions of sub-section (6) shall
not be refused, unless refusal is in accordance with the scheme for the time being in operation
under sub-sections (8) and (9).
(11) If the employment of a worker who is entitled to leave under sub-section (1) or sub-section
(2), as the case may be, is terminated by the occupier before he has taken the entire leave to
which he is entitled, or if having applied for and having not been granted such leave, the worker
quits his employment before he has taken the leave, the occupier of the factory shall pay him the
amount payable under section 80 in respect of the leave not taken, and such payment shall be
made, where the employment of the worker is terminated by the occupier, before the expiry of
the second working day after such termination, and where a worker who quits his employment,
on or before the next pay day.
(12) The unavailed leave of a worker shall not be taken into consideration in computing the
period of any notice required to be given before discharge or dismissal.
(1) For the leave allowed to him under section 78 or section 79, as the case may be, a worker
shall be entitled to wages at a rate equal to the daily average of his total full time earnings for the
day on which he actually worked during the months immediately preceding his leave, exclusive
of any overtime and bonus but inclusive of dearness allowance and the cash equivalent of
advantage accruing through the concessional sale to the worker of foodgrains and other articles:
Provided that in the case of a worker who has not worked on any day during the calendar month
immediately preceding his leave, he shall be paid at a rate equal to the daily average of his total
full time earnings for the days on which he actually worked during the last calendar month
preceding his leave, in which he actually worked, exclusive of any overtime and bonus but
inclusive of dearness allowance and the cash equivalent of the advantage accruing through the
concessional sale to the workers of foodgrains and other articles.]
(2) The cash equivalent of the advantage accruing through the concessional sale to the worker of
foodgrains and other articles shall be computed as often as may be prescribed, on the basis of the
maximum quantity of foodgrains and other articles admissible to a standard family.
Explanation 1. - "Standard family" means a family consisting of a worker, his or her spouse and
two children below the age of fourteen years requiring in all three adult consumption units.
Explanation 2. - "Adult consumption unit" means the consumption unit of a male above the age
of fourteen years; and the consumption unit of a female above the age of fourteen years, and that
of a child below the age of fourteen years shall be calculated at the rates of 8 and 6 respectively
of one adult consumption unit.
(3) The State Government may make rules prescribing -
(a) the manner in which the cash equivalent of the advantage accruing through the
concessional sale to a worker of foodgrains and other articles shall be computed; and
(b) the registers that shall be maintained in a factory for the purpose of securing
compliance with the provisions of this section.
A worker who has been allowed leave for not less than four days, in the case of an adult, and five
days, in the case of a child, shall, before his leave begins, be paid the wages due for the periods
of the leave allowed.
Any sum required to be paid by an employer, under this Chapter but not paid by him, shall be
recoverable as delayed wages under the provisions of the Payment of Wages Act, 1936 (IV of
1936).
The State Government may make rules directing managers of factories to keep registers
containing such particulars as may be prescribed and requiring the registers to be made available
for examination by Inspectors.
Where the State Government is satisfied that the leave rules applicable to workers in a factory
provide benefits which in its opinion, are not less favourable than those for which this Chapter
makes provisions, it may by written order, exempt the factory from all or any of the provisions of
this Chapter subject to such conditions as may be specified in the order.
Explanation. - For the purposes of this section, in deciding whether the benefits which are
provided for by any leave rules are less favourable than those for which this Chapter makes
provision, or not, the totality of the benefits shall be taken into account.
(1) The State Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, declare that all or any of
the provisions of this Act shall apply to any place wherein a manufacturing process is carried on
with or without the aid of power or is so ordinarily carried on, notwithstanding that -
(i) the number of persons employed therein is less than ten, if working with the aid of
power, and less than twenty if working without the aid of power, or
(ii) the persons working therein are not employed by the owner thereof but are working
with the permission of, or under agreement with, such owner:
Provided that the manufacturing process is not being carried on by the owner only with the aid of
his family.
(2) After a place is so declared, it shall be deemed to be a factory for the purposes of this Act,
and the owner shall be deemed to be the occupier, and any person working therein, to be a
worker.
Explanation. - For the purpose of this section "owner" shall include a lessee or mortgagee with
possession of the premises.
The State Government may exempt, subject to such conditions as it may consider necessary, any
workshop or workplace where a manufacturing process is carried on and which is attached to a
public institution maintained for the purposes of education training, research or information,
from all or any of the provisions of this Act:
Provided that no exemption shall be granted from the provisions relating to hours of work and
holidays unless the persons having the control of the institution submit, for the approval of the
State Government, a scheme of the regulation of the hours of employment, intervals for meals,
and holidays of the persons employed in or attending the institution or who are inmates for the
institution, and the State Government is satisfied that the provisions of the scheme are not less
favourable than the corresponding provisions of the Act.
Where the State Government is of opinion that any manufacturing process or operation carried
on in a factory exposes any persons employed in it to a serious risk of bodily injury, poisoning or
disease, it may order or make rules applicable to any factory or class or description of factories in
which manufacturing process or operation is carried on -
(1) Where it appears to the Inspector that conditions in a factory or part thereof are such that they
may cause serious hazard by way of injury or death to the persons employed therein or to the
general public in the vicinity, he may, by order in writing to the occupier of the factory, state the
particulars in respect of which he considers the factory or part thereof to be the cause of such
serious hazard and prohibit such occupier from employing any person in the factory or any part
thereof other than the minimum number of persons necessary to attend to the minimum tasks till
the hazard is removed.
(2) Any order issued by the Inspector under sub-section (1) shall have effect for a period of three
days until extended by the Chief Inspector by a subsequent order.
(3) Any person aggrieved by an order of the Inspector under sub-section (1), and the Chief
Inspector under sub-section (2), shall have the right to appeal to the High Court.
(4) Any person whose employment has been affected by an order issued under sub-section (1),
shall be entitled to wages and other benefits and it shall be the duty of the occupier to provide
alternative employment to him wherever possible and in the manner prescribed.
(5) The provisions of sub-section (4) shall be without prejudice to the rights of the parties under
the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 (14 of 1947)1.
(1) Where in any factory an accident occurs which causes death, or which causes any bodily
injury by reason of which the person injured is prevented from working for a period of forty-
eight hours or more immediately following the accident, or which is of such nature as may be
prescribed in this behalf, the manager of the factory shall send notice thereof to such authorities,
in such form and within such time, as may be prescribed.
(2) Where a notice given under sub-section (1) relates to an accident causing death, the authority
to whom the notice is sent shall make an inquiry into the occurrence within one month of the
receipt of the notice or if there is no such authority, the Chief Inspector cause the Inspector to
make an inquiry within the said period.
(3) The State Government may make rules for regulating the procedure inquires under this
section.
(1) Where any worker in a factory contacts any disease specified in the Third Schedule the
manager of the factory shall send notice thereof to such authorities, and in such form and within
such time, as may be prescribed.
(2) If any medical practitioner attends on a person, who is or has been employed in a factory, and
who is, or is believed by the medical practitioner to be suffering from any disease specified in the
Third Schedule the medical practitioner shall without delay send a report in writing to the office
of the Chief Inspector stating -
(3) Where the report under sub-section (2) is confirmed to the satisfaction of the Chief Inspector,
by the certificate of the certifying surgeon or otherwise, that the person is suffering from a
disease specified in the Third Schedule, he shall pay to the medical practitioner such fee as may
be prescribed, and the fee so paid shall be recoverable as an arrear of land revenue from the
occupier of the factory in which the person contacted the disease.
(4) If any medical practitioner fails to comply with the provisions of sub-section (2), he shall be
punishable with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees.
(5) The Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, and to or alter the Third
Schedule and any such addition or alteration shall have effect as if it had been made by this Act.
(1) The State Government may, if it considers it expedient so to do, appoint a competent person
to inquire into the causes of any accident occurring in a factory or into any case where a disease
specified in the Third Schedule has been, or is suspected to have been, contacted in a factory, and
may also appoint one or more persons possessing legal or special knowledge to act as assessors
in such inquiry.
(2) The person appointed to hold an inquiry under this section shall have all the powers of a Civil
Court under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (V of 1908), for the purposes of enforcing the
attendance of witnesses and compelling the production of documents and material objects and
may also, so far as may be necessary for the purposes of the inquiry, exercise any of the powers
of an Inspector under this Act; and every person required by the person making the inquiry to
furnish any information, shall be deemed to be legally bound so to do within the meaning of
section 176 of the Indian Penal Code (XLV of 1960).
(3) The person holding an inquiry under this section shall make a report to the State Government
stating the cause of the accident, or as the case may be, disease, and any attendant circumstances,
and adding any observations which he or any of the assessors may think fit to make. (4) The
State Government may, if it thinks fit, cause to be published any report made under this section
or any extracts therefrom.
(5) The State Government may make rules for regulating the procedure of inquires under this
section.
(1) An Inspector may at any time during the normal working hours of a factory, after informing
the occupier or manager of the factory or other person for the time being purporting to be in-
charge of the factory, take, in the manner hereinafter provided, a sufficient sample of any
substance used or intended to be used in the factory, such use being -
(a) in the belief of the Inspector, in contravention of any of the provisions of this Act or
the rules made thereunder, or
(b) in the opinion of the Inspector, likely to cause bodily injury to, or injury to the health
of, workers in the factory.
(2) Where the Inspector takes a sample under sub-section (1), he shall, in the presence of the
person informed, under that sub-section unless such person wilfully absents himself, divide the
sample into three portions and effectively, seal and suitably mark them, and shall permit such
person to add his own seal and mark thereto.
(3) The person informed as aforesaid shall, if the Inspector so requires, provide the appliances
for dividing, sealing and marking the sample taken under this section.
(a) forthwith give one portion of the sample to the person informed under sub-section (1);
(b) forthwith send the second portion to a Government analyst for analysis and report
thereon;
(c) retain the third portion for production to the Court before which proceedings, if any,
are instituted in respect of the substance.
(5) Any document purporting to be a report under the hand of any Government analyst upon any
substance submitted to him for analysis and report under this section, may be used as evidence in
any proceeding instituted in respect of the substance.
(1) The Chief Inspector, or the Director-General of Factory Advice Service and Labour
Institutes, or the Director-General of Health Services, to the Government of India, or such other
officer as may be authorised in this behalf by the State Government or the Chief Inspector or the
Director-General of Factory Advice Service and Labour Institutes or the Director-General of
Health Services, may, at any time during the normal working hours of a factory, or at any other
time as is found by him to be necessary, after giving notice in writing to the occupier or manager
of the factory or any other person who for the time being purports to be in-charge of the factory,
undertake safety and occupational health surveys and such occupier or manager or other person
shall afford all facilities for such survey, including facilities for the examination and testing of
plant and machinery and collection of samples and other data relevant to the survey.
(2) For the purpose of facilitating surveys under sub-section (1) every worker shall, if so required
by the person conducting the survey, present himself to undergo such medical examinations as
may be considered necessary by such person and furnish all information in his possession and
relevant to the survey.
(3) Any time spent by a worker for undergoing medical examination or furnishing information
under sub-section (2) shall, for the purpose of calculating wages and extra wages for overtime
work, be deemed to be time during which such worker worked in the factory.
Explanation. - For the purposes of this section, the report, if any; submitted to the State
Government by the person conducting the survey under sub-section (1) shall be deemed to be a
report submitted by an Inspector under this Act.
Save as is otherwise expressly provided in this Act and subject to the provisions of section 93, if
in, or in respect of, any factory there is any contravention of the provisions of this Act or of any
rules made thereunder or of any order in writing given thereunder, the occupier or manager of
the factory shall each be guilty of an offence and punishable with imprisonment for a term which
may extend to two years or with fine which may extend to one lakh rupees or with both, and if
the contravention is continued after conviction, with as further fine which may extend to one
thousand rupees for each day on which the contravention is so continued.
Provided that where contravention of any of the provisions of Chapter IV or any rule made
thereunder or under section 87 has resulted in an accident causing death or serious bodily injury,
the fine shall not be less than twenty-five thousand rupees in the case of an accident causing
death, and five thousand rupees in the case of an accident causing serious bodily injury.
Explanation. - in this section and in section 94 "serious bodily injury" means an injury which
involves, or in all probability will involve, the permanent loss of the use of, or permanent injury
to, any limb or the permanent loss of, or injury to sight or hearing, or the fracture of any bone,
but shall not include, the fracture of bone or joint (not being fracture of more than one bone or
joint) of and phalanges of the hand or foot.
Section 93. Liability of owner of premises in certain circumstances. -
(1) Where in any premises separate building are leased to different occupiers for use as separate
factories, the owner of the premises shall be responsible for the provision and maintenance of
common facilities and services, such as approach roads, drainage, water supply, lighting and
sanitation.
(2) The Chief Inspector shall have, subject to the control of the State Government, power to issue
order, to the owner of the premises in respect of the carrying out of the provisions of sub-section
(1).
(3) Where in any premises, independent or self-contained floor or fiats are leased to different
occupiers for use as separate factories, the owner of the premises shall be liable as if he was the
occupier or manager of a factory, for any contravention of the provisions of this Act in respect of
-
(i) latrines, urinals and washing facilities in so far as the maintenance of the common
supply of water for those purpose in concerned;
(ii) fencing of machinery and plant belonging to the owner and not specifically entrusted
to the custody or use of an occupier;
(iii) safe means of access to the floors or flats and maintenance and cleanliness of
staircases and common passages;
(iv) precaution, in case of fire;
(v) maintenance of hoists and lifts; and
(vi) maintenance of any other common facilities provided in the premises.
(4) The Chief Inspector shall have, subject to the control of the State Government, power to issue
orders to the owner of the premises in respect of the carrying out of the provisions of sub-section
(3).
(5) The provisions of sub-section (3) relating to the liability of the owner shall apply where in
any premises independent rooms with common latrines, urinals and washing facilities are leased
to different occupier, for use as separate factories:
Provided that the owner shall be responsible also for complying with the requirements relating to
the provisions and maintenance of latrines, urinals and washing facilities.
(6) The Chief Inspector shall have, subject to the control of the State Government, the power to
issue orders to the owner of the premises referred to in sub-section (5) in respect of the carrying
out of the provisions of section 46 or section 48.
(7) Where in any premises, portions of a room or a shed are leased to different occupiers, for use
as separate factories, the owner of the premises shall be liable for any contravention of the
provisions of -
Provided that in respect of the provisions of sections 21, 24 and 32 the owner's liability shall be
only in so far as such provisions relate to things under his control:
Provided further that the occupier shall be responsible for complying with the provisions of
Chapter IV in respect of plant and machinery belonging to or supplied by him;
(8) The Chief Inspector shall have, subject to the control of the State Government, power to issue
orders to the owner of premises in respect of the carrying out of the provisions of sub-section (7).
(9) In respect of sub-sections (5) and (7), while computing for the purposes of any of the
provisions of this Act the total number of workers employed, the whole of the premises shall be
deemed to be a single factory.
(1) If any person who has been convicted of any offence punishable under section 92 is again
found guilty of an offence involving a contravention Of the same provision, he shall be
punishable on a subsequent conviction with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three
years or with fine, which shall not be less than ten thousand rupees but which may extend to two
lakh rupees or with both;
Provided that the Court may, for any adequate and special reasons to be mentioned in the
judgment, impose a fine of less than ten thousand rupees:
Provided further that where contravention of any of the provisions of Chapter IV or any rule
made thereunder or under section 87 has resulted in an accident causing death or serious bodily
injury, the fine shall not be less than thirty five thousand rupees in the case of an accident
causing death and ten thousand rupees in the case of an accident causing serious bodily injury.
(2) For the purpose of sub-section (1), no cognizance shall be taken of any conviction made more
than two years before the commission of the offence for which the person is subsequently being
convicted.
Whoever wilfully obstructs an Inspector in the exercise of any power conferred on him by or
under this Act, or fails to produce on demand by an Inspector any register or other documents
kept in his custody in pursuance of this Act or of any rules made thereunder, or conceals or
prevents any workers, in a factory from appearing before, or being examined by, an inspector,
shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months or with fine
which may extend to ten thousand rupees or with both.
Section 96. Penalty for wrongfully disclosing results of analysis under section 91.-
Whoever, except in so far as it may be necessary for the purposes of a prosecution for any
offence punishable under this Act, publishes or discloses to any person the results of an analysis
made under section 91, shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term, which may extend to
six months or with fine, which may extend to ten thousand rupees or with both.
Section 96A. Penalty for contravention of the provisions of sections 41B, 41C and 41H.-
(1) Whoever fails to comply with or contravenes any of the provisions of sections 41B, 41C or
41H or the rules made thereunder, shall, in respect of such failure or contravention, be
punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to seven years and with fine which
may extend to two lakh rupees, and in case the failure or contravention continues, with additional
fine which may extend to five thousand rupees for every day during which such failure or
contravention continues, after the conviction for the first such failure or contravention.
(2) If the failure or contravention referred to in sub-section (1) continues beyond a period of one
year after the date of conviction, the offender shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term
which may extend to ten years.
(1) Subject to the provisions of section 111, if any worker employed in a factory contravenes any
provision of this Act or any rules or orders made thereunder, imposing any duty or liability on
workers, he shall be punishable with fine which may extend to five hundred rupees.
(2) Where a worker is convicted of an offence punishable under sub-section (1) the occupier or
manager of the factory shall not be deemed to be guilty of an offence in respect of that
contravention, unless it is proved that he failed to take all reasonable measures for its prevention.
Whoever knowingly uses or attempts to use, as a certificate of fitness granted to himself under
section 70, a certificate granted to another person under that section, or who, having procured
such a certificate, knowingly allow it to be used, or an attempt to use it to be made by, another
person, shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term, which may extend to two months or
with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees or with both.
Where the occupier or manager of a factory is charged with an offence punishable under this Act
he shall be entitled, upon complaint duly made by him and on giving to the prosecutor not less
than three clear days' notice in writing of his intention so to do, to have any other person whom
he charges as the actual offender brought before the Court at the time appointed for hearing the
charge; and if, after the commission of the offence has been proved, the occupier or manager of
the factory, as the case may be, proves to the satisfaction of the Court -
(a) that he has used due diligence to enforce the execution of this Act, and
(b) that the said other person committed the offence in question without his knowledge,
consent or connivance,
that other person shall be convicted of the offence and shall be liable to the like punishment as if
he was the occupier or manager of the factory, and the occupier or manager, as the case may be,
shall be, discharged from any liability under this Act in respect of such offence:
Provided that in seeking to prove as aforesaid, the occupier or manager of the factory, as the case
may be, may be examined on oath, and his evidence and that of any witness whom he calls in his
support, shall be subject to cross-examination on behalf of the person he charges as the actual
offender and by the prosecutor:
Provided further that, if the person charged as the actual offender by the occupier or manager,
cannot be brought before the court at the time appointed for hearing the charge, the court shall
adjourn the hearing from time to time for a period not exceeding three months and if by the end
of the said period the person charged as the actual offender cannot still be brought before the
court, the court shall proceed to hear the charge against the occupier or manager and shall, if the
offence be proved, convict the occupier or manager.
(1) Where the occupier or manager of a factory is convicted of an offence punishable under this
Act the court may, in addition to awarding any punishment, by order in writing require him,
within a period specified in the order (which the court may, if it thinks fit and on application in
such- behalf, from time to time extend) to take such measures as may be so specified for
remedying the matters in respect of which the offence was committed.
(2) Where an order is made under sub-section (1), the occupier or manager of the factory, as the
case may be, shall not be liable under this Act in respect of the continuation of the offence during
the period or extended period, if any, allowed by the court, but if, on the expiry of such period or
extended period, as the case may be, the order of the court has not been fully complied with, the
occupier or manager, as the case may be, shall be deemed to have committed a further offence,
and may be sentenced therefor by the court to undergo imprisonment for a term which may
extend to six months or to pay a fine which may extend to one hundred rupees for every day after
such expiry on which the order has not been complied with, or both to undergo such
imprisonment and to pay such fine as aforesaid.
If a person is found in a factory at any time, except during intervals for meals or rest, when work
is going on or the machinery is in motion, he shall until the contrary is proved, be deemed for the
purposes of this Act and the rules made thereunder to have been at that time employed in the
factory.
(1) When any act or omission would, if a person was under a certain age, be an offence
punishable under this Act, and such person is in the opinion of the Court prima facie under such
age, the burden shall be on the accused to prove that such person is not under such age.
(2) A declaration in writing by a certifying surgeon relating to a worker that he has personally
examined him and believes him to be under the age stated in such declaration shall, for the
purposes of this Act and the rules made thereunder, be admissible as evidence of the age of that
worker.
In any proceeding for an offence for the contravention of any provision of this Act or rules made
thereunder consisting of a failure to comply with a duty or requirement to do something, it shall
be for the person who is alleged to have failed to comply with such duty or requirement, to prove
that it was not reasonably practicable or as the case may be, all practicable measures were taken
to satisfy the duty or requirement.
(1) No court shall take cognizance of any offence under this Act except on complaint by, or
which previous sanction in writing of, an Inspector.
(2) No court below that of a Presidency Magistrate or of a Magistrate of the first class shall try
any offence punishable under this Act.
Provided that where the offence consists of disobeying a written order made by an Inspector,
complaint thereof may be made within six months of the date on which the offence is alleged to
have been committed.
(a) in the case of a continuing offence, the period of limitation shall be computed
with reference to every point of time during which the offence continues;
(b) where for the performance of any act time is granted or extended on an
application made by the occupier or manager of a factory the period of limitation
shall be computed from the date on which the time so granted or extended
expired.
Section 106A. Jurisdiction of a court for entertaining proceedings, etc., for offence.-
For the purposes of conferring jurisdiction on any court in relation to an offence under this Act
or the rules made thereunder in connection with the operation of any plant, the place where the
plant is for the time being situate, shall be deemed to be the place where such offence has been
committed.
(1) The manager of a factory on whom an order in writing by an Inspector has been served under
the provisions of this Act or the occupier of the factory may, within thirty days of the service of
the order,appeal against it to the prescribed authority, and such authority may subject to rules
made in this behalf by the State Government, confirm, modify or reverse the order.
(2) Subject to rules made in this behalf by the State Government (which may prescribe classes of
appeals which shall not be heard with the aid of assessors), the appellate authority may, or if so
required in the petition of appeal shall, hear the appeal with the aid of assessors, one of whom
shall be appointed by the appellate authority and the other by such body representing the industry
concerned as may be prescribed:
Provided that if no assessor is appointed by such body before the time fixed for hearing the
appeal, or if the assessor so appointed fails to attend the hearing at such time, the appellate
authority may, unless satisfied that the failure to attend is due to sufficient cause, proceed to hear
the appeal without the aid of such assessor or if it thinks fit, without the aid of any assessor.
(3) Subject to such rules as the State Government may make in this behalf and subject to such
conditions as to partial compliance or the adoption of temporary measures as the appellate
authority may in any case think fit to impose, the appellate authority may, if it thinks fit, suspend
the order appealed against, pending the decision of the appeal.
(1) In addition to the notices required to be displayed in any factory by or under this Act, there
shall be displayed in every factory a notice continuing such abstracts of this Act, and of the rules
made thereunder as may be prescribed and also the name and address of the Inspector and the
certifying surgeon.
(2) All notices required by or under this Act to be displayed in a factory shall be in English and
in a language understood by the majority of the workers in the factory, and shall be displayed at
some conspicuous and convenient place at or near the main entrance to the factory, and shall be
maintained in a clean and legible condition.
(3) The Chief Inspector may, by order in writing serve on the manager of any factory, require
that there shall be displayed in the factory any other notice or poster relating to the health, safety
or welfare of the workers in the factory.
The State Government may make rules prescribing the manner of the service of orders under this
Act on owners, occupiers or managers of factories.
The State Government may make rules requiring owners, occupiers or managers of factories to
submit such returns, occasional or periodical, as may in its opinion be required for the purpose of
this Act,
(a) shall wilfully interfere with or misuse any appliance, convenience or other things
provided in a factory for the purposes of securing the health, safety or welfare of the
worker therein;
(b) shall wilfully and without reasonable cause do anything likely to endanger himself or
others; and
(c) shall wilfully neglect to make use of any appliances or other things provided in the
factory for the purposes of securing the health or safety of the workers therein.
(2) If any worker employed in a factory contravenes any of the provisions of this section or of
any rule or order made thereunder, he shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which
may extend to three months, or with fine which may extend to one hundred rupees, or with both.
(i) obtain from the occupier, information relating to worker's health and safety at work,
(ii) get trained within the factory wherever possible, or, to get himself sponsored by the
occupier for getting trained at a training centre or institute, duly approved by the Chief
Inspector, where training is imparted for workers' health and safety at work,
(iii) represent to the Inspector directly or through his representative in the matter of
inadequate provision for protection of his health or safety in the factory.
The State Government may make rule providing for any matter which, under any of the
provisions of this Act, is to be or may be prescribed or which may be considered expedient in
order to give effect to the provisions of this Act.
The Central Government may give directions to State Government as to the carrying into
execution of the provisions of this Act.
Subject to the provisions of section 46 no fee or charge shall be realized from any worker in
respect of any arrangement or facilities to be provided, or any equipment or appliances to be
supplied by the occupier under the provisions of this Act.
(1) All rules made under this Act shall be published in the official Gazette and shall be subject to
the condition of previous publication, and the date to be specified under clause (3) of section 23
of the General Clauses Act, 1897 (X of 1897), shall be not less than forty-five days from the date
on which the draft of the proposed rules was published.
(2) Every rule made by the State Government under this Act shall be laid, as soon as may be,
after it is made, before the State Legislature.
Unless otherwise provided this Act shall apply to factories belonging to Central or any State
Government.
Section 117. Protection of the persons acting under this Act.-
No suit, prosecution or other legal proceeding shall lie against any person for anything which is
in good faith done or intended to be done under this Act.
(1) No Inspector shall, while in service or after leaving the service disclose otherwise than in
connection with execution, or for the purposes, of this Act, any information relating to any
manufacturing of commercial business or any working process, which may come to his
knowledge in the course of his official duties.
(2) Nothing in sub-section (1) shall apply to any disclosure of information made with the
previous consent in writing of the owner of such business or process or for the purposes of any
legal proceeding (including arbitration) pursuant to this Act or of any criminal proceeding which
may be taken, whether pursuant to this Act or otherwise or, for the purposes of any report of such
proceedings as aforesaid.
(3) If any Inspector contravenes the provisions of sub-section (1) he shall be punishable with
imprisonment for a term, which may extend to six months or with fine, which may extend to one
thousand rupees, or with both.
(1) Every Inspector shall treat as confidential the source of any complaint brought to his notice
on the breach of any provision of this Act.
(2) No Inspector shall, while making an inspection under this Act, disclose to the occupier,
manager or his representative that the inspection is made in pursuance of the receipt of a
complaint:
Provided that nothing in this sub-section shall apply to any case in which the person who has
made the complaint has consented to disclose his name.
Section 119. Act to have effect notwithstanding anything contained in Act 37 of 1970.-
The provisions of this Act shall have effect notwithstanding anything inconsistent therewith
contained in the Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970 or any other law for the
time being in force.
The enactment set out in the Table appended to this section are hereby repealed:
Provided that anything done under the said enactments, which could have been done under this
Act, if it had been in force, shall be deemed to have been done under this Act.