(Mumbai, 28th March, 1996)

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G.S.R. 253. — In exercise of the powers conferred by sections 41, 49, 50, 76, 83, 112 and all other enabling sections of the Factories Act, 1948 (63 of 1948), read with sections 23 and 30 of the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 (33 of 1962) and in supersession of the Atomic Energy (Factories) Rules, 1984, except as respect things done or omitted to be done before such supersession, the Central Government hereby makes the following rules, namely the Atomic Energy (Factories) Rules, 1996

(1) These rules may be called the Atomic Energy (Factories) Rules, 1996.

(2) They shall apply to all factories owned by the Central Government and engaged in carrying out the purposes of the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 (33 of 1962).

(3) They shall come into force on the date of their publication in the Official

Gazette.

2. Definitions — In these rules, unless the context otherwise requires,

(a) "Act" means the Factories Act, 1948 (63 of 1948);

(b) "Certifying Surgeon" means the medical officer of the factory concerned;

(c) "Competent Authority" means any officer or authority appointed by the Central Government by notification in the Official Gazette for the purposes of these rules;

(d) "Form" means forms set out in the appendix to these rules;

(e) "Indian Standard" means the Indian Standard as defined in clause (g) of section 2 of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 1986 (63 of 1986);

(f) "Inspector" means an officer appointed under section 8 of the Act and includes the Competent Authority;

(g) "Manager" of the factory means the person responsible to the occupier for the working of the factory for the purposes of the Act;

(h) Words and expressions used but not defined in these rules shall have the meanings respectively assigned to them in the Factories Act, 1948 (63 of 1948);

(1) Every proposal for obtaining the previous permission for locating the site on which the factory is to be situated or for the construction or expansion of a factory shall be made to the Competent Authority in writing and shall be accompanied by the document specified in sub-rule (2).

Explanation - Extension for the purpose of these rules shall include any modification to the process, equipments, alterations in lay-outs & structures.

(2) The following documents shall accompany every proposal made under sub-rule (1), namely —

(a) a flow chart of the manufacturing process supplemented by a brief description of the process in its various stages;

(b) plans in duplicate drawn to scale showing —

(i) the site of the factory and lands, buildings and other structures, roads, drains to its North, South, East and West respectively to the extent such `particulars can with reasonable accuracy be described;

(ii) the plan, elevation and necessary cross-section of the various buildings, indicating all relevant information relating to lighting, ventilation clearly indicating the position of the plant, machinery, aisles and passageways, and the safety measures provided for escape and evacuation of persons employed in the factory in case of emergency;

(c) details of exhaust ventilation and control of gaseous releases and such other factors controlling the work environment;

(d) arrangements made for effluent treatment and discharges;

(e) safety analysis and emergency plans, and such other particulars as the competent authority may require; and

(f) number of persons likely to be employed during the construction/operation at any particular time.

(3) The decision of the Competent Authority that the plans are in consonance with the requirements of the Act, subject to such conditions as it may specify, shall be final. Approval shall be communicated to the applicant under the signature of the Competent Authority on one copy of each of the plans. The Competent Authority may if he thinks fit, call for such other particulars required for such certification from the applicant which shall be complied with by the applicant within the period prescribed.

4. Prohibition of use of premises as factory without approval — No occupier shall use any premises as a factory for the purposes of the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 except with the approval of the Competent Authority.

CHAPTER II

(1) No person shall be appointed as an Inspector for the purpose of these rules unless he possesses the qualifications prescribed by the competent authority.

(2) Every Medical Inspector shall be a qualified medical practitioner as specified in section 10 of the Act and also possess such additional qualifications as may be specified by the Competent Authority.

6. Powers of the Inspectors — Every inspector shall, for the purpose of execution of all or any of these rules, have powers to do all or any of the following acts, namely —

(1) To photograph any worker, to inspect, examine, measure, copy, photograph, sketch or test, as the case may be, any building or room, any plant, machinery, appliances or apparatus, any register or document or anything provided for the purpose of securing the health, safety and welfare of the persons employed in the factory, and living in the neighbourhood and for protecting and securing the

environment.

(2) To carry out such medical examinations as may be necessary for the purposes of the Act provided he is a medical inspector.

(3) To enquire into safety and health related accidents & unusual occurrences.

(4) To advise the Manager of the factory against unsafe acts and practices and to point out unsafe conditions, if any, existing in the premises of the factory to enable him to take remedial means forthwith.

(5) To report any unsafe conditions or practices existing in the factory to the

Competent Authority.

7. Duties of Certifying Surgeon —

(1) The Certifying Surgeon shall visit the factory for the purpose of examination of all persons employed in processes covered by rule 88 of these rules at such intervals prescribed under the same rules and the Schedules attached thereto, such units, factories within the local limits assigned to him.

(2) The Certifying Surgeon shall, upon request by the Competent Authority, carry out such examination and furnish such report as it may indicate, for any factory or class or description of factories where cases of illness have occurred which, it is reasonable to believe, are due to the inherently hazardous nature of the manufactur- ing process carried on/or attributable to other conditions of work prevailing therein or 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, there is a likelihood of injury to the health of the workers employed in that manufacturing process.

(3) During such visits the Certifying Surgeon shall examine the persons employed in such processes and shall record the results of his examination in Form 1 and place it in a medical file which shall be kept by the Manager and produced to the Certifying Surgeon at each visit.

(4) If the Certifying Surgeon finds as a result of his examination that any person employed in such process is no longer fit for medical reasons to work in that process, he shall suspend such person from working in that process, for such time as he may think fit and no person after suspension shall be employed in that process without the written certificate of fitness by the Certifying Surgeon in Form 1A and the same shall be placed in the medical file.

(5) The Manager of the factory shall afford to the certifying surgeon all facilities to inspect any process in which any person is employed or is likely to be employed.

(6) The Manager of the factory shall provide for the purpose of any medical examination which the Certifying Surgeon wishes to conduct at the factory (for his exclusive use on the occasion of an examination) a room which shall be properly maintained, adequately ventilated and lighted and furnished with a screen, a table (with writing materials), chairs and other furniture necessary for a medical examination room.

 

 

CHAPTER III

8. Record of whitewashing, etc. — The record of dates on which whitewashing, colourwashing, varnishing, etc. are carried out shall be entered in a register maintained in a manner specified in Form 2.

PART A 1. Chemical works

2. The following parts of units/factories —

(a) Rooms used only for storage of articles,

(b) Rooms in which the walls or ceilings consist

of galvanised iron and/or asbestos cement

sheets,

(c) Rooms in which graphite articles are

manufactured/processed,

(d) Parts of walls, partitions, ceilings or tops

of rooms which are at least 6 m above the floor.

PART B 1. Electric generating or transforming stations.

2. Engineering works.

3. Foundries other than foundries in which brass casting is carried on.

 

10. Disposal of wastes and effluents — The arrangements made in every factory after the treatment of wastes and effluents due to the manufacturing processes carried on therein shall be in accordance with those approved by the relevant Water and Air Pollution Boards appointed under Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, the Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, the Environmental Protection Act, 1986 and such other authorities as may be notified by the Central Government in this behalf.

(1)Illumination —

(a) General : Adequate lighting is necessary for all buildings and in the open area so as to —

(i) promote work and other activities carried out in the area;

(ii) promote safety of the people; and

(iii) create a pleasing environment conducive for feeling of well being.

(b) Adequate lighting will be achieved by —

(i) planning of brightness in relation to task itself, immediate background of the task and the general surrounding;

(ii) avoiding glare produced by excessive contrast or abrupt and large change in brightness; and

(iii) planning of lighting for movement about a building and around.

(c) The recommended values of Illumination for different locations is given in the Table below :

(1) Industrial Buildings & Process

(a) General Factory Areas 100-150

- canteens, cloakrooms,

entrances, corridors, stairs

(b) Factory - outside areas 20

- Stockyards, main entrances

(c) Assembly, Inspection, Wood

working,Welding & Soldering,

Machine &Fitting Shops

(i) Rough Work - Frame assembly 150

(ii) Medium Work - Assembly of parts 300

(iii) Fine Work - Electronic 700

assembly inspection

(iv) Very Fine Work - Assembly of 1500

precision parts, optical

aids to be provided

(v) Very Precise Work 3000

(d) Boiler Houses

(i) Coal & ash handling 100

(ii) Boiler rooms - operating area 100

(iii) Boiler rooms - other areas 20-50

(iv) Outdoor plants 150

(e) Chemical works

(i) Hand furnace, boiling tanks, 150

driers, evaporators, etc.

(ii) Controls, gauges, valves, 100

etc. (Supplementary lighting

for viewing)

(iii) Control rooms 200-300

(f) Electricity Generating Station (indoor)

(i) Turbine halls 200

(ii) Auxiliary equipment areas 100

(iii) Boiler houses 70-100

(iv) Boiler house & Turbine house 100

(v) Basement areas 70

(vi) Conveyer areas 70-100

(vii) Control rooms 200-300

(viii)Nuclear reactors & 150-200

steam generating plants

Sr.No. Visual Tasks Illumination(Lux)

(g) Engraving 1000

(h) Foundries

(i) Charging floors, tumbling etc. 150

(ii) Fine moulding, core making 300

& inspection

(iii) Repairs 300

(i) Garages

(i) Parking areas 70

(ii) Washing, polishing, etc. 150

(iii)Repairs 300

(j) Gauge & Tool room (Supplementary 700

lighting if required)

(k) Laboratories & Test Rooms

(i) General Labs & balance rooms 300

(ii) Electronic & Instrument Labs 450

(l) Laundries, Dry cleaning & ironing 200-300

(m) Paint shops & Spraying booths

(i) Dipping, rubbing 150-300

(ii) Fine painting & retouching 450-700

(n) Plating shops

(i) Vat & baths 150

(ii) Final buffing & polishing Spl lighting

(o) Structural Steel Fabrication Plants

(i) General 150

(ii) Marking off 300

(p) Libraries

(i) Shelves 70-150

(ii) Reading rooms 150-700

(iii) Cataloguing, sorting 150-300

(iv) Book binding, etc. 300-700

(q) Offices

(i) Entrances & reception 150

(ii) Conference rooms & 30

General office

(iii) Drawing offices 300-450

(iv) Corridors & Lifts 70

(v) Stairs, Lift landing 100-150

(vi) Telephone exchanges 150-200

Sr.No. Visual Tasks Illumination(Lux)

(r) Hospitals

(i) General & Wards 150

(ii) Operating Theatres General 300

(iii) Operation table Spl lighting

(iv) Laboratories 300

(v) Radiological rooms 100

(vi) Other areas 100-300

(s) Restaurants

(i) Dining room tables 100

(ii) Self service counters 300

(iii) Kitchen 200

(iv) Cloak room & toilets 100

(2) Temperature — It is essential to provide such temperature in work environment so that workers can be exposed to it repeatedly without adverse health effects. The nature of work can be light, moderate or heavy and the corresponding heat loads for the type of work are 200, 200-350 & 350-500 K Cal/hr. The heat stress is measured in terms of Wet Bulb Globe *Temperature (WBGT) Index.

(a)* Outdoors with Solar load

WBGT = 0.7 NWB + 0.2 GT + 0.1 DB

(b) Indoor or Outdoor without Solar load

WBGT = 0.7 NWB + 0.3 GT

Where NWB = Natural Wet Bulb Temperature

DB = Dry Bulb Temperature

GT = Globe Thermometer Temperature

The permissible WBGT index in degrees Celsius is given in the following WBGT Table.

Work-Rest Regimen Light Moderate Heavy

in each hour

Continuous work 30.0 26.7 25.0 75% Work - 25% Rest 30.6 28.0 25.9

50% Work - 50% Rest 31.4 29.4 27.9

25% Work - 75% Rest 32.2 31.1 30.0

The Competent Authority shall specify the optimum working temperature and humidity and also the rest periods for specific factories and jobs.

(3) Ventilation- Ventilation shall be provided in buildings to supply fresh air for respiration and to dilute inside air to prevent vitiation by body odours and to remove any other products of combustion or other air contaminants.Contaminants from concentrated sources such as smoke,heat and fumes shall be collected separately by local exhaust ventilation. The recommended air changes per hour for various areas is given in the Table below:

Factories 3-6

Dining Hall 12-15

Garages 12-15

Kitchen 6-9

Laboratories 3-6

Offices 3-6

Bathrooms & Toilets 6-12

Provided that the Competent Authority may relax the requirements regarding the number of air changes, if it is satisfied that having regard to the location of the factory, orientation of the workroom, prevailing winds, roof height and the nature of manufacturing process carried on, sufficient supply of fresh air into the workroom is afforded during most part of the working time :

Provided further that in the regions where in summer (15th March - 15th July) dry-bulb temperatures of outside air in the shade during most part of the day exceed 35 degrees celsius and simultaneous wet-bulb temperatures are 25 degrees celsius or below and in the opinion of the Inspector the manufacturing process carried on in the workroom of a factory permits thermal environments with relative humidity of 50 per cent or more, the Inspector may serve on the manager of the factory an order to have sufficient supply of outside air for ventilation cooled by passing it through water sprays either by means of unit type of evaporative air coolers (desert coolers) or, where supply of outside air is provided by mechanical means through ducts in a plenum system, by means of central air washing plants.

12. Quantity of drinking water — The quantity of drinking water to be provided per day for the workers in every factory shall be at least 5 litres per worker employed in the factory and such drinking water shall be readily available at all times during working hours.

13. Source of supply — The water provided for drinking shall be supplied —

(a) from the public water supply system, or

(b) from any other source approved in writing by the local Health Officer concerned.

14. Means of supply — If drinking water is not supplied directly from taps either connected with public water supply system or any other water supply system of the factory approved by the local Health Officer concerned, it shall be kept in suitable vessels, receptacles or tanks fitted with taps and having dust proof covers, and placed on raised stands or platforms in shade and having suitable arrangement of drainage to carry away the spilt water. Such vessels, receptacles or tanks shall be kept clean and the water renewed at least once every day. All practicable measures shall be taken to ensure that the water is free from contamination.

(1) Drinking water shall not be supplied from any open well or reservoir unless it is so constructed, situated, protected and maintained as to be free from the possibility of pollution by chemical or bacterial and extraneous impurities.

(2) Where drinking water is supplied from such a well or reservoir, the water in it shall be sterilised once a week or more frequently if the inspector by written order so requires, and the date on which sterilising is carried out shall be recorded :

Provided that this requirement shall not apply to any such well or reservoir if the water therein is filtered and treated to the satisfaction of the local Health Officer concerned before it is supplied for consumption.

16. Report from local Health Officer concerned — The Inspector may by order in writing direct the manager to obtain at such time or at such intervals as he may direct, a report from the local Health Officer concerned as to the fitness for human consumption of the water supplied to the workers, and to submit to the inspector a copy of such report as soon as it is received from the local Health Officer.

17. Cooling of water — In every factory wherein more than two hundred and fifty workers are ordinarily employed —

(1) The drinking water supplied to the workers shall be cooled by an effective method for the period specified by the Inspector;

(2) The cool drinking water shall be supplied in every canteen, lunchroom and restroom and also at conveniently situated points throughout the factory which for the purpose of the rules shall be called "water centres";

(3) The water centres shall be sheltered from the weather and adequately drained and shall be located outside the work-places where toxic materials are handled or processed;

(4) The number of water centres to be provided shall be one "centre" for every 150 persons employed at any one time in the factory.

Provided that in the case of a factory where the number of persons employed exceeds 500 it shall be sufficient if there is one such "centre" as aforesaid for every 150 persons up to the first 500 and one for every 500 persons thereafter ;

Provided further that its distance between the place of work shall be such as may be specified by the Inspector.

(5) Every water centre shall be maintained in a clean and orderly condition; and

(6) The means of supply of cooled drinking water shall be either directly through taps connected to water coolers or any other system for cooling of water, or by means of vessels, receptacles or tanks fitted with taps and having dust proof covers and placed on raised stands or platforms in shade, and having suitable arrangement of drainage to carry away the spilt water. Such vessels, receptacles or tanks shall be kept clean and the water refilled at least once every day.

18. Latrine accommodation — Latrine accommodation shall be provided in every factory on the following scale, namely —

(a) where females are employed there shall be at least one latrine for every 25 females;

(b) where males are employed there shall be at least one latrine for every 25 males;

Provided that where the number of males exceeds 100, it shall be sufficient if there is one latrine for every 25 males upto the first 100 males, and one for every 50 males thereafter.

Note — In calculating the number of latrines required under this rule, any odd number of workers less than 25 or 50 as the case may be, shall be reckoned as 25 or 50.

19. Toilet blocks — The toilet block shall consist of wash basins, latrines and urinals (in case of male workers). The number of wash basins will be the same as number of latrines. Each wash basin shall be provided with mirror and liquid/cake soap. Each toilet block shall be provided with clean towel or electric hand drier. The number, size and location of the toilet block shall be as per the decision of Inspector & Public Health Authority.

20. Privacy of Toilet — Every latrine shall be under cover and so partitioned off as to secure privacy, and shall have a proper door and fastenings, which shall be maintained in good working order at all time.

21. Sign boards to be displayed — Where workers of both sexes are employed, there shall be displayed outside each latrine block a notice "For Men Only" or "For Women Only" as the case may be, in the language understood by the majority of the workers. The notice shall also bear the figures of a man or of a woman as the case may be.

22. Urinal accommodation — Urinal accommodation shall be provided for the use of male workers, and there shall be at least one urinal for every 50 males;

Provided that where the number of males employed exceeds 500, it shall be sufficient if there is one urinal for every 50 males upto the first 500 employed and one for every 100 thereafter.

Note — In calculating the urinal accommodation required under this rule any odd number of workers less than 50 or 100, as the case may be, shall be reckoned as 50 or 100.

23. Urinals to conform to public health requirements — Urinals other than those connected with an efficient water-borne sewage system, and urinals in a factory wherein more than two hundred and fifty workers are ordinarily employed shall comply with the requirements of the Public Health Authorities.

24. Certain latrines and urinals to be connected to sewerage system — When any general system of underground sewerage with an assured water supply for any particular locality is provided in a municipality, all latrines and urinals of a factory situated in such locality shall, if the factory is situated within 30 metres of an existing sewer, be connected with that sewerage system suitably.

25. Whitewashing, colourwashing of latrines and urinals — The walls, ceilings and partitions of every latrine and urinal shall be whitewashed or colourwashed and the whitewashing or colourwashing shall be repeated at least once in a period of four months. The dates on which the whitewashing or colourwashing is carried out shall be entered in the prescribed register (Form 2).

Provided that this rule shall not apply to latrines and urinals, the walls, ceilings or partitions of which are laid in glazed tiles or otherwise finished to provide a smooth, polished, impervious surface and that they are washed with suitable detergents and disinfectants at least once in every period of four months.

26. Construction and Maintenance of Drains — All drains carrying waste or sullage water shall be constructed in masonry or other impermeable material and shall be regularly flushed and the effluent disposed of by connecting such drains with a suitable drainage line :

Provided that where there is no such drainage line, the effluent shall be deodorized and rendered innocuous and then disposed of in a manner suitable to the satisfaction of the local Health Officer concerned.

27. Water taps in latrines — Where piped water supply is available, a sufficient number of water taps, conveniently accessible, shall be provided in or near latrine accommodation. A tap per each latrine is to be preferred. There shall be at least one tap for every ten latrines on part thereof. The water taps shall be connected to the Municipal water supply or to an overhead storage tank of sufficient capacity, so that water is available from the taps during all hours when the workers are in the factory. Wherever commode type of latrines are provided arrangements shall be made for providing toilet paper and soap solution, in addition to the water tap. The toilet paper and soap solution shall be regularly replenished.

28. Number and location of spittoons — The number and location of the spittoons to be provided shall be to the satisfaction of the Inspector. Such spittoons shall be placed on a stand or a bracket 90 cm. high.

29. Type of spittoons — The spittoons shall be of either of the following types,

namely : —

(a) a galvanised iron container with a conical funnel shaped cover. A layer of suitable disinfectant liquid shall always be maintained in the container; or

(b) a container filled with dry clean sand and covered with a layer of bleaching

powder; or

(c) any other type approved by the Competent Authority.

30. Cleaning of latrines, urinals, workplaces & spittoons — Latrines, urinals, workplaces & spittoons shall be maintained in clean and sanitary conditions by employing adequate number of sanitary staff.

31.Qualifications of competent persons with reference to various Sections of the Act are given in the schedule below :

The Competent Person is a person who is having a degree in the discipline mentioned or equivalent followed by experience as specified, in responsible position in the field and designated by competent authority.

Sl. Rules made Type of work Discipline Experience

No under section

of Act requiring

competency

1 2 3 4 5

1. Section(6) Civil, construction Civil or Min. 10 yrs in

& structural structural design, construc- work engineering tion testing or repairs of struc-

tures, knowledge

of various codes pertaining

to the non-

destructive testing methods.

2. Section 21(2) Operation of Electrical or Min. 7 yrs in

dangerous mechanical design, operation

machines engineering maintenance ,test-

or equivalent ing of relevant machinery, guards,

safety devices,etc.

3. Section 28 Lifts & Hoists -do- Min. 7 yrs in

design, erection maintenance,

inspection, &

test procedures

of Hoists & Lifts.

4. Section 29 Lifting Electrical, Min. 7 yrs in

Machinery/ Mechanical design, erection,

Lifting or Metall- maintenance,

tackles urgical inspection, testing of lifting machin- ery or lifting tackle.

5. Section 31 Pressure plant Chemical, Min. 10 yrs exper-

Electrical ience in design,

or mechanical erection, mainten-

alent of pressure plants and knowledge of

non-destructive

testing & codes of

safety requireme- nts of pressure

vessels.

6. Section 36 Dangerous Chemical Min. 7 yrs exper-

fumes engineering ience in collection

or masters & analysis of degree in environmental

chemistry samples & calibr-

ation of monitor- ing equipment.

7. Section 41-C(b) Supervision Chemical Min. 7 yrs exper-

of handling engineering ience on the shop

of hazardous or masters floor in handling

substances degree in and disposal of

chemistry hazardous

chemicals

8. Section 87 Ventilation Electrical Min. 7 yrs in

system or mecha- design,fabrication, nical installation,

32. Without prejudice to the provisions of sub-section (1) of section 21 of the Act in regard to fencing, the further precautions specified in Schedules annexed hereto shall apply to machines mentioned in each Schedule.

1. Definitions — For the purposes of this schedule —

(a) "woodworking machine" means a circular saw, band saw, planing machine, chain mortising machine or vertical spindle moulding machine operating on wood or cork;

(b) "circular saw" means a circular saw working in a bench (including a rack bench), but does not include a pendulum or similar saw which is moved towards the wood for the purpose of cutting operation;

(c) "band saw" means a band saw, the cutting portion of which runs in a vertical direction but does not include a log saw or band re-sawing machine; and

(d) "planing machine" means a machine for over head planing or for thicknessing or for both operations.

2. Stopping and starting device — An efficient stopping and starting device shall be provided on every woodworking machine. The control of this device shall be in such a position as to be readily and conveniently operated by the person in-charge of the machine.

3. Space around machines — The space surrounding every woodworking machine in motion shall be kept free from obstruction.

4. Floors — The floor surrounding every woodworking machine shall be maintained in good and smooth condition and shall not be allowed to become slippery, and as far as practicable shall be kept free from chips or other loosely scattered material.

(a) No person shall be employed at a woodworking machine unless he has been sufficiently trained to work that class of machine, or unless he works under the adequate supervision of a person who has a thorough knowledge of the working of the machine.

(b) A person who is being trained to work a woodworking machine shall be fully and carefully instructed as to the dangers of the machine and the precautions to be observed to secure safe working of the machine.

6. Circular saws — Every circular saw shall be fenced as follows —

(a) behind and in direct line with the saw there shall be a riving knife, which shall have a smooth surface, shall be strong, rigid and easily adjustable, and shall also conform to the following conditions;

(i) the edge of the knife nearer the saw shall form an arc of a circle having a radius not exceeding the radius of the largest saw used on the bench;

(ii) the knife shall be maintained as close as practicable to the saw, having regard to the nature of the work being done at the time, and at the level of the bench table. The distance between the front edge of the knife and the teeth of the saw shall not exceed 12 millimeters; and

(iii) for a saw of a diameter of less than 60 cm, the knife shall extend up wards from the bench table to within 25 mm of the top of the saw, and for a saw of a diameter of 60 cm or over shall extend upwards from the bench table to a height of at least 23 cm.

(b) the top of the saw shall be covered by a strong and easily adjustable guard, with a flange at the side of the saw farthest from the fence. The guard shall be kept so adjusted that the said flange shall extend below the roots of the teeth of the saw. The guard shall extend from the top of the riving knife to a point as low as practicable at the cutting edge of the saw; and

(c) the part of the saw below the bench table shall be protected by two plates of metal or other suitable material, one on each side of the saw; such plates shall not be more than 15 cm apart, and shall extend from the axis of the saw outwards to a distance of not less than 5 cm beyond the teeth of the saw. Metal plates, if not beaded, shall be of a thickness of at least 2.5 mm, or if beaded, be of a thickness of atleast 1.25 mm.

7. Push sticks — A push stick or other suitable appliance shall be provided for use at every circular saw and at every vertical spindle moulding machine to enable the work to be done without unnecessary risk.

8. Band saws — Every band saw shall be guarded as follows —

(a) both sides of the bottom pulley shall be completely encached by sheet or expanded metal or other suitable material;

(b) the front of the top pulley shall be covered with sheet or expanded metal or other suitable material; and

(c) all portions of the blade shall be enclosed or otherwise securely guarded, except the portion of the blade between the bench table and the top guide.

(a) A planing machine (other than a planing machine which is mechanically fed) shall not be used for overhand planing unless it is fitted with a cylindrical cutter block.

(b) Every planing machine used for overhand planing shall be provided with a "bridge" guard capable of covering the full length and breadth of the cutting slot in the bench, and so constructed as to be easily adjusted both in vertical and horizontal direction.

(c) The feed roller of every planing machine used for thicknessing, except the combined machine for overhand planing and thicknessing, shall be provided with an efficient guard.

 

 

10. Adjustment and maintenance of guards — The guards and other appliances required under this schedule shall be —

(a) maintained in an efficient state;

(b) constantly kept in position while the machinery is in motion; and

(c) so adjusted as to enable the work to be done without unnecessary risk.

11. Exemptions — Paragraphs 6, 8, 9 and 10 shall not apply to any woodworking machine in respect of which it can be proved that other safeguards are provided, maintained and used which render the machine as safe as it would be if guarded in the manner prescribed in this schedule.

1. Definition — "Centrifugal machines" include centrifugal extractors, separators and driers.

(a) of good design and construction and of adequate strength;

(b) properly maintained; and

(c) examined thoroughly by a competent person at regular intervals to check for unbalance and in case unbalance at high speeds is observed, steps to restore the balance shall be taken before commissioning the machine.

(a) The cage housing the rotating drum or basket of every centrifugal machine shall be provided with a strong lid. The design and construction of the cage as well as the lid shall be such that no access is possible to the drum or basket when the lid is closed.

(b) Every centrifugal machine shall be provided with an efficient interlocking device that will effectively prevent the lid referred to in sub-paragraph (a) from being opened while the drum or basket is in motion and prevent the drum or basket being set in motion while the lid is in the open position.

4. Braking arrangement — Every centrifugal machine shall be provided with an effective braking arrangement capable of bringing the drum or basket to rest within as short a period of time as reasonably practicable after the power is cut off.

5. Operating speed — No centrifugal machine shall be operated at a speed in excess of the manufacturer’s rating which shall be legibly stamped at easily visible places both on the inside of the basket and on the outside of the machine casing.

1. Application — The Schedule shall apply to all types of power presses including press brakes, except when used for working hot metal.

2. Definition — For the purpose of this Schedule —

(a) "approved" means approved by the Competent Authority;

(b) "fixed fencing" means fencing provided for the tools of a power press being fencing which has no moving parts associated with or dependent upon the

mechanism of a power press and includes that part of a closed tools which acts as a guard;

(c) "power press" means a machine used in metal or other industries for moulding, pressing, blanking raising drawing and similar purposes;

(d) "safety device" means the fencing and any other safe-guard provided for the tools of a power press;

3. Starting and stopping mechanism — The starting and stopping mechanism shall be provided with a safety stop so as to prevent over running of the press or descent of the ram during tool setting, etc.

(a) Each press shall be provided with a fixed guard with a slip plate on the underside enclosing the front and sides of the tool.

(b) Each die shall be provided with a fixed guard surrounding its front and sides, and extending to the back in the form of a tunnel through which the pressed article falls to the rear of the press.

(c) The design, construction and mutual position of the guards referred to in (a) and (b) such as to preclude the possibility of the worker’s hand or fingers approaching the danger zone.

(d) The machine shall be fed through a small aperture at the bottom of the die guard, but a wider aperture may be permitted for second or subsequent operations if feeding is done through a chute.

(e) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-clauses(a) and (b) an automatic or an inter-locked guard may be used in place of a fixed guard, but where such guards are used they shall be maintained in an efficient working condition and if any guard develops a defect, the power press shall not be operated unless the defect of the guard is removed.

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (4), no person shall set, re-set, adjust or try out the tools on a power press or install or adjust any safety device thereon, being installation or adjustment preparatory to production of die proving, or carry out an inspection and test of any safety device thereon required by paragraph 8 unless he —

(i) has attained the age of eighteen;

(ii) has been trained in accordance with the sub-paragraph (b); and

(iii) has been appointed by the occupier of the factory to carry out those duties in respect of the class or description of power press or the class or description of safety device to which the power press or the safety device (as the case may be) belongs; and the name of every such person shall be entered in a register in Form 1.

(b) The training shall include suitable and sufficient practical instruction in the matters in relation to each type of power press & safety device in respect of which it is proposed to appoint the person being trained.

(a) No power press or safety device shall be taken into use in any factory for the first time in that factory, or in case of a safety device for the first time on any power press, unless it has been thoroughly examined and tested, in the case of a power press, after installation in the factory, or in the case of a safety device, when in position on the power press in connection with which it is to be used.

(b) No power press shall be used unless it has been thoroughly examined and tested by a competent person within the immediately preceding period of 12 months.

(c) No power press shall be used unless every safety device (other than fixed fencing) thereon has within the immediately preceding period of six months when in position on that power press, been thoroughly examined and tested by a competent person.

(d) The competent person carrying out an examination and test under the foregoing provisions shall make a report of the examination and test containing the following particulars and every such report shall be kept readily available for inspection :

(i) name of the occupier of the factory;

(ii) address of the factory;

(iii) identification number or mark sufficient to identify the power press or the safety device;

(iv) date on which the power press or the safety device was first taken into use in the factory;

(v) the date of each periodical thorough examination carried out as per requirements of sub-paragraph (b) above;

(vi) particulars of any defects affecting the safe working of the power press or the safety device found at any such thorough examination and steps taken to remedy such defects;

(a) Where any defect is disclosed in any power press or in any safety device by any examination and test under paragraph (6) and in the opinion of the competent person carrying out the examination and test, either —

(i) the said defect is a cause of danger to workers and in consequence the power press or safety device (as the case may be) ought not to be used until the said defect has been remedied; or

(ii) the said defect may become a cause of danger to workers and in consequence the power press or safety device (as the case may be) ought not to be used after the expiration of a specified period unless the said defect has been remedied.

Such defect shall, as soon as possible after the completion of the examination and test, be notified in writing by the competent person to the occupier of the factory and, in the case of a defect falling within clause (ii) of this sub-paragraph such notification shall include the period within which, in the opinion of the competent person, the defect ought to be remedied.

(b) In every case where notification has been given under this paragraph, a copy of the report made under paragraph 6(d) shall be sent by the competent person to the inspector for the area within fourteen days of the completion of the examination and test.

(c) Where any such defect is notified to the occupier in accordance with the foregoing provisions of this paragraph the power press or safety device (as the case may be) having the said defect shall not be used —

(i) in the case of a defect falling within clause (i) of sub-paragraph (a) until the said defect has been remedied; and

(ii) in the case of defect falling within clause (ii) of sub-paragraph (a), after the expiration of the specified period.

(d) As soon as is practicable after any defect of which notification has been given under sub-paragraph (a) has been remedied, a record shall be made by or on behalf of the occupier stating the measures by which and the date on which the defect was remedied.

(a) No power press shall be used after the setting, resetting or adjustment of the tools thereon unless a person appointed or authorised for the purpose under Paragraph (5) has inspected and tested every safety device thereon while it is in position on the said power press ;

Provided that any inspection, test and certificate as aforesaid not be required where any adjustment of the tools has not caused or resulted in any alteration to or disturbance of any safety device on the power press and if, after the adjustment of the tools, the safety devices remain, in the opinion of such a person as aforesaid, in efficient working order.

(b) Every power press and every safety device thereon while it is in position on the said power press shall be inspected and tested by a trained person every day.

(a) Where it appears to any person as a result of any inspection and test carried out by him under paragraph 8 that any necessary safety device is not in position or is not properly in position on a power press or that any safety device which is in position on a power press is not in his opinion suitable, he shall notify the manager forthwith.

(b) Except as provided in sub-paragraph (c) where any defect is disclosed in a safety device by any inspection and test under paragraph 8, the person carrying out the inspection and test shall notify the manager forthwith.

(c) Where any defect in a safety device is the subject of a notification in writing under paragraph 7 by virtue of which the use of the safety device may be continued during a specified period without the said defect having been remedied; the requirement in sub-paragraph (b) of this paragraph shall not apply to the said defect until the said period has expired.

10. Identification of power presses and safety devices — For the purpose of identification every power press and every safety device provided for the same shall be distinctively and plainly marked.

11. Training and instructions to operators — The operators shall be trained and instructed in the safe method of work before starting work on any power press. It shall be ensured by adequate supervision that correct operating procedures are being followed.

(a) If in respect of any factory, the Competent Authority is satisfied that owing to the circumstances or infrequency of the processes or for any other reason, all or any of the provisions of this Schedule are not necessary for the protection of the workers employed on any power press or any class or description of power press or in the factory, the Competent Authority by a certificate in writing (which he may in his discretion revoke at any time), exempt such factory from all or any of such provisions subject to such conditions, if any, as he may specify therein.

(b) Where such exemption is granted, a legible copy of the certificate, showing the conditions (if any) subject to which it has been granted, shall be kept posted in the factory in a position where it may be conveniently read by the persons employed.

 

(a) Definition - Arc welding is a welding process wherein coalescence is produced by heating with an electric arc, with or without application of pressure and with or without the use of filler metal.

(b) Correct and proper electric earthing shall be provided for the welding machine, the casing and the job to be welded. These shall be electrically checked for any leakage of current by an authorised and trained electrician.

(c) The welding machine shall be kept at a dry place and materials shall not be kept around it.

(d) The welding cable shall be in good condition. The metal wire shall not be in an exposed state anywhere. The welding cable connections shall be tight. The cable shall not lie on wet surface nor shall it pass through water. Building structure, fuel tanks, railings, etc. shall not be used to support welding cables. As far as possible cable shall not be laid across the passages.

(e) The welder shall not wear any wet dresses, footwear, hand gloves etc. These articles must be dry before working with welding machines. The welder shall wear rubber shoes, hand gloves and use the welding screens while doing welding jobs. Welding screen shall be used around the welding area to stop welding flashes from affecting others. The welder must check the welding holder thoroughly before starting the job and shall also see that the insulation of the holder is proper.

(f) The welding cable and holder etc. shall be fastened to the overhead structures with non-conductors to prevent these from dropping down.

(g) Scaffolding made of corrugated sheets shall be used below the areas where welding is to be done to prevent sparks dropping down below.

(h) While welding in confined areas like inside of tanks, pipes etc., proper ventilation shall be provided with the help of a fan.

(i) Welding on a gas or fuel line shall never be done without a special approved procedure written specially for the particular job.

(j) All welding work shall be started only after obtaining a welding permit from authorised agency indicating special precautions including the fire fighting details.

(k) For welding work on overhead equipment such as crane etc. a separate earth cable shall be run upto the work place and shall be connected to work piece.

(a) Definition — Gas cutting is a process used for cutting mild steel by a flame torch using compressed gases Hydrogen/Acetylene and Oxygen to preheat the metal and cutting it by forcing Oxygen at higher pressure.

(b) The gas cylinders shall be kept well away from any fire or hot areas. The rubber pipes, joints, gas torches, valve connections shall be thoroughly checked for leakage of gas.

(c) The gas cutter shall use proper safety appliances viz. gas cutters goggles, hand gloves, safety shoes, helmets and safety belts.

(d) The rubber hose shall not come in contact with any hot material and it shall not be taken through hot areas.

(e) The gas torch shall be fastened to a fixed overhead structure or with the body of the gas cutter to stop it from dropping down.

(f) The rubber hose shall not obstruct the movement of others. When necessary to lower the rubber hose with fittings, a fibre rope should be used. A metal sheet shall be used below the job to arrest any sparks/hot slags from falling down.

(g) Before starting any gas cutting, written permit clearance shall be obtained from authorised persons, which will indicate all safety precautions including fire fighting details.

(h) Gas cutting at or near fuel line/hazardous area etc., shall be done only after obtaining a special approved procedure for that job.

(i) Provisions of Gas Cylinder Rules shall be complied with.

 

1. Definitions — For the purpose of this Schedule —

(a) "guillotine" means a machine ordinarily equipped with straight, bevel-edged blade operating vertically against a stationery resisting edge and used for cutting metallic or non-metallic substances;

(b) "shears" or "shearing machine" means a machine ordinarily equipped with straight, bevel-edged blades operating vertically against resisting edges, or with rotary, overlapping cutting wheels, and used for shearing metals or non-metallic substances; and

(c) "slitter" or "slitting machine" means a machine ordinarily equipped with circular disc-type knives, and used for trimming or cutting into metal or non-metallic substances or for slitting them into narrow strips; for the purpose of this Schedule, this term includes bread or other food slicers equipped with rotary knives or cutting discs.

(a) Where practicable, a barrier metal guard of adequate strength shall be provided at the front of the knife, fastened to the machine frame and shall be so fixed as would prevent any part of the operator’s body to reach the descending blade from above, below or through the barrier guard or from the sides :

Provided that in case of machines used in the paper printing and allied industries, where a fixed barrier metal guard is not suitable on account of the height and volume of the material being fed, there shall be provided suitable starting devices which require simultaneous action of both the hands of the operator or an automatic device which will remove both the hands of the operator from the danger zone at every descent of the blade.

(b) At the back end of such machines, an inclined guard shall be provided over which the slit pieces would slide and be collected at a safe distance in a manner as would prevent a person at the back from reaching the descending blade.

(c) Power-driven guillotine cutters, except continuous feed trimmers, shall be equipped with —

(i) starting devices which require the simultaneous action of both hands to start the cutting motion and of at least one hand on a control during the complete stroke of the knife; or

(ii) an automatic guard which will remove the hands of the operator from the danger zone at every descent of the blade, used in conjunction with one hand starting devices which require two distinct movements of the device to start the cutting motion, and so designed as to return positively to the non-starting position after each complete cycle of the knife.

(d) Where two or more workers are employed at the same time on the same power-driven guillotine cutter equipped with two-hand control the device shall be so arranged that each worker shall be required to use both hands simultaneously on the safety trip to start the cutting motion, and at least one hand on control to complete the cut.

(e) Power-driven guillotine cutters, other than continuous trimmer, shall be provided, in addition to the brake or other stopping mechanism, with an emergency device which will prevent the machine from operating in the event of failure of the brake when the starting mechanism is in the non-starting position.

(a) Circular disc-type knives on machines for cutting metal and leather, paper, rubber, textiles or other non-metallic substances shall, if within reach of operators standing on the floor or working level, be provided with guards enclosing the knife edges at all times as near as practicable to the surface of the material, and which may either —

(i) automatically adjust themselves to the thickness of the material; or

(ii) be fixed or manually adjusted so that the space between the bottom of the guard and the material will not exceed 6 mm (1/4 inch) at any time.

(b) Portions of blades underneath the tables or benches of slitting machines shall be covered by guards.

4. Index Cutters and Vertical Paper Slotters — Index cutters, and other machines for cutting strips from the ends of books, and for similar operations, shall be provided with fixed guards, so arranged that the fingers of the operators cannot come between the blades and the tables.

5. Corner Cutters — Corner cutters, used in the manufacture of paper boxes shall be equipped with —

(a) suitable guard fastened to the machines in front of the knives and provided with slots or perforations to afford visibility of the operations; or

(b) other guards equally efficient for the protection of the fingers of the workers.

6. Band Knives — Band wheels on band knives, and all portions of the blades except the working side between the sliding guide and the table on vertical machines, or between the wheel guards on horizontal machines, shall be completely enclosed with hinged guards of sheet metal not less than 1 mm (0.04 inch) in thickness or of other material of equal strength.

1. Definition — "Agitators and Mixing Machines" means a tank or other container equipped with power driven mixing arms, blades or paddle wheels fixed to revolvable shafts or other simple mechanical devices for blending stirring liquids with other liquids or with solid substances or combinations of these.

2. When the top of an open agitator tank, beater tank or paddle tank or similar vessel is less than 1 M. above the adjacent floor or working level, adequate standard railings shall be installed on all open sides.

3. Agitators and mixing machines shall be provided with an efficient inter-lock arrangement for the top lid, to prevent access to the agitating, stirring or similar devices, whilst in motion and would prevent restart under power with the lids in open position.

4. When other inspection or examination openings are provided at the top or sides of the containers vessels of the agitator and mixing machines, such openings shall be provided with standard grill guards as would prevent access of any part of the operator’s body coming in contact with agitator stirring or similar devices whilst in motion.

5. When discharge holes, openings, chutes or similar arrangements are provided at bottom or at the sides of the container vessels of the agitator and mixing machines, they shall, be so designed, shaped guarded or situated as would prevent access of any part of operator’s body coming in contact with agitating, stirring or similar devices, whilst in motion inside the vessel.

1. Application — The schedule shall apply to all types of conveyors.

2. Definition - Conveyor means a horizontal, inclined or vertical device for moving or transporting bulk materials, packages & objects in a path predetermined by the design of device and having points of loading or discharge fixed or selective.

3. General — The conveyors shall be so designed installed, operated & maintained as per the national code & standards. Safe procedures shall be laid down to include the following, namely :

(a) Conveyors at elevated locations shall be provided with access platform with toe-board & guard rails.

(b) Conveyors installed within 2 metres of floor or walk-way surface shall be provided with crossovers or passages.

(c) Overhead conveyors shall be provided with sideboards along the edges & screen guards underneath. Underpasses shall be provided with sheet metal ceiling for protection of the persons crossing.

(d) Conveyors passing through building floors, walls shall have interlocks installed in such a way that all will have to operate at one time to start the system. These switches shall be clearly marked and area near them shall be kept clean and free of obstructions. The opening shall be guarded with hand rails, toe-boards, etc.

5. Maintenance — The operation, maintenance of conveyors shall be done under work permit system keeping in mind the nature of materials handled. The entire mechanism of conveyors, electrical switches, interlocks etc. shall be inspected and maintained regularly especially for brakes, back stops, anti-runaway devices, overload releases and such other safety devices.

6. Fire Fighting — The entire length of the conveyor shall be covered by installation of fire detection and warning system. Wherever conveyor passes through wall or floor openings, automatic system shall be installed for closing of them to stop the passage of flame through them. Wherever necessary automatic water sprinkler system shall also be provided.

33. Register of workers employed for work on or near machinery in motion —

In every factory a register shall be maintained in Form 1 in which the name and other particulars of every such worker as may be employed for such examination or operation as referred to in the proviso to sub-section (1) of section 21 shall be entered.

(1)A register shall be maintained to record particulars of examination of hoists and lifts and shall give particulars as shown in Form 3.

(2)In pursuance of the provisions of sub-section (4) of Section 28, in respect of any class or description of hoist or lift specified in the first column of the following Schedule, the requirements of section 28 specified in second column of the said Schedule and set opposite to that class or description of hoist or lift shall not apply.

Class or description of Requirements which shall

hoist or lift not apply

1 2

Hoists or lifts mainly used for Sub-section 1(b) in so far as it requ-

raising materials for charging ires a gate at the bottom landing;

blast furnaces or lime kilns. sub-section 1(d); sub-section 1(e).

Hoists not connected with mechanical Sub-section 1(b) in so far as

power and which are not used for carrying it requires the hoist way or liftway

persons enclosure to be so constructed as to prevent any person or thing from being trapped between any part of the hoist or lift and any fixed struc- ture or moving part; sub-section 1(e).

(1) No lifting machine and no chain, rope or lifting tackle, except a fibre rope or fibre rope sling, shall be taken into use in any factory for the first time in that factory unless it has been tested and all parts have been thoroughly examined by a competent person and a certificate of such a test and examination specifying the safe working load or loads and signed by the person making the test and the examination, has been obtained and is kept available for inspection.

(2) Every jib-crane so constructed that the safe working load may be varied by the raising or lowering of the jib, shall have attached thereto either an automatic indicator of safe working loads or an automatic jib angle indicator and a table indicating the safe working load at corresponding inclinations of the jib or corresponding radii of the load. An audio-visual alarm be preferably provided in addition to give alarm wherever the limits given in table are exceeded.

(3) A table showing the safe working loads of every kind and size of chain, rope or lifting tackle in use, and, in the case of a multiple sling, the safe working loads at different angles of the legs, shall be pasted in the store in which the chains, ropes or lifting tackles are kept, and in prominent positions on the premises, and no chain, rope or lifting tackle not shown in the table shall be used :

Provided that this sub-rule shall not apply in respect of such lifting tackle if the safe working load thereof, or in the case of a multiple sling, the safe working load at different angles of the legs, is plainly marked upon it.

(4) The register to be maintained under clause (a)(iii) of sub-section (1) of section 29 of the Act shall contain the report as given in Form-4, giving following particulars and shall be kept readily available for inspection :-

(a) Name of occupier of factory ;

(b) Address of factory ;

(c) Distinguishing number or mark, if any, and description sufficient to identify the lifting machine, chain, rope or the lifting tackle ;

(d) Date when the lifting machine, chain, rope or lifting tackle was first taken into use in the factory ;

(e) Date and number of the certificate relating to any test and examination made under sub-rules (1) and (15) together with the name and address of the person who issued the certificate ;

(f) Date of each periodical through examination made under clause (a)(iii) of sub-section (1) of Section 29 of the Act and sub-section (3) and by whom it was carried out ;

(g) Date of annealing or other heat treatment of the chain and other lifting tackle made under sub-rule (7) and by whom it was carried out ;

(h) Particulars of any defects affecting the safe working load found at any such thorough examination or after annealing and of the steps taken to remedy such defects ;

(5) All rails on which a travelling crane moves and every track on which the carriage of a transporter or runaway moves shall be of proper size and adequate strength and have an even running surface; and every such rail or track shall be properly laid, adequately supported and properly maintained.

(6) To provide access to rail tracks of overhead travelling cranes suitable passage-ways of at least 50 centimeters width with toeboards and double hand rails 90 centimeters high shall be provided alongside, and clear of, the rail tracks of overhead travelling cranes, such that no moving part of the crane can strike persons on the ways, and the passage-way shall be at a lower level than the crane track itself. Safe access ladders shall be provided at suitable intervals to afford access to these passage-ways, and from passage-ways to the rail tracks :

Provided that the Competent Authority may, for reasons to be specified in writing, exempt any factory in respect of any overhead travelling crane from the operation of any provision of this sub-rule subject to such conditions as it may specify.

(7) All chains and lifting tackles except a rope sling shall, unless they have been subjected to such other heat treatment as may be approved by the Competent Authority of Factories, be effectively annealed under the supervision of a competent person at the following intervals :-

(a) all charts, slings, rings, hooks, shackles and swivels used in connection with molten metal or molten slag or when they are made of 12.5 millimeters bar or smaller, once at least in every six months; and

(b) all other chains, rings, hooks, shackles and swivels in general use, once at least in every twelve months ;

Provided that chains and lifting tackle not in frequent use shall, subject to the Competent Authority’s approval, be annealed only when necessary. Particulars of such annealing shall be entered in a register prescribed under

sub-rule (4).

(c) Slinging —

(i) Chains shall not be joined by bolting or wiring links together. They shall not be shortened by tying knots. A chain in which the links are locked, stretched or do not move freely shall not be used. The chain shall be free of kinks and twists. Proper eye splices shall be used to attach the chain hooks.

(ii) Pulley blocks of the proper size shall be used to allow the rope free play in the sheave grooves and to protect the wire rope from sharp bends under load. Idle sling shall not be carried on the crane hook alongwith a loaded sling. When idle slings are carried they shall be hooked.

(iii) While using multileged slings, each sling or leg shall be loaded evenly and the slings shall be of sufficient length to avoid a wide angle between the legs.

(iv) Sling hitches on loads shall be made under the supervision of experienced persons.

(8) Nothing in the foregoing sub-rule (7) shall apply to the following classes of chains and lifting tackles, namely :-

(a) chains made of malleable cast iron;

(b) plate link chains;

(c) chains, rings, hooks, shackles and swivels made of steel or of any non-ferrous metal;

(d) pitched chains, working on sprocket or pocketed wheels;

(e) rings, hooks, shackles and swivels permanently attached to pitched chains, pulley blocks or weighing machines;

(f) hooks and swivels having screw threaded parts or ball bearing or other case hardened parts;

(g) socket shackles secured to wire ropes by white-metal capping; and

(h) bordeaux connections :

Provided that such chains and lifting tackles shall be thoroughly examined by a competent person once atleast in every twelve months, and particulars entered in the register kept in accordance with sub-rule (4).

(9) Cranes shall be operated only by authorised persons who are well trained and experienced, operators shall ensure that all safety devices are functioning properly before crane is put into operation.

(10) A mobile crane shall be operated so that none of its parts can approach live electric lines closer than 3 m. While lifting loads such a crane shall be located on level ground.

(11) Standard signals shall be used and operators shall recognise signals from only one person during crane operation. Signal men shall direct equipment movement at fills, quarries, pits, intersections or any other place where necessary to prevent possible accidents.

(12) No person shall be permitted to work or walk under a load.

(13) Thorough inspection and load testing of a crane shall be done by a competent person atleast once every 12 months. The load to be used for the purpose of testing shall be as follows :

Safe working load Test load

Upto 20 tons 25% in excess

20-50 tons 5 tons in excess

Over 50 tons 10% in excess

(14) All lifting machines, ropes, chains and lifting tackles, except a fibre rope or fibre sling, which have been lengthened, altered or repaired by welding or otherwise, shall before being again taken into use, be adequately re-tested and re-examined by a competent person and certificate of such test and examination be obtained, and particulars entered in the register kept in accordance with sub-rule (4).

(15) No person under 18 years of age and no person who is not sufficiently competent and reliable shall be employed as driver of lifting machine whether driven by mechanical power or otherwise, or to give signals to a driver.

(16) Where the Competent Authority is satisfied that in a factory due to a shutdown or for any other reasons it is not practicable to maintain a minimum distance of 6 metres. between the person employed or working on or near the wheel track of a travelling crane and the crane, it may on the request of the manager reduce the distance to such extent as it may consider necessary and also prescribe further precautions indicating appointment of suitable number of supervisors to ensure the safety of the persons while they are employed or working on or near the track.

(1) Interpretation — In this rule —

(a) "design pressure" means the maximum pressure that a pressure vessel or plant is designed to withstand safely when operating normally;

(b) "maximum permissible working pressure" means the maximum pressure at which a pressure vessel or plant is permitted to be operated or used under this rule and is determined by the technical requirement of the process;

(c) "plant" means a system of piping that is connected to a pressure vessel and is used to contain a gas, vapour or liquid under pressure, greater than the atmospheric pressure and includes the pressure vessel;

(d) "pressure vessel" means a vessel that may be used for containing, storing, distributing, transferring, distilling, processing or otherwise handling any gas, vapour or liquid under pressure greater than the atmospheric pressure and includes any pipeline fitting or other equipment attached thereto or used in connection therewith; and

(e) "competent person" means a person as defined in Sr.No.5 of schedule to rule 31.

(2) Exceptions — Nothing in this rule shall apply to —

(a) vessels made of ferrous materials having an internal operating pressure not exceeding 1 kilogram per square centimeter;

(b) steam boilers, steam and feed pipes and their fittings coming under the purview of the Indian Boilers Act, 1923;

(c) metal bottles or cylinders used for storage or transport of compressed gases or liquified or dissolved gases under pressure covered by the Gas Cylinder Rules, 1981, framed under the Indian Explosives Act, 1884,

(d) vessels in which internal pressure is due solely to the static head of liquid;

(e) vessels with a nominal water capacity not exceeding 500 litres connected in a water-pumping system containing air that is compressed to serve as a cushion;

(f) vessels for nuclear energy application shall be covered by rules framed by Competent Authority;

(g) refrigeration plant having a capacity of 3 tons or less of refrigeration in 24 hours; and

(h) working cylinders of steam engines or prime movers, feed pumps and steam traps; turbine casings; compressor cylinders; steam separators or dryers; steam strainers; steam de-superheaters; oil separators; air receivers for fire sprinkler installations; air receivers of monotype machines provided the maximum working pressure of the air receiver does not exceed 130 kpa (1.33 kg/sq.cm) and the capacity 85 litres; air receivers of electrical circuit breakers; air receivers of electrical relays; air vessels on pumps, pipe coils, accessories of instruments and appliances such as cylinders and piston assemblies used for operating relay and interlocking type of guards; vessels with liquids subjected to static head only; and hydraulically operating cylinders other than any cylinder communicating with an air loaded accumulator.

(3) Design and construction — Every pressure vessel or plant used in a factory —

(a) shall be properly designed on sound engineering practice;

(b) shall be of good construction, sound material, adequate strength and free from any patent defects; and

(c) shall be properly maintained in a safe working condition :

Provided that the pressure vessel or plant in respect of the design and construction of which there is an Indian standard or a standard of the country manufacture or any other law or regulation in force, shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the said standards, law or regulation, as the case may be, and a certificate thereof shall be obtained from the manufacturer or from the competent person which shall be kept and produced on demand by an Inspector.

(4) Safety devices — Every pressure vessel shall be fitted with —

(a) a suitable safety valve or other effective pressure relieving device of adequate capacity to ensure that the maximum permissible working pressure of the pressure vessel shall not be exceeded. It shall be set to operate at a pressure not exceeding the maximum permissible working pressure and when more than one protective device is provided, only one of the devices need be set to operate at the maximum permissible working pressure and the additional device shall be set to discharge at a pressure not more than 5 per cent in excess of the maximum permissible working pressure;

(b) a suitable pressure gauge with a dial range not less than 1.5 times the maximum permissible working pressure, easily visible and designed to show at all times the correct internal pressure and marked with a prominent red mark at the maximum permissible working pressure of the pressure vessel;

(c) a suitable nipple and globe valve connected for the exclusive purpose of attaching a test pressure gauge for checking the accuracy of the pressure gauge referred to in clause (b) of this sub-rule;

(d) a suitable stop valve or valves by which the pressure vessel may be isolated from other pressure vessels or plant or source of supply of pressure. Such a stop valve or valves shall be located as close to the pressure vessel as possible and shall be easily accessible;

(e) a suitable drain cock or valve at the lowest part of the pressure vessel for the discharge of the liquid or other substances that may collect in the pressure vessel; and

(f) every pressure gauge, stop valve, nipple and globe valve, shall be mounted at a height not more than 1.5 m from the working level :

Provided that it shall be sufficient for the purpose of this sub-rule if the safety valve or pressure relieving device, the pressure gauge and the stop valve are mounted on a pipeline immediately adjacent to the pressure vessel and where there is a range of two or more similar pressure vessel served by the same pressure lead, only one set of such mountings need be fitted on the pressure lead immediately adjacent to the range of pressure vessels, provided they cannot be isolated.

 

(5) Pressure reducing devices —

(a)Every pressure vessel which is designed for a working pressure less than the pressure at the source of supply or less than the pressure which can be obtained in the pipe connecting the pressure vessel with any other source of supply, shall be fitted with a suitable pressure reducing valve or other suitable automatic device to prevent the maximum permissible working pressure of the pressure vessel being exceeded.

(b) To further protect the pressure vessel in the event of failure of the reducing valve or device, at least one safety valve having a capacity sufficient to release all the steam, vapour or gas without undue pressure rise as determined by the pressure at the source of supply and the size of the pipe connecting the source of supply, shall be fitted on the low pressure side of the reducing valve.

(c) In case of a jacketted vessel in which heat is transmitted by means of steam or other media in the jacket causing pressure rise in the vessel, the heat input in the jacket shall be so controlled by a suitable device as not to allow the safe working pressure of the vessel being exceeded.

(6) Pressure vessel or plant being taken into use —

(a) No new pressure vessel or plant shall be taken into use in a factory after coming into force of this rule unless it has been hydrostatically tested by a competent person at a pressure at least 1.3 times the design pressure and no pressure vessel or plant which has been previously used or has remained isolated or idle for a period exceeding 6 months or which has undergone alterations or repairs shall be taken into use in a factory unless it has been thoroughly examined by a competent person externally and internally, if practicable, and has been hydrostatically tested by the competent person at a pressure which shall be 1.5 times the maximum permissible working pressure :

Provided that the pressure vessel or plant which is so designed and constructed that it cannot be safely filled with water or liquid or is used in service when even some traces of water cannot be tolerated, shall be pneumatically tested at a pressure not less than the design pressure or maximum permissible working pressure as the case may be ;

Provided further that the pressure vessel or plant which is lined with glass shall be tested hydrostatically or pneumatically as required at a pressure not less than the design pressure or maximum permissible working pressure as the case may be.

Explanation — Design pressure shall be not less than the maximum permissible working pressure and shall take into account the possible fluctuations of pressure during actual operation.

(b) No pressure vessel or plant shall be used in a factory unless there has been obtained from the maker of pressure vessel or plant or from the competent person a certificate specifying the design pressure or maximum permissible working pressure thereof, and stating the nature of tests to which the pressure vessel or plant and its fittings (if any) have been subjected, and every pressure vessel or plant so used in a factory shall be marked so as to enable it to be identified as to be the pressure vessel or plant to which the certificate relates and certificate shall be kept available for perusal by the Inspector.

(c) No pressure vessel or plant shall be permitted to be operated or used at a pressure higher than its design pressure or the maximum permissible working pressure as shown in the certificate.

(7) In service test and examinations —(a) Every pressure vessel or plant in service shall be thoroughly examined by a competent person —

(i) externally, once in every period of six months; and

(ii) internally, once in every period of twelve months :

Provided that if by reason of the construction of a pressure vessel or plant, a thorough internal examination is not possible, this examination may be replaced by a hydrostatic test which shall be carried out once in every period of two years :

Provided further that for a pressure vessel or plant in continuous process which cannot be frequently opened, the period of internal examination may be extended to four years;

(iii) hydrostatically tested once in every period of four years :

Provided that in respect of pressure vessel or plant with thin walls, such as sizing cylinder made of copper or any other non-ferrous metal, periodic hydrostatic test may be dispensed with subject to the condition that the requirements laid down in sub-rule (8) are fulfilled :

Provided further that when it is impracticable to carry out thorough external examination of any pressure vessel or plant every six months as required in sub-clause (i) of this clause, or if owing to its construction and use a pressure vessel or plant cannot be hydrostatically tested as required in sub-clauses (ii) and (iii) of this clause, a thorough external examination of the pressure vessel or plant shall be carried out at least once in every period of two years, and at least once in every period of four years a thorough systematic non-destructive test like ultrasonic test or magnetic particle test for metal thickness or other defects of all parts the failure of which might lead to eventual rupture of the pressure vessel or plant shall be carried out.

(b) The pressure for the hydrostatic test to be carried out for the purpose of this sub-rule shall be 1.25 times the design pressure or 1.5 times the maximum permissible working pressure, whichever is less.

(8) (a) In respect of any pressure vessel or plant which cannot hold the hydro static load, periodic hydrostatic test may be dispensed with provided the requirements set forth in clause 7(a) above are complied with.

(b) If any information as to the date of construction, thickness of walls, or maximum permissible working pressure is not available, the age of such pressure vessel or plant shall be determined by the competent person in consultation with the Competent Authority from the other particulars available with the factory.

(c) Every new and second hand pressure vessel or plant to which repairs, likely to affect its strength or safety, have been carried out, shall be tested before use to at least 1.5 times its maximum permissible working pressure.

 

(9) Report by the competent person —

(a) If during any examination any doubt arises as to the ability of the pressure vessel or plant to work safely until the next prescribed examination, the competent person shall enter in the prescribed register his observations, findings and conclusions with other relevant remarks with reasons and may authorise the pressure vessel or plant to be used and kept in operation subject to a lowering of maximum permissible working pressure, or to more frequent or special examination or test, or subject to both of these conditions.

(b) A report of every examination or test carried out shall be completed in Form 5 and shall be signed by the person making the examination or test, and shall be kept available for perusal by the Inspector at all hours when the factory or any part thereof is working.

(c) Where the report of any examination under this rule specified any condition for securing the safe working of any pressure vessel or plant the pressure vessel or plant shall not be used unless the specified condition is fulfilled.

(d) The competent person making report of any examination under this rule, shall within seven days of the completion of the examination, send to the Competent Authority a copy of the report in every case where the maximum permissible working pressure is reduced or the examination shows that the pressure vessel or plant or any part thereof cannot continue to be used with safety unless certain repairs are carried out or unless any other safety measure is taken.

(10) Application of other laws —

(a) The requirements of this rule shall be in addition to and without any prejudice to and not in derogation of the requirements of any other law in force.

(b) Certificates or reports of any examination, or test of any pressure vessel or plant to which sub-rules (7) to (9) do not apply, conducted or required to be conducted under any other law in force and other relevant record relating to such pressure vessel or plant, shall be properly maintained as required under the said law and shall be produced on demand by the Inspector.

(1) The expression "gasholder" means a water-sealed gasholder which has a storage capacity of not less than 140 cu.m.

(2) Every gasholder shall be of adequate material and strength sound construction and properly maintained.

(3) No gasholder shall be taken into use in any factory for the first time unless,

(a) information giving details of gasholder is recorded in Form 6;

(b) certificate of its internal and external examination in Form 6 is obtained either from the manufacturer or from any person competent to conduct such examination; and

(c) such certificate is in possession of the occupier.

(4) Where there is more than one gas holder in a factory, every gasholder shall be marked in a conspicuous position with a distinguishing number or letter.

(5) Every gasholder shall be thoroughly examined externally by a competent person at least once in a period of 12 months.

(6) In the case of gasholder of which any lift has been in use for more than 10 years, the internal state of the sheeting shall, within one year of the coming into operation of these rules and thereafter at least once in every period of four years, be examined by a competent person by means of electronic or other accurate devices :

Provided that if the Competent Authority is satisfied that such electronic or other accurate devices are not available, it may permit the cutting of samples from the crown and the sides of the holder :

Provided further that if the above examination raises a doubt, an internal visual examination shall be made.

(7) All possible steps shall be taken to prevent or minimise ingress of impurities in the gasholder.

(8) No gasholder shall be repaired or demolished except under the direct supervision of a person who, by his training, experience and knowledge of the necessary precautions against risks of explosion and of persons being overcome by gas, is competent to supervise such work.

(9)(a) All sample discs cut under sub-rule (6) above shall be kept readily available for inspection.

(b) A permanent register in Form 6 duly signed by the occupier or manager shall be maintained.

(c) The results of examination by the competent person carried out as required under sub-rules (5) and (6) above shall be recorded in Form 6.

(d) A copy of the report shall be kept in the register in Form 6 and both the register and the report shall be readily available for inspection.

(10) The Inspector shall inspect the gasholder at least once in a period of 12 months.

(1) No person, unless aided by another person or any mechanical device, shall carry or move by hand or head any material, article, tool or appliance exceeding the maximum limit in weight set out in the following Table :-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Persons Max. weight of material,

article, tool or appliance in Kgs.

(a) Adult Male 55

(b) Adult Female 30

Provided that the dimensions of material, tool or appliance shall be such as not to make worker unstable and not to hurt others :

Provided further that pregnant females shall not be engaged for lifting loads.

(2) No female worker shall engage in conjunction with others, in lifting, carrying or moving by hand or on head any material article, tool or appliance if the weight thereof exceeds the lowest weight fixed by Table to sub-rule (1) above for any of the persons engaged multiplied by the persons engaged.

39. Protection of Eyes — Effective screens or suitable goggles shall be provided for the protection of persons employed in or in the immediate vicinity of the following processes, namely :-

(1) The processes specified in Schedule I to this rule, being processes which involve risk of injury to eyes from particles of fragments thrown off in the course of the processes.

(2) The processes specified in Schedule II to this, rule, being processes which involve risk of injury to eyes by reason of exposure to excessive light or infra-red or ultra-violet radiations.

 

1. Breaking, cutting, dressing or carving of bricks, stone, concrete, slag or similar materials by means of a hammer, chisel, pick or similar hand tool, or by means of a portable tool driven by mechanical power, and the dry grinding of surfaces of any such materials by means of a wheel or disc driven by mechanical power, where in any of the foregoing cases, particles or fragments are liable to be thrown off towards the face of the operator in the course of the process.

2. Dry grinding of surfaces of metal by applying them by hand to a wheel, disc or band driven by mechanical power, and of surfaces of metal by means of a portable tool driven by mechanical power.

3. Dividing into separate parts of metal, bricks, stone, concrete or similar materials by means of a high speed saw driven by mechanical power or by means of a abrasive cutting-off wheel of disc driven by mechanical power.

4. Turning of metals or articles of metal, where particles or fragments are liable to be thrown off towards the face of the operator in the course of the process.

5. Drilling by means of portable tools, where particles or fragments are liable to be thrown off towards the face of the operator in the course of the process.

6. Welding and cutting of metals by means of an electric, oxy-acetylene or similar process.

7. Hot fettling of steel castings by means of a flux-injected burner or air torch and de-seaming of metal.

8. Fettling of metal castings involving the removal of metal, including runners, gates and risers, and removal of any other material during the course of such fettling.

9. Chipping of metal, and chipping, knocking out, cutting out or cutting off of cold rivets, bolts, nuts, lugs, pins, collars or similar articles from any structure or plant, or from part of any structure or plant, by means of a hammer, chisel, punch or similar hand tool, or by means of a portable tool driven by mechanical power.

10. Chipping or scurfing of plant, scale, slag, rust or other corrosion from the surface of metal and other hard materials by means of a hand tool or by a portable tool driven by mechanical power.

11. Breaking of scrap metal by means of a hammer or by means of a tool driven by mechanical power.

12. Routing of metal, where particles or fragments are liable to be thrown off towards the face of the operator in the course of the process.

13. Work with drop hammers and power hammers used in either case for the manufacture of forgings, and work by any person not working with such hammers, whose work is carried on in such circumstances and in such a position that particles or fragments are liable to be thrown off towards his face during work with drop hammers or power hammers.

14. Work at a furnace where there is risk to the eyes from molten metal.

15. Pouring or skimming of molten metal.

16. Work involving risk to the eyes from hot sand being thrown off.

17. Truing or dressing of an abrasive wheel.

18. Handling in open vessels or manipulation of strong acids or dangerous corrosive liquids or materials, and operation, maintenance or dismantling of plant or any part of plant being plant or part of plant which contains or has contained such acids, liquids or materials, unless the plant or part of plant has been so prepared (by isolation, reduction of pressure, or otherwise), treated, or designed and constructed as to prevent risk of injury.

19. Any other process wherein there is a risk of injury to eyes from particles or fragments thrown off during the course of the process

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. Welding or cutting of metals by means of an electrical, oxy-acetylene or similar process.

2. All work on furnaces where there is risk of exposure to excessive light or infra-red radiations.

3. Process such as rolling, casting or forging of metals, where there is risk of exposure to excessive light heat or infra-red radiations.

4. Any other process wherein there is a risk of injury to eyes from exposure to excessive light or infra-red or ultra-violet radiations.

40. Minimum Dimensions of Manholes — Every chamber, tank, vat, pipe, flue or other confined space, which persons may have to enter and which may contain dangerous fumes to such an extent as to involve risk of the persons being overcome thereby, shall unless there is other effective means of egress, be provided with a manhole which may be rectangular, oval or circular in shape, and shall have the following dimensions as minimum, namely :-

Rectangular shape — 50 cm x 30 cm

Oval shape — Major and minor axis diameters

50 cm and 30 cm respectively.

Circular shape — 50 cm diameter

41. Exemptions — The requirements of sub-section (4) of section 37 of the Act shall not apply to the following processes carried on in any factory, namely :-

(1) the operation of repairing a water sealed gasholder by the electric welding process, subject to the following conditions, namely :-

(a) the gasholder shall contain only the following gases, separately or mixed at a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure, namely, town gas, coke-oven gas, producer gas, blast furnace gas, or gases other than air, used in their

manufacture :

Provided that this exemption shall not apply to any gasholder containing acetylene or mixture of gases to which acetylene has been added intentionally; and

(b) welding shall only be done by the electric welding process and shall be carried out by experienced operatives under the constant supervision of a competent person.

(2) the operations of cutting or welding steel or wrought iron gas mains and services by the application of heat, subject to the following conditions, namely :-

(a) the main or service shall be situated in the open air, and it shall contain only the following gases, separately or mixed at a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure namely, town gas, coke-oven gas, producer gas, blast furnace gas, or gases other than air, used in their manufacture;

(b) the main or service shall not contain acetylene or any gas or mixture of gases to which acetylene has been added intentionally;

(c) the operation shall be carried out by an experienced person or persons and at least 2 persons (including those carrying out the operations) experienced in work on gas mains and over 18 years of age shall be present during the operation;

(d) the site of the operation shall be free from any flammable or explosive gas or vapour;

(e) where acetylene gas is used as a source of heat in connection with an operation, it shall be compressed and contained in a porous substance in a cylinder; and

(f) prior to the application of any flame to the gas main or service, this shall be pierced or drilled and the escaping gas ignited.

(1) Processes and equipment, plant, etc. involving serious explosion and serious fire hazards —

(a) All processes, storages, equipments, plants etc. involving serious explosion and flash fire hazard shall be located in segregated buildings where the equipments shall be so arranged that only a minimum number of employees are exposed to such hazards at any one time.

(b) All industrial processes involving serious fire hazard should be located in building or work places separated from one another by walls of fire-resistant construction.

(c) Equipment and plant involving serious fire or flash fire hazard shall, wherever possible, be so constructed and installed that in case of fire, they can be easily isolated.

(d) Ventilation ducts, pneumatic conveyors and similar equipment involving a serious fire risk should be provided with flame-arresting or automatic fire extinguishing appliances or fire resisting dampers electrically interlocked with heat sensitive / smoke detectors and the air conditioning plant system.

(e) In all workplaces having serious fire or flash fire hazards, passages between machines, installations or piles of material should be at least 90 cm wide. For storage piles, the clearance between the ceiling and the top of piles shall not be less than 2 m.

(a) Buildings and plants shall be so laid out and roads, passageways etc. so maintained as to permit unobstructed access for fire fighting. The main exit ways shall have width not less than 4.5 m and vertical clearance not less than 5 m.

(b) Doors and/or window openings shall be located in suitable position on all external walls of the building to provide easy access to the entire area within the building for fire fighting.

(3) Protection against lightning — Protection from lightning shall be provided for—

(a) buildings in which explosive or highly flammable substances are manufactured, used, handled or stored;

(b) storage tanks containing oils, paints or other flammable liquids;

(c) grain elevators;

(d) buildings, tall chimneys or stacks where flammable gases, fumes, dust or lint are likely to be present; and

(e) sub-station buildings and outdoor transformers switchyards.

(4) Explosives — All explosives shall be handled, transported, stored and used in accordance with the provisions in the Indian Explosives Act, 1884 (4 of 1884).

(5) Precautions against ignition — Wherever there is danger of fire or explosion from accumulation of flammable or explosive substances in air —

(a) all electrical apparatus shall either be excluded from the area of risk or they shall be of such construction and so installed and maintained as to prevent the danger of their being a source of ignition;

(b) effective measures shall be adopted for prevention of accumulation of static charges to a dangerous extent;

(c) workers shall wear shoes without iron or steel nails or any other exposed ferrous materials which is likely to cause sparks by friction;

(d)smoking, lighting or carrying of matches,lighters or smoking materials shall be prohibited;

(e) transmission belts with iron fasteners shall not be used; and

(f) all other precautions, as are reasonably practicable, shall be taken to prevent initiation of ignition from all other possible sources such as open flames, frictional sparks, overheated surfaces of machinery or plant, chemical or physical- chemical reaction and radiant heat.

(6) Spontaneous ignition — Where materials are likely to induce spontaneous ignition, care shall be taken to avoid formation of air pocket and to ensure adequate ventilation. The materials susceptible to spontaneous ignition shall be stored in dry condition and shall be in heaps of adequate capacity and separated by adequate passage. The materials susceptible to ignition and stored in the open shall be at a distance not less than 10 m away from process/storage buildings.

(7) Cylinders containing compressed gas — Cylinders containing compressed gas may only be stored in open if they are protected against excessive variation of temperature, direct rays of sun, or continuous dampness. Such cylinders shall never be stored near highly flammable substances, furnaces or hot processes. The room where such cylinders are stored shall have adequate ventilation.

(a) The quantity of flammable liquids in any w