LexaceLexace Ask the AI ›
⚖️ Ask the AI about your situation:🚗 Car Accident💼 Work / Job🏠 Housing / Eviction👪 Family / Divorce📋 Contract Dispute💰 Money Owed

The FACTORIES ACT, 1948

Jharkhand · state statute
Open in Lexace · Ask the AI about this act
 
THE FACTORIES ACT, 1948 
 
ACT NO. 63 OF 1948 1* 
[23rd September, 1948.] 
 
An Act  to consolidate  and amend  the law  regulating labour  in 
factories. 
 
WHEREAS  it is  expedient  to  consolidate and  amend  the law 
regulating labour 
 
It is hereby 
in factories; 
 
enacted as follows:- 
  
 
 
 
 
CHAPTER I 
 
PRELIMINARY 
 
 
1. 
 
Short title, extent and commencement. 
 
1. Short  title, extent  and commencement.  (1) This  Act may  be 
called the Factories Act, 1948. 
 
2*[(2) It extends to the whole of India 3***.] 
 
(3) It shall come into force on the 1st day of April, 1949. 
2. 
Interpretation. 
 
2.  Interpretation.   In  this  Act, unless  there  is  anything 
repugnant in the subject or context,- 
 
(a) "adult" means  a person who has completed his fifteenth 
year of age; 
 
(b)  "adolescent" means a  person who  has  completed  his 
fifteen  year   of age   but has  not  completed  his 
eighteenth year; 
 
4*[(bb) "calendar  year" means  the period  of twelve months 
beginning with the first day of January in any year;] 
 
(c) "child" means  a  person  who  has  not  completed  his 
fifteenth year of age; 
 
5*[(ca)] "competent person", in relation to any provision of 
this Act,  means a  person or an institution recognised 
as such  by the  Chief Inspector  for the  purposes  of 
carrying out   tests,  examinations   and  inspections 
required to  be done  in a factory under the provisions 
of this Act having regard to- 
 
(i) the  qualifications and experience of the person 
and  facilities available  at his disposal; or 
 
(ii) the qualifications and experience of the persons   
employed   in   such   institution   and 
facilities available therein, 
 
With regard  to the  conduct of such tests, examinations and 
---------------------------------------------------------------------- 
1.   The Act has been extended to- 
 
Dadra and Nagar Haveli by Reg. 6 of 1963, s. 2 and Sch. I. 
Pondicherry by Reg. 7 of 1963, s. 3 and Sch. I. 
Goa, Daman and Diu by Reg, 11 of 1963, s. 3 and Sch. 
Laccadive, Minicoy  and Amindivi  Islands by Reg. 8 of 1965, 
s. 3 and Sch. I. 
2.   Subs. by the A. O. 1950 for the former sub-section. 
3.   The words “except the State of Jammu and Kashmir" omitted by Act 
51 of 1970, s. 2 and Sch. (w.e.f. 1-9-1971). 
4.   Ins. by Act 25 of 1954, s. 2. 
5.   Ins. by Act 20 of 1987, s. 2 (w.e.f. 1.12.1987). 
2  
 
inspections, and  more than one person or institution can be 
recognised as a competent person in relation to a factory; 
 
(cb) "hazardous process"  means any  process or  activity in 
relation to an industry specified in the First Schedule 
where, unless special care is taken, raw materials used 
therein or  the intermediate or finished products, bye - 
products, wastes or effluents thereof would-- 
 
(i) cause material impairment  to the health of the  
persons engaged in or connected therewith, or 
  (ii) resu lt in the  pollution of the general 
environment: 
Provided that the State Government may, by notification 
in the Official Gazette, amend the First Schedule by way of 
addition, omission or variation of any industry specified in 
the said Schedule;] 
 
(d) "young person"  means a person who is either a child or 
an adolescent; 
 
34 
(e) "day" means  a period of twenty-four hours beginning at 
midnight; 
 
(f) "week" means  a  period  of  seven  days  beginning  at 
midnight on  Saturday night  or such other night as may  
be approved  in writing  for a  particular area  by the 
Chief Inspector of Factories; 
 
(g) "power" means  electrical energy,  or any other form of 
energy which  is mechanically  transmitted and  is  not 
generated by human or animal agency; 
 
(h) "prime  mover"   means  any   engine,  motor  or  other 
appliance which generates or otherwise provides power; 
 
(i) "transmission machinery"  means any shaft, wheel, drum, 
pulley, system  of pulleys,  coupling, clutch,  driving 
belt or  other appliance  or device by which the motion 
of a  prime mover  is transmitted to or received by any 
machinery or appliance; 
 
(j) "machinery"   includes   prime   movers,   transmission 
machinery and  all other  appliances whereby  power  is 
generated, transformed, transmitted or applied; 
 
(k)  "manufacturing process" means any process for- 
 
(i) making, altering, repairing, ornamenting, finishing, 
packing, oiling, washing, cleaning, breaking up, 
demolishing, or otherwise treating or adapting any  
article or  substance with a view to its use sale, 
transport, delivery or disposal, or 
 
1*[(ii) 
pumping 
oil, 
water, 
sewage 
or any 
other 
substan
ce; 
or}(iii
) 
generating, transforming or 
transmitting power; or   
 
2* [(iv) composing   types   for   printing, printing  by  
letter  press,  lithog raphy, photogravure or  other  
similar  process  or  book binding;] 3*[or] 
(v) constructing,  reconstructing, repairing, refitting, 
finishing or breaking up ships or vessels; 3*[or] 
---------------------------------------------------------------------- 
1. Subs. by  Act 94 of 1976, s. 2, for sub-clause (ii) of clause (k) 
(w.e.f. 26-10-1976). 
2.   Subs. by Act 25 of 1954, s. 2, for former sub-clause. 
3.   Ins. by Act 94 of 1976, s. 2 (w.e.f. 26-10-1976). 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3  
35 
1*[(vi) preserving or storing any article in cold storage;] 
 
(l) "worker" means  a person 2*[employed, directly or by or 
through any  agency (including  a contractor)  with  or 
without the   knowledge  of  the  principal  employer, 
whether for  remuneration or not], in any manufacturing 
process, or  in cleaning  any part  of the machinery or 
premises used  for a  manufacturing process,  or in any 
other kind  of work  incidental to,  or connected with, 
the manufacturing  process,  or  the  subject  of  the 
manufacturing process  3*[but  does  not  include  any 
member of the armed forces of the Union]; 
 
(m) "factory" means  any premises  including the  precincts 
thereof- 
(i) whereon 4*[twenty or more workers are working, or were 
working on any day of the preceding twelve months, and  
in any  part of which a manufacturing process is being 
carried on with the aid of power, or is ordinarily so 
carried on, or 
(ii) whereon 5*[Forty or more workers are working, or were 
working on any day of the preceding twelve  months, and 
in any part of which a  manufa cturing   process  is  
being  carried  on without the  aid of  power, or  is  
ordinarily  so carried on,- 
but does not include a mine subject to the operation of 
6*[the Mines  Act, 1952  (35 of  1952),] or 7*[a mobile 
unit belonging  to the  armed forces  of the  Union,  a 
railway running  shed or  a hotel, restaurant or eating 
place]. 
8*[Explanation. I--For computing the number of workers 
for the purposes of this clause all the workers in 
9*[different  groups and  relays] in  a day shall be 
taken into account;] 
10*[Explanation. II. --For  the purposes  of this 
clause, the mere  fact that  an Electronic Data 
Processing Unit or a Computer Unit is installed in any 
premises or part thereof, shall  not be construed to 
make it a factory f no manufacturing  process is  being 
carried  on in such premises or part thereof;] 
(n) "occupier" of  a  factory  means  the  person  who  has 
ultimate control over the affairs of the factory 6***. 
---------------------------------------------------------------------- 
1. Subs. by Act 25 of 1954, s. 2, for "the Indian Mines Act, 1923 (4 
of 1923)". 
2. Subs. by Act 94 of 1976 s. 2 (w.e.f. 26-10-1976).    
3. Ins. by ibid. (w.e.f. 26-10-1976). 
4. Subs. By Factory (Jharkhand Amendment)Act,2015, Act 24 of 2016 (No. 
LG-45/2015-188/LJ dt. 28.11.2016) 
5. Subs. By Factory (Jharkhand Amendment)Act,2015, Act 24 of 2016 (No. 
LG-45/2015-188/LJ dt. 28.11.2016) 
6.  Subs. by Act 25 of 1954 s. 2, for "the Indian Mines Act, 1923 (4 of 
1923)". 
7. Subs. by Act 94 of 1976 s. 2 (w.e.f. 26-10-1976).     
8. Ins. by ibid. (w.e.f. 26-10-1976). 
9. Subs. by Act 20 of 1987 (w.e.f. 1-12-1987). 
10. Ins. by ibid. (w.e.f. 26-10-1976). 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4  
 
 
 
36 
 
1*[Provided that- 
 
(i) in  the case of a firm or other association of 
individuals, any  one of  the  individual  partners  or 
members thereof shall be deemed to be the occupier; 
 
(ii) in  the case  of a  company, any one of  the 
directors shall be deemed to be the occupier; 
 
(iii) in the case of a factory owned or controlled 
by the  Central Government  or any State Government, or 
any local authority, the person or persons appointed to 
manage the  affairs  of  the  factory  by  the  Central 
Government,  the   State  Government   or   the   local 
authority, as  the case  may be,  shall be deemed to be 
the occupier:]; 
 
1*[Provided further that in the case of a ship which is 
being repaired,  or on  which maintenance work is being 
carried out,  in a  dry dock  which  is  available  for 
hire,- 
 
(1) the  owner of  the dock  shall be deemed to be 
the occupier  for the  purposes of  any matter provided 
for by or under- 
 
(a) section  6,  section  7,  1*[section  7A, 
section 7B] section 11 or section 12; 
 
(b) section  17, in  so far  as it relates to 
the providing  and maintenance  of sufficient  and 
suitable lighting in or around the dock; 
 
(c) section 18, section 19, section 42, 
section 46,  section 47 or section 49, in relation 
to the  workers employed  on such repair or 
maintenance; 
 
(2) the  owner of  the ship or his agent or master 
or other  officer-in-charge of  the ship  or any person 
who contracts with such owner, agent or master or other 
officer-in-charge  to   carry   out   the   repair   or 
maintenance work shall be deemed to be the occupier for 
the purposes  of any  matter provided  for by  or under 
section 13,  section 14, section 16 or section 17 (save 
as otherwise  provided in  this proviso)  or Chapter IV 
(except section  27)  or  section  43,  section  44  or 
section 45,  Chapter VI,  Chapter VII,  Chapter VIII or 
Chapter IX  or section 108, section 109 or section 110, 
in relation to- 
 
(a) the  workers employed directly by him, or 
by or through any agency; and 
 
(b) the  machinery, plant  or premises in use 
for the  purpose of  carrying out  such repair  or 
maintenance work  by such  owner, agent, master or 
other officer-in-charge or person;] 
1*             *                 *               *              * 
---------------------------------------------------------------------- 
1    Ins. subs, and omitted by Act 20 of 1987, s. 2 (w.e.f. 1-12-87). 
5  
 
 
37 
 
(p)  "prescribed" means  prescribed by  rules  made  by  the 
State Government under this Act; 
 
1*            *                 *                *              * 
 
(r) where work  of the  same kind  is carried out by two or 
more sets  of workers  working during different periods 
of the  day, each of such sets is called a 2*["group" 
or 
"relay"] and each of such periods is called  a "shift". 
 
 
3. 
 
References to time of day. 
 
 
3. References  to time  of day. In this Act references to time of 
day are  references to  Indian Standard  Time, being  five and  a half 
hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time: 
 
Provided that  for any  area in which Indian Standard Time is not 
ordinarily observed the State Government may make rules- 
 
(a)  specifying the area, 
 
(b) defining  the   local  mean  time  ordinarily  observed 
therein, and 
 
(c) permitting such  time to  be observed  in all or any of 
the factories situated in the area. 
 
 
4. 
 
Power to declare different departments to be separate factories or 
twoor more 
factories to be a single factory. 
 
 
3*[4. Power  to declare  different  departments  to  be  separate 
factories or  two or  more factories to be a single factory. The State 
Government may,  4*[on its  own or]   on  an application  made in this 
behalf by an occupier, direct, by an order in writing; 4*[and  subject 
to such  conditions as  it may  deem fit]  that for  all or any of the 
purposes of this Act different departments or branches of a factory of 
the occupier specified in the application shall be treated as separate 
factories or  that two  or more factories of the occupier specified in 
the application shall be treated as a single factory:] 
 
4*[Provided that no order under this section shall be made by the 
State Government  on its  own motion  unless on  opportunity of  being 
heard is given to the occupier.] 
 
 
5. 
 
Power to exempt during public emergency. 
 
 
5. Power to exempt during public emergency. In any case of public 
emergency the  State Government  may, by  notification in the Official 
Gazette, exempt  any factory or class or description of factories from 
all or  any of  the provisions of this Act, 5*[except  section 67] for 
such period and subject to such conditions as it may think fit: 
 
Provided that  no such  notification shall  be made  for a period 
exceeding three months at a time. 
---------------------------------------------------------------------- 
1.   Clause (q) rep. by the A. O. 1950. 
2.   Subs, by Act 20 of 1987, s.  2 (w.e.f.  1-12-1987). 
3.   Subs. by Act 25 of 1954, s. 3. 
4.   Ins.  in added by Act 20 of 1987 s. 3 (w.e.f.  1-12-1987). 
5.   Ins. by the A. O. 1950. 
 
 
 
 
 
6  
38 
 
1*[Explanation.--For  the   purposes of   this  section  "public 
emergency" means a grave emergency whereby the security of India or of 
any part  of the  territory thereof  is threatened,  whether by war or 
external aggression of internal disturbance.] 
 
 
6. 
 
Approval, licensing and registration of factories. 
 
 
6. Approval,  licensing and  registration of  factories. (1)  The 
State Government may make rules- 
 
2*[(a)  requiring, for the  purposes  of this  Act,  the 
submission of plans of  any class  or description  of 
factories  to the Chief   Inspector or   the  State 
Government;]    
 
3*[(aa)] requiring the previous permission in writing of the 
State Government  or the Chief Inspector to be obtained 
for the site on which the factory is to be situated and 
for the  construction or  extension of  any factory  or 
class or description of factories; 
 
(b) requiring for  the purpose  of considering  application 
for such   permission  the  submission  of  plans  and 
specifications; 
 
(c) prescribing the nature of such plans and specifications 
and by whom they shall be certified; 
 
(d) requiring the  registration and  licensing of factories 
or any   class  or   description  of   factories,  and 
prescribing the  fees payable for such registration and 
licensing and for the renewal of licences; 
 
(e) requiring that  no licence  shall be granted or renewed 
unless the  notice specified  in  section  7  has  been 
given. 
 
(2) If  on an application for permission referred to in 4*[clause 
(aa)] of  sub-section (1)  accompanied by the plans and specifications 
required by  the rules made under clause (b) of that sub-section, sent 
to the  State Government  or Chief  Inspector by  registered post,  no 
order is  communicated to  the applicant  within three months from the 
date on  which it  is so  sent, the permission applied for in the said 
application shall be deemed to have been granted. 
 
(3) Where  a State  Government or  a Chief  Inspector refuses  to 
grant permission to the site, construction or extension of a factory 
---------------------------------------------------------------------- 
1.   Ins. by Act 94 of 1976, s. 3 (w.e.f. 26-10-1976). 
2.   Ins. by s. 4, ibid. (w.e.f. 26-10-1976). 
3.   Clause (a)  re-lettered as clause (aa) by s. 4, ibid. (w.e.f. 26- 
10-1976). 
4.   Subs. by s. 4, ibid., "clause (a)" (w.e.f. 26-10-1976). 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
7  
39 
 
or to  the registration  and licensing of a factory, the applicant may 
within thirty  days of  the date of such refusal appeal to the Central 
Government if  the decision  appealed from was of the State Government 
and to the State Government in any other case. 
 
Explanation.--A factory shall not be deemed to be extended within 
the meaning  of this  section by reason only of the replacement of any 
 
 
plant or machinery, or within such limits as may be prescribed, of the 
addition of  any plant or machinery 1*[if such replacement or addition 
does not  reduce the  minimum clear  space required  for safe  working 
around the  plant or  machinery or  adversely affect the environmental 
conditions from  the evolution  or emission  of steam, heat or dust or 
fumes injurious to health]. 
 
 
7. 
 
Notice by occupier. 
 
 
7. Notice  by occupier.  (1) The occupier shall, at least fifteen 
days before he begins to occupy or use any premises as a factory, sent 
to the Chief Inspector a written notice containing- 
 
(a)  the name and situation of the factory; 
(b)  the name and address of the occupier; 
2*[(bb) the name and address of the owner of the premises or 
building (including  the precincts thereof) referred to 
in section 93;] 
 
(c) the address  to which  communications relating  to  the 
factory may be sent; 
 
(d)  the nature of the manufacturing process- 
 
(i) carried on in the factory during the last 
twelve  months   in  the   case  of  factories  in 
existence on  the date of the commencement of this 
Act, and 
 
(ii) to  be carried  on in the factory during 
the next  twelve months in the case of all 
factories; 
 
3*[(e) the  total rated  horse  power  installed  or  to  be 
installed in  the factory,  which shall not include the 
rated horse power of any separate stand-by plant;] 
 
(f) the name  of the  manage of the factory of the purposes 
of this Act; 
---------------------------------------------------------------------- 
1.   Ins. by Act 94 of 1976, s. 4 (w.e.f. 26-10-1976). 
2.   Ins. by Act 25 of 1954, s. 4 
3.   Subs. by  Act 94  of 1976,  s. 5,  for clause  (e) (w.e.f. 26-10- 
1976). 
8  
 
 
40 
 
(g) the number  of workers  likely to  be employed  in  the 
factory; 
 
(h) the average  number of  workers per day employed during 
the last  twelve months  in  the  case  of  factory  in 
existence on the date of the commencement of this Act. 
 
(i)  such other particulars as may be prescribed. 
 
(2) In  respect of all establishments which come within the scope 
of the  Act for  the first  time, the  occupier shall  send a  written 
notice to  the Chief Inspector containing the particulars specified in 
subsection (1)  within thirty  days, from the date of the commencement 
of this Act. 
 
(3) Before  a factory engaged in a manufacturing process which is 
ordinarily carried  on for  less than  one hundred  and eighty working 
days in  the year  resumes working,  the occupier shall send a written 
notice to  the Chief Inspector containing the particulars specified in 
sub-section (1)  1*[at least  thirty days]  before  the  date  of  the 
 
 
 commencement of work. 
 
(4) Whenever  a new manager is appointed, the occupier shall send 
to the 2*[Inspector a written notice and to the Chief Inspector a C opy 
thereof] within  seven days  from the  date on which such person takes 
over charges. 
 
(5) During  any period for which no person has been designated as 
manager of  a factory  or during  which the person designated does not 
manage the  factory, any  person found acting as manage, or if no such 
person is  found, the  occupier himself,  shall be  deemed to  be  the 
manager of the factory for the purposes of this Act. 
   
9  
 
 
CHAP THE INSPECTING STAFF 
 
 
CHAPTER II 
 
THE INSPECTING STAFF 
 
 
7A. 
 
General duties of the occupier. 
 
 
3*[7A. General  duties of  the occupier. (1) Every occupier shall 
ensure, so  far as  is reasonably  practicable, the health, safety and 
welfare of all workers while they are at work in the factory. 
 
(2) Without prejudice to the generality of the provisions of sub- 
section (1), the matters to which such duty extends, shall include- 
 
(a) the provision  and maintenance  of plant and systems of 
work in  the factory that are safe and without risks to 
health; 
 
(b) the arrangements in the factory for ensuring safety and 
absence of  risks to health in connection with the use, 
handling, storage   and  transport   of  articles  and 
substances; 
 
(c) the  provision   of  such   information,   instruction, 
training and supervision as are necessary to ensure the 
health and safety of all workers at work; 
 
(d) the maintenance of all places of work in the factory in 
a condition  that is  safe without  risks to health and 
the provision  and maintenance  of such means of access 
to, and  egress from,  such  places  as  are  safe  and 
without such risks; 
 
(e) the  provision,   maintenance  or  monitoring  of  such 
working environment in the factory for the workers that 
is safe,  without  risks  to  health  and  adequate  as 
regards facilities  and arrangements  for their welfare 
at work. 
 
(3) Except  in such  cases as  may be prescribed, every occupier 
shall prepare,  and, as often as may be appropriate, revise, a written 
statement of  his general policy with respect to the health and safety 
of the  workers at  work and the organisation and arrangements for the 
time being  in force  for carrying  out that  policy, and to bring the 
statement and any revision thereof to the notice of all the workers in 
such manner as may be prescribed.] 
 
 
7B. 
 
General  duties   of  manufactures,  etc.,  as  regards  articles 
and substances for use in factories. 
10  
 
 
 
4*[7B. General  duties of manufactures, etc., as regards articles 
and substances  for use  in factories.  (1) Every  person who designs, 
manufactures, imports  or supplies  any article for use in any factory 
shall-- 
(a) ensure, so far as  is reasonably practicable, that the 
 article is so designed  and constructed  as to be safe 
and without  risks to  the health  of the  workers when 
properly used; 
(b) carry out or arrange for the carrying out of such tests 
and examination  as may be considered necessary for the 
effective implementation  of the  provisions of  clause 
(a); 
(c) take such  steps as  may be  necessary to  ensure  that 
adequate information will be available- 
 
(i) in  connection with  the use of the article in 
any factory; 
(ii) about  the use  for which  it is designed and 
tested; and 
(iii) about  any conditions  necessary  to  ensure 
that the  article, when  put to such use, will be safe, 
and without risks to the health of the workers: 
 
Provided  that   where  an   article is   designed  or 
manufactured outside  India, is  shall be  obligatory on the 
part of the importer to see- 
 
(a) that the article conforms to the same standards if such 
article is manufactured in India, or 
 
(b) if the standards adopted in the country outside for the 
manufacture of  such article  is  above  the  standards 
adopted in  India, that  the article  conforms to  such 
standards. 
(2) Every  person, who  undertakes to design or  manufacture any 
article for  use in  any factory,  may carry  out or  arrange for  the 
carrying out  of necessary  research with a view of the discovery and, 
so far  as is  reasonably practicable, the elimination or minimisation 
of any  risks to  the health  or safety  of the  workers to  which the 
design or article may give rise. 
(3) Nothing  contained  in  sub-section  (1)  and  (2)  shall  be 
construed to  require a  person to  repeat the testing, examination or 
research which  has been  carried out  otherwise than by him or at his 
instance in  so far as it is reasonable for him to rely on the results 
thereof for the purposes of the said sub-sections. 
(4) Any  duty imposed  on any  person by  sub-section (1) and (20 
shall extend  only to things done in the course of business carried on 
by him and to matters within his control. 
(5) Where  a person designs, manufactures, imports or supplies an 
article on  the basis  of a  written undertaking  by the  user of such 
article to  take the steps specified in such undertaking to ensure, so 
far as  is reasonably  practicable, that  the article will be safe and 
without risks  to the  health of  the workers  when properly used, the 
undertaking shall  have the  effect of relieving the person designing, 
manufacturing, importing  or  supplying  the  article  from  the  duty 
imposed by  clause (a)  of  sub-section  (1)  to  such  extent  as  is 
reasonable having regard to the term of the undertaking. 
(6) For  the purposes  of this  section, and article is not to be 
regarded as  properly used  if  it  is  used  without  regard  to  any 
information or  advice  relating  to  its  use  which  has  been  made 
available by  the person  who has  designed, manufactured, imported or 
supplied the article. 
 
Explanation.--For the  purposes of  this section, "article" shall 
include plant and machinery. 
 
8.Inspectors. 
8. Inspectors.  (1) The  State Government may, by notification in 
the Official  Gazette, appoint  such persons as possess the prescribed 
qualification to  be Inspectors  for the  purposes of this Act and may 
assign to them such local limits as it may think fit. 
---------------------------------------------------------------------- 
1. Subs. by  Act 40  of 1949,  s. 3  and Sch.  II for "within thirty 
days". 
2. Subs. by  Act 25  of 1954,  s. 4,  for "Chief Inspector a written 
notice". 
3.   Ins. by Art 20 of 1987, s. 4 (w.e.f. 1-12-1987). 
4.   Ins. by s. 4 ibid, (w.e.f. 1-06-1988). 
 
11  
 
 
 
41 
 
(2) The  State Government  may, by  notification in  the Official 
Gazette, appoint  any person  to be  a Chief  Inspector who  shall, in 
addition to  the powers conferred on a Chief Inspector under this Act, 
exercise the powers of an Inspector throughout the State. 
 
1*[(2A) The State Government may, by notification in the Official 
Gazette, appoint as many Addition Chief Inspector, Joint Chief 
Inspector and  Deputy Chief Inspector and as many other officers as it 
thinks fit  to assist  the Chief Inspector and to exercise such of the 
powers  of   the  Chief   Inspector  as   may  be  specified  in  such 
notification. 
 
(2B) Every  additional Chief  Inspector, Joint  Chief  Inspector, 
Deputy Chief Inspector and every other officer appointed under 
subsection (2A)  shall, in addition to the powers of a Chief Inspector 
specified in  the notification  by which he is appointed, exercise the 
powers of an Inspector throughout the State.] 
 
(3) No  person shall  be appointed  under sub-section  (1),  sub- 
section (2) 1*[sub-section (2A)] or sub-section (5) or, having been so 
appointed, shall  continue to hold officer, who is or becomes directly 
or indirectly  interested in  a factory  or in any process or business 
carried on therein or in any patent or machinery connected therewith. 
 
(4) Every  District Magistrate  shall be  an  Inspector  for  his 
district. 
 
(5) The  State Government may also, by notification as aforesaid, 
appoint such  public officers  as  it  thinks  fit  to  be  additional 
Inspectors for  all or  any of  the purposes  of this Act, within such 
local limits as it may assign to them respectively. 
 
(6) In  any area  where there  are more  Inspectors than  one the 
State Government may, by notification as aforesaid, declare the powers 
which such   Inspectors  shall respectively exercise and the Inspector 
to whom the prescribed notices are to be sent. 
 
(7) 2*[Every  Chief Inspector,  Additional Chief Inspector, Joint 
Chief Inspector,  Deputy Chief  Inspector, Inspector  and every  other 
officer appointed under this section ] shall be deemed to be a public 
 
 
---------------------------------------------------------------------- 
1.   Ins. by Act 94 of 1976, s. 6 (w.e.f. 26-10-1976). 
2.   Subs. by s. 6, ibid. (w.e.f. 26-10-1976). 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
12  
42 
servant within  the meaning of the Indian Penal Code, (45 of 1860) and 
  shall be  officially  subordinate  to  such  authority  as  the  State 
Government may specify in this behalf. 
 
9.Powers of Inspectors. 
9. Powers  of Inspectors.  Subject to any  rules  made  in  this 
behalf, an  Inspector may,  within the  local limits  for which  he is 
appointed,-- 
(a) enter, wit h  such  assistants,  being  persons  in  the 
service of the Government, or any local or other public 
authority, 1*[or  with an expert] as he thinks fit, any place 
which  is used, or which he has reason to believe is used, as 
a factory; 
 
1*[(b) make  examination of the premises, plant, machinery, 
article or substance; 
 
(c) inquire into  any accident  or  dangerous  occurrence, 
 whether resulting in bodily injury, disability or not, 
and take  on the  spot or  otherwise statements  of any 
person  which   he  may  consider  necessary  for  such 
inquiry; 
 
(d) require the  production of  any prescribed  register or any 
other document relating to the factory; 
 
(e) seize, or take copies of, any register, record or other 
document or  any portion  thereof, as  he m ay  consider 
necessary in  respect of  any offence  under this  Act, which 
he has reason to believe, has been committed; 
 
(f) direct the  occupier that  any  premises  or  any  part 
thereof, or  anything  lying  therein,  shall  be  left 
disturbed (whether  generally or in particular respects) for 
so  long as  is necessary  for the  purpose of  any 
examination under clause(b); 
 
(g) take  measurements   and  photographs   and  make  such 
recordings as he considers necessary for the purpose of any 
examination  under clause  (b), taking with him any necessary 
instrument or equipment; 
 
(h) in case  of any  article  or  substance  found  in  any 
premises, being  an article  or substance which appears to 
him as having caused or is likely to cause danger to the 
health  or safety  of the workers, direct it to the 
dismantled or  subject it  to any  process or test (but not 
so  as to  damage or destroy it unless the same is, in the  
circumstances necessary,  for carrying  out the purposes of  
this Act), and take possess ion of any such article or  
substance or  a part thereof, and detain it for so long as is 
necessary for such examination; 
(i)  exercise such other powers as may be prescribed.] Provided 
that  no person shall be compelled under this section to 
answer any  question or  give  any  evidence  tending  to  incriminate 
himself. 
 10. Certifying surgeons. 
 
10. Certifying  surgeons. (1)  The State  Government may  appoint 
qualified medical  practitioners to  be certifying  surgeons  for  the 
purposes of  this Act  within such local limits or for such factory or 
 
class  or   description  of   factories  as  it  may  assign  to  them 
respectively. 
 
(2) A  certifying surgeon  may, with the approval  of the  State 
Government, authorize  any qualified  medical practitioner to exercise 
any of  his powers  under this  Act for  such period as the certifying 
surgeon may  specify and  subject to  such  conditions  as  the  State 
Government may  think fit  to impose,  and references in this Act to a 
certifying surgeon  shall be  deemed  to  include  references  to  any 
qualified medical practitioner when so authorized. 
 
(3) No person shall be appointed to be, or authorized to exercise 
the powers  of, a  certifying surgeon,  or having been so appointed or 
authorized, continue  to exercise  such powers,  who is or becomes the 
occupier of  a  factory  or  is  or  becomes  directly  or  indirectly 
interested therein or in any process or business carried on therein or 
in 
---------------------------------------------------------------------- 
1.   Ins. and subs. by Act 20 of 1987, s. 5 (w.e.f. 1-12-87). 
 
13  
 
42A 
 
any patent  or machinery  connected therewith  or is  otherwise in the 
employ of the factory: 
 
1*[Provided that  the State  Government may,  by order in writing 
and subject  to such  conditions as  may be  specified in  the  order, 
exempt any person or class of persons from the provisions of this sub - 
section in respect of any factory or class or description of 
factories.] 
 
(4) The  certifying surgeon shall carry out such duties as m ay be 
prescribed in connection with- 
 
(a) the examination and certification of young person under 
this Act; 
 
(b) the examination of persons engaged in factories in such 
dangerous occupations   or   processes   as   may   be 
prescribed; 
 
(c) the exercising  of such  medical supervision  as may be 
prescribed for  any factory  or class or description of 
factories where-- 
 
(i) cases  of illness  have occurred which it 
is reasonable  to believe are due to the nature of 
the manufacturing  process carried  on,  or  other 
conditions of work prevailing, therein; 
 
(ii)  by reason  of   any change in the 
manufacturing process   carried on   or in the 
substances  used  therein  or  by  reason  of  the 
adoption of  any new  manufacturing process  or of 
any new  substance  for  use  in  a  manufacturing 
process, there  is a  likelihood of  injury to the 
health of  workers employed  in that manufacturing 
process; 
 
(iii) young  persons are, or are about to be, 
employed in  any work  which is  likely  to  cause 
injury to their health. 
 
Explanation.--In this  section "qualified  medical  practitioner" 
means a  person  holding  a  qualification  granted  by  an  authority 
specified in  the Schedule to the Indian Medical Degrees Act, 1916  (7 
of 1916), or in  the Schedules to the Indian Medical Council Act, 1933 
(27 of 1933). 
---------------------------------------------------------------------- 
1.   Ins. by Act 94 of 1976, s. 7 (w.e.f. 26-10-1976). 
 
 
14  
 
42B 
 
CHAP HEALTH 
 
 
CHAPTER III 
 
HEALTH 
 
 
11. 
Cleanliness. 
 
11. Cleanliness.  (1) Every  factory shall be kept clean and free 
from effluvia  arising from any drain, privy or other nuisance, and in 
particular- 
 
(a) accumulation of  dirt and refuse shall be removed daily 
by sweeping  or by  any other effective method from the 
floors and benches of workrooms and from staircases and 
passages, and disposed of in a suitable manner; 
 
(b) the floor  of every  workroom shall be cleaned at least 
once in  every week  by  washing,  using  disinfectant, 
where necessary, or by some other effective method; 
 
(c) where a  floor is liable to become wet in the course of 
any manufacturing  process to such extent as is capable 
of being  drained, effective means of drainage shall be 
provided and maintained; 
 
(d) all inside  walls and  partitions, all ceil ings or tops 
of rooms  and all walls, sides and tops of passages and 
staircases shall- 
 
(i) where  they are 1*[painted otherwise than 
with washable  water -paint] or  varnished, be 
repainted or  revarnished at  least once  in every 
period of five years; 
 
2*[(ia) where  they are painted with washable 
water paint,  be repainted  with at least one coat 
of such  paint at  least once  in every  period of 
three years  and washed  at least  once  in  every 
period of six months;] 
 
(ii) where  they are  painted or varnished or 
where they  have smooth  impervious  surfaces,  be 
cleaned at  least once in every period of fourteen 
months by such method as may be prescribed; 
 
(iii)  in any other case, be kept whitewashed 
or colourwashed, and the whitewashing or 
colourwashing shall  be carried  out at least once 
in every period of fourteen months; 
 
2*[(dd) all  doors and  window frames  and other  wooden  or 
metallic framework  and shutters  shall be kept painted 
or varnished  and the  painting or  varnishing shall be 
carried out  at least  once in  every  period  of  five 
years;] 
 
---------------------------------------------------------------------- 
1.   Subs. by Act 94 of 1976, s. 8, for the word "painted" (w.e.f. 26- 
10-1976). 
2.   Ins. by s. 8, ibid., (w.e.f. 26-10-1976). 
 
15  
 
42C 
 
(e)  the dates on which the processes required by clause (d) 
are carried  out shall  be entered  in  the  prescribed 
register. 
 
(2) If,  in view of the nature of the operations carried on 1*[in 
a factory  or class  or description  of factories  or any  part  of  a 
factory or  class or description of factories], it is not possible for 
the occupier  to comply  with all  or any  of the  provisions of  sub - 
section (1),  the State Government may be order exempt such factory or 
class or  description of  factories 2*  [or  part]  from  any  of  the 
provisions of  that sub-section  and specify  alternative methods  for 
keeping the factory in a clean state. 
 
 
12.  
Disposal of wastes and effluents. 
 
12. Disposal  of wastes  and effluents.  3*[(1)  Effective  
arrangements shall  be made  in every  factory for  the  treatment  of 
wastes and  effluents due  to the  manufacturing  process  carried  on 
therein, so as to render them innocuous and for their disposal.] 
 
(2) The  State Government  may make rules presc ribing the 
arrangements to  be made  under sub-section  (1) or requiring that the 
arrangements made in accordance with sub-section 91) shall be approved 
by such authority as may be prescribed. 
 
 
13. 
 
Ventilation and temperature. 
 
 
13. Ventilation  and  temperature.  (1)  Effective  and  suitable 
provision shall  be made in every factory for securing and maintaining 
in every workroom-- 
 
(a) adequate ventilation  by the  circulation of fresh air, 
and 
 
(b) such a  temperature as  will secure  to workers therei n 
reasonable conditions  of comfort and prevent injury to 
health;- 
 
and in particular,- 
 
(i) walls and  roofs shall  be  of  such  material  and  so 
designed that  such temperature  shall not  be exceeded 
but kept as low as practicable; 
 
(ii) where the  nature of the work carried on in the factory 
involves, or  is likely  to involve,  the production of 
excessively high  temperatures, such  adequate measures 
as are  practicable  shall  be  taken  to  protect  the 
workers 
---------------------------------------------------------------------- 
1.   Subs. by  Act 94 of 1976, s. 8, for "in a factory" (w.e.f. 26-10- 
1976). 
2.   Ins. by s. 8, ibid., (w.e.f. 26-10-1976). 
3.   Subs. by s. 9, ibid., for sub-section (1) (w.e.f. 26-10-1976). 
 
 
 
 
 
16  
42D 
 
therefrom, by  separating the  process  which  produces 
such temperatures  from the workroom, by insulating the 
hot parts or by other effective means. 
 
(2) The  State Government  may prescribe  a standard  of adequate 
ventilation and  reasonable temperature  for any  factory or  class or 
description of  factories or  parts thereof  and direct that 1*[proper 
measuring instruments,  at such  places and in such position as may be 
specified, shall  be provided  and such records, as may be prescribed, 
shall be maintained.] 
 
 
1*[(3) If it appears to the Chief Inspector that excessively high 
temperatures in any factory can be reduced by the adoption of suitable 
measures, he  may, without  prejudice to  the rules  made  under  sub - 
section (2), serve on the occupier, an order in writing specifying the 
measures which,  in his opinion, should be adopted, and requiring them 
to be carried out before a specified date.] 
 
 
14. 
 
Dust and fume. 
 
 
14. Dust  and fume.  (1) In  every factory in which, by reason of 
the manufacturing  process carried  on, there is given off any dust or 
fume or other 
---------------------------------------------------------------------- 
1. Subs. by Act 20 of 1987, s. 6, (w.e.f. 1-12-1987). 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
17  
43 
 
impurity of  such a  nature and  to such  an extent as is likely to be 
injurious or offensive to the workers employed therein, or any dust in 
substantial quantities,  effective measures  shall be taken to prevent 
its inhalation  and accumulation  in any  workroom, and if any exhaust 
appliance is  necessary for  this purpose, it shall be applied as near 
as possible  to the  point of  origin  of  the  dust,  fume  or  other 
impurity, and such point shall be enclosed so far as possible. 
 
(2) In any factory no stationary internal combustion engine shall 
be operated  unless the exhaust is conducted into the open air, and no 
other internal  combustion engine shall be operated in any room unless 
effective measures  have been  taken to  prevent such  accumulation of 
fumes therefrom  as are  likely to be injurious to workers employed in 
the room. 
 
 
15. 
 
Artificial humidification. 
 
 
15. Artificial humidification. (1) In respect of all factories in 
which the  humidity of  the air  is artificially  increased, the State 
Government may make rules,- 
 
(a)  prescribing standards of humidification; 
 
(b) regulating the methods used for artificially increasing 
the humidity of the air; 
 
(c) directing prescribed tests for determining the humidity 
of the air to be correctly carried out and recorded; 
 
(d) prescribing methods to be adopted for securing adequate 
ventilation and cooling of the air in the workrooms. 
 
(2)  In  any  factory  in  which  the humidity  of  the  air  is 
artificially increased,  the water used for the purpose shall be taken 
from a  public supply,  or other source of drinking water, or shall be 
effectively purified before it is so used. 
 
(3) If  it appears  to an  Inspector that  the water  used  in  a 
factory for increasing humidity is required to be effectively purified 
under sub-section  (2) is not effectively purified he may serve on the 
manager of  the factory  an order  in writing, specifying the measures 
which in  his opinion  should be  adopted, and  requiring them  to  be 
carried out before specified date. 
 
16. 
 
 
Overcrowding. 
 
 
16. Overcrowding. (1) No room in any factory shall be overcrowded 
to an extent injurious to the health of the workers employed therein. 
 
(2) Without prejudice to the generality of sub-section (1), there 
shall be  in every workroom of factory in existence on the date of the 
commencement of this Act at least 1*[9.9 cubic metres] 
---------------------------------------------------------------------- 
1.   Subs. by Act 20 of 1987, s. 7 (w.e.f. 1-12-1987). 
  
18  
 
 
 
44 
 
and  of  a  factory  built  after  the  commencement   of  this Act at 
least 1*[14.2  cubic  meters]  of  space  for  every  worker  employed 
therein, and  for the purposes of this sub-section no account shall be 
taken of  any space  which is more than 1*[4.2 meters] above the level 
of the floor of the room. 
 
(3) If the Chief Inspector by order in writing so requires, there 
shall be  posted in each workroom of a factory a notice specifying the 
maximum number  of workers  who may, in compliance with the provisions 
of this section, be employed in the room. 
 
(4) The  chief Inspector  may by order in writing exempt, subject 
to such  conditions, if  any, as  he may  think  fit  to  impose,  any 
workroom from  the provisions of this section, if he is satisfied that 
compliance therewith  in respect  of the  rooms is  unnecessary in the 
interest of the health of the workers employed therein. 
 
 
17. 
Lighting. 
 
Lighting. (1)  In every  part of  a  factory  where  workers  are 
working or  passing there  shall be provided and maintained sufficient 
and suitable lighting, natural or artificial, or both. 
 
(2) In  every factory  all glazed  windows and skylights used for 
the lighting of the workrooms shall be kept clean on both the inner an 
outer surfaces  and, so  far as  compliance with the provisions of any 
rules made  under sub-section  (3) of section 13 will allow, free from 
obstruction. 
 
(3) In  every factory  effective provision  shall, so  far as  is 
practicable, be made for the prevention of- 
 
(a) glare, either  directly from  a source  of light  or by 
reflection from a smooth or polished surface; 
 
(b) the formation  of shadows to such an extent as to cause 
eye-strain or the risk of accident to any worker. 
 
(4) The  State Government  may prescribe  standards of sufficient 
and suitable lighting for factories or for any class of description of 
factories or for any manufacturing process. 
 
 
18. 
 
Drinking water. 
 
 
18. Drinking  water. (1)  In every factory effective arrangements 
shall be  made to provide and maintain at suitable points conveniently 
situated for  all workers  employed therein  a  sufficient  supply  of 
wholesome drinking water. 
 
(2) All such points shall be legibly marked "drinking water" in a 
language understood by majority of the workers employed in the 
 
---------------------------------------------------------------------- 
1.   Subs. by Act 20 of 1987, s. 7 (w.e.f. 1-12-1987). 
19  
 
 
 
45 
 
factory, and  no such  point shall be situated within 1*[six meters of 
any washing  place, urinal,  latrine, spittoon,  open  drain  carrying 
sullage or  effluent or  any other  source of contamination]  unless a 
shorter distance is approved in writing by the Chief Inspector. 
 
(3) In  every fac

Excerpt shown. Open the full act in Lexace.

‹ Prev All Jharkhand acts Next ›