Page 59 - DCOM207_LABOUR_LAWS

Labour Laws

Notes l z prescribing methods to be adopted for securing adequate ventilation and cooling of the air
in the workroom.

6. Overcrowding
To eliminate overcrowding, the Factories Act, 1948 prescribes that no room of any factory shall be
overcrowded to the extent it is injurious to the health of the workers. The Act further prescribes
that in every work-room, each worker should be provided with a minimum space of 9.9 cubic
meters which was there on the commencement of this Act, 1948 or 4.2 cubic meters after such
commencement (Section 16). No account shall however be taken of any space which is more than
4.2 meters above the level of the floor of the room for the aforesaid purpose. 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. The Chief Inspector may, by order in writing exempt, subject
to such conditions, if any, as he may thing fit to impose, any workroom from the provisions of
this section, if he is satisfied that compliance therewith in respect of the room is unnecessary in
the interest of the health of the workers employed therein.

7. Lighting

Section 17 (1) provides that in every part of the factory, where workers are working or passing,
there shall be provided and maintained sufficient and suitable lighting, natural, artificial or
both.
8. Drinking Water

Section 18 deals with the provisions relating to arrangements for drinking water in factories. Sub-
section (1) provides that 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.

9. Conservancy Arrangements

Section 19 provides that in every factory there shall be provided and’ maintained, separate
arrangement for toilets for male and female workers at convenient places. These should be
adequately lighted, ventilated and maintained in a clean sanitary condition.

10. Spittoons

Section 20 (1) lays down that in every factory there shall be provided a sufficient number of
spittoons in convenient places. They shall be maintained in a clean and hygienic condition.

4.4.2 For Safety

1. Fencing of Machinery

Section 21 (1) requires that in every factory, the following must be securely fenced by safe guards
of substantial construction while the machinery is in motion or use:
(i) every moving part of a prime mover and fly wheel connected to prime mover, whether the
prime mover or fly-wheel is in the engine house or not;
(ii) the headrace and tailrace of every water-wheel and water turbine;

54 LOVELY PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY