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Unit 3: The Factories Act, 1948

Drinking Water

Section 18 deals with the provisions relating to arrangements for drinking water in factories. 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.

Conservancy Arrangements

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.

Spittoons

Section 20 (1) lay 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.
3.4.2 Welfare Measures

(A) Washing and Sitting Facilities: In every factory, adequate and suitable separate facilities
for washing, conveniently situated, should be provided and maintained for the use of
both male and female workers. The above facilities provided for the use of female workers,
should be adequately screened in order to provide privacy to female workers.
(B) The Facilities of First Aid Appliances and Ambulance Room: The occupier of factory is
required to provide the facility of first aid boxes to be made use of by the workers in an
emergency. The first aid boxes or cupboards should be readily accessible and equipped
with the prescribed contents. The number of boxes and cupboards should not be less than
one for every 150 workers ordinarily employed at any time in a factory. Each first aid box
or cupboard should be kept in the charge of a separate responsible person who holds a
certificate in first aid treatment recognized by the State Government and readily available
to workers during the working hours of the factory.
In every factory where more than 500 workers are ordinarily employed, there should be
provided and maintained an ambulance room of the prescribed size, containing the
prescribed equipment and in the charge of qualified medical and nursing staff as prescribed
and the above facilities should be made available during the working hours of the factories.

(C) Canteen, Rest Room and Lunch Rooms Facilities: Where 250 workers or more are ordinarily
employed, canteen facilities are required to be provided. In every factory where more
than 150 workers are employed, adequate and suitable shifters or rest rooms or lunch
rooms with provision for drinking water where workers can eat meals should be provided
and maintained for the use of workers. These rooms should be well ventilated, sufficiently
lighted and maintained in cool and clean condition.
(D) Crèches Facility: In every factory where more than thirty women workers are employed,
rooms of adequate size, well lighted and ventilated, maintained in clean and sanitary
condition are to be provided for the use of children below 6 years of age of women
workers.
(E) Appointment of Welfare Officers: The main duty to look after the welfare of the workers
lies on the welfare officer of a factory. Therefore, in every factory where more than 500
workers are ordinarily employed, the occupier of a factory is required to appoint such
number of welfare officers as may be prescribed by the State Government in this respect.

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