Safety Provisions, Factories Act

Safety of Workers

1. Precautions against fire

2. Fencing of Machinery

3. Machinery in Motion

4. Child not allowed near dangerous machines

5. Cutting of power

6. Self acting Machine

7. Casting of new machine

8. Cotton Openers

9. Cranes and Lifting Machinery

10. Hoists and Lifts

11. Revolving Machinery

12. Pressure plants

13. Means of access, floors, stairs

14. Pits and SUmps

15. Excessive Weights

16. Protection of eyes

17. Specifications of defective parts

18. Safety of building

19. Framing of rules

20. Precautions against fumes

21. Explosives

22. Notice of accidents

23. Apeals

24. Shelters for rest

25. Prohibition of children

1. Precautions against fire

No doors must be locked, all must open outwards.

There must be emergency fire exits, clearly marked, unobstructed, leading to open spaces.

An audible fire alarm system must be maintained.

2. Fencing of machinery

Dangerous machines must be fenced securely by screws, bolts..

This applies directly to all moving parts of a prime mover (engines/turbines).

Fences must be constantly maintained and kept in position while the parts are in motion.

3. Machienry in motion

It’s examination may be carried out by a trained male adult wearing fitted clothing who’s name is recorded in the register.

Women and young persons are strictly prohibited from cleaning, lubricating, or adjusting any part of a machine if its working.

4. Dangerous machine

A child must not be allowed near dangerous machines unless:

• They have been fully instructed on the associated dangers and necessary precautions.

• They have received sufficient practical training or are under supervision of an experienced operator.

5. Cutting of power

There must be a suitable striking gear to be used for moving and driving belts, or fast or loose pulleys.

Furthermore, every workroom must feature an efficient emergency device to cut off power instantly from running machinery.

6. Self Acting machinery

Any distance it carries anything must not be a distance of 18 inches from any fixed structure, if the space over it runs is a space over which a person is liable to pass.

7. Casing of new machinery

Every set-screw, bolt, key, or revolving shaft must be completely encased, guarded, or sunk to prevent worker entanglement.

Selling or leasing non-compliant machinery carries criminal liability for the supplier.

8. Cotton Openers

No woman or child must be allowed to work in any part of factory where cotton opener is at work.

9. Cranes and Lifting Machinery/ Hoists and Lifts

• Every hoist and lift must be of sound mechanical construction, properly maintained, and thoroughly examined by a competent person at least once every six months.

• Specifications: They must feature safe working load limits clearly marked on them.

10. Hoists and Lifts

Must be of good quality, and properly maintained.

Examined once every 6 months.

Not overloaded.

11. Revolving Machinery

Must be of a safe speed, and examined to ensure it does not exceed safe speed.

12. Pressure Plant

When a process is carried out at a process higher than the atmospheric pressure, steps must be taken to ensure the safe working pressure is not exceeded.

13. Pits and Stumps

Must be covered or fenced securely with guard rails.

Fixed physical hazards within the factory floor layout must be clearly secured to prevent falls.

14. Floors, Stairs and Means of Access

Shall be of sound condition, construction and properly maintained.

Handrails provided where necessary.

15. Excessive weights

A person must not be allowed to lift weights that may be injurous to them, must prescribe maximum weights that can be lifted, carried or moved by adult or children employed.

16. Protection of eyes

Effective screens or suitable goggles must be provided for the protection of persons employed if such process invloves injury to the eyes.

OR In manufacturing processes that involve a risk of flying particles or fragments or exposure to harmful light, the occupier must provide protective goggles.