The Factories Act 1948 According to Sec 2(m) factory means any premises including the precincts thereof(i)

where 10 or more workers are working or were working on any day of the preceding 12 months and in any part of which a manufacturing process is being carried on with the aid of power or is so ordinarily carried on or (ii) where 20 or more workers are working or were working on any day of preceding 12 months and in any part of which a manufacturing process is being carried on without the aid of power or is ordinarily carried. In simple words a factory is a premise whereon 10 or more persons are engaged if power is used or 20 or more persons are engaged if power is not used, in a manufacturing process.
1.

Manufacturing process (Sec 2(k)): It means any process for (i) making, altering, repairing, finishing, packing, oiling, washing,

cleaning, demolishing or otherwise treating or adapting any article or substance with a view to its use, sale, transport, delivery or disposal or (ii) pumping oil, water, sewage or any other substance (iii) generating, transforming or transmitting power or (iv) composing types for printing, printing by letter press, lithography or similar process or (v) constructing, reconstructing, repairing, refitting ships or vessels. (vi) preserving or storing of any article in cold storage.
2.

Worker (Sec 2 (l)): a worker means a person employed, directly or by or through any agency with or without the knowledge of the principal. He may be employed for or without remuneration. But he must be employed in a manufacturing process, or cleaning of premises used for manufacturing process or some kind of work incidental to or connected with manufacturing process. The expression employed in the above relationship of master and servant must

exist, whether the worker employed is being paid wages or not.

3.

Power (Sec 2(g)): It means electrical energy or any other form of energy which is mechanically transmitted and is not generated by human or animal energy.

Some definitions under the Act: Adult sec 2(a): means a person who has completed 18 years of age. Adolescent Sec 2(b): means a person who has more than 15 years of age but less than 18 years of age. Child Sec 2(c): is a person who has not yet completed 15 years of age. Calendar year Sec 2 (bb): means a period of 12 months beginning with the first day of January every year. Young person Sec 2 (d): means a person who is either a child or an adolescent. Day Sec 2(e): means a period of 24 hours beginning at midnight. Week Sec 2 (f):means a period of 7 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. Occupier Sec 2 (n): is a person who has ultimate control over the affairs of the factory. The State Government is empowered under Sec 69 to make rules requiring the submission of plans, and approval, licensing and registration of factories. The effect is that before a site is used for factory previous permission of the State Government in writing must be obtained The Act makes detailed provisions in regard to various matters relating to health, safety and welfare of the workers. The provisions regarding health are: 1. Cleanliness of the factory 2. Proper disposal of waste and effluents 3. Maintenance temperature. 4. Measures 5. Prescription for of prevention standards of of inhalation or accumulation of dust and fumes. humidificationventilation and cooling of air. of adequate ventilation &

6. Overcrowding injurious to health of workers to be avoided. 7. Sufficient & suitable lighting in every part of the factory. 8. Suitable points for wholesome drinking water. 9. Separate latrines & urinals for male and female workers 10. conveniently suitable & sufficiently lighted & ventilated. Sufficient no of spittoons.

Some provisions for safety: 1. Dangerous parts of every machinery to be securely fenced. 2. examination of machinery in motion by a trained adult male worker. 3. Restrictions on young persons to work on dangerous machines. 4. Suitable striking gear to be provided maintained and used. Some welfare provisions: 1. Adequate washing facilities. 2. Facilities for storing and drying clothing

3. Provision for sitting arrangements for workers required to work in standing position. 4. Provision for first aid appliance. 5. Provision for canteen, shelters, rest rooms etc. 6. Provision for crches in factories employing more than 30 women employees. Working hours: 1. Weekly hours: No adult shall be required or allowed to work for more than 48 hours in a week. 2. Daily hours: Subject to the above rule no worker to work for more than 9 hours in any day. Holidays: Weekly holidays: Every adult worker shall be allowed a holiday during the week. Where a worker is deprived of any weekly holidays he shall be allowed compensatory holidays for equal no to the holidays lost. Employment of young persons:

No child who has not completed 14th year shall be allowed to work in a factory. A child who has completed 14 years is allowed to work if a certificate of fitness (by certifying surgeon) for such work is in custody of the manager of the factory and such child carries while he is at work a token giving reference to such certificate. Working hours for children: No child worker shall be employed or permitted to work for more than 4 hours in any day or during night.