Factory Act Regulations with Regard to Safety

Factory Act Regulations FAR aim to safeguard the safety and well-being of workers in industrial settings. These regulations aim to prevent accidents, reduce industrial losses, and create safer working conditions. In this blog, we’ll explore the key provisions of the Factory Act Regulations, including electrical safety measures and first aid procedures, to help you understand how these rules protect workers and promote workplace safety.

Scope of Factory Act Regulations

The FAR apply to all industrial establishments that meet the following criteria:

• Factories employ 10 or more workers where power is used for manufacturing processes.
• Factories employing 20 or more workers where power is not used for manufacturing processes.

This act protects all workers in both seasonal and perennial factories without distinction.

1. Worker Protection
   • Safeguard workers from industrial hazards and accidents.
   • Ensure safe and healthy working conditions.
2. Age and Working Hours
   • Specify the minimum age for employment in hazardous jobs.
   • Regulate working hours to prevent excessive fatigue and ensure worker safety.
3. Machinery Safety
   • Mandate the fencing of dangerous machinery to prevent accidents.
   • Require regular maintenance and inspection of equipment.

Electrical accidents are a significant concern in industrial settings. The FAR provides specific guidelines to prevent such incidents:

1. Proper Insulation
   • Ensure all electrical items are properly insulated to prevent current leakage.
   • Replace aging insulation to maintain safety standards.
2. Earthing of Metallic Parts
   • All externally accessible metallic parts must be earthed to prevent electric shocks.
3. Use of Safety Devices
   • Install safety devices like fuses, circuit breakers, and over-tripping mechanisms.
4. Regular Inspections
   • Conduct periodic inspections to detect and repair damaged electrical fittings.
5. Training and Authorization
   • Only trained and authorized personnel should handle electrical repairs.
6. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
   • Electricians must use safety belts, helmets, rubber gloves, and boots with rubber soles when working with high voltage.
7. Avoid Overloading
   • Prevent overloading of electrical circuits to avoid short circuits and fires.
8. Fire Safety
   • Keep inflammable materials away from electrical appliances, wires, and control panels.

In case of an electric shock, immediate action is crucial to saving lives. The Factory Act Regulations outline the following first aid steps:

1. Remove Obstructions
   • Clear the victim’s mouth of any obstructions to ensure proper breathing.
2. Perform Artificial Respiration
   • Place your hands on the victim’s collarbone, press the back slowly, and release.
   • Pull the victim’s arms upward to help them breathe.
   • Repeat the process until the victim starts breathing independently.
3. Report the Accident
   • All electric shocks, whether mild or severe, must be reported as accidents.

The Factory Act Regulations play a vital role in reducing workplace accidents and ensuring worker safety. By adhering to these regulations, industries can:

• Prevent loss of lives and industrial losses.
• Create a safer and more productive work environment.
• Comply with legal requirements and avoid penalties.

Conclusion

The Factory Act Regulations are a cornerstone of industrial safety, providing a framework to protect workers and prevent accidents. From electrical safety measures to first aid procedures, these regulations ensure that industries prioritize the well-being of their employees.