Rule, 2021
A rule made under the The Atomic Energy Act, 1962.
Made under The Atomic Energy Act, 1962.
Text
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Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996 Government of India
ATOMIC ENERGY (FACTORIES)
RULES, 1996
Atomic Energy Regulatory Board Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996
CONTENTS
CHAPTER I
PRELIMINARY Rule Page
1. Short title, application and commencement ……………………………………… 1
2. Definitions .. ……………………………………………………………………… 1
3. Approval of plans ………………………………………………………………… 2
4. Prohibition of use of premises as factory without approval ………………………. 3
CHAPTER II
INSPECTING STAFF
5. Appointment of inspectors ……………………………………………………….. 4
6. Powers of the inspector …………………………………………………………… 4
7. Duties of certifying surgeon ……………………………………………………….. 4
CHAPTER III
HEALTH
8. Record of whitewashing, etc. …………………………………………………….. 6
9. Cleanliness of walls, ceilings and compound area ……………………………….. 6 Table ……………………………………………………………………………… 7
10. Disposal of wastes and effluents ………………………………………………….. 7
11. Illumination, temperature & ventilation .. ………………………………………… 7 11(1) Illumination ………………………………………………………………….. .. .. 8 Table .. .. ………………………………………………………………………… 8 11(2) Temperature ………………………………………………………………….. .. .. 11 WBGT Table .. .. .. ………………………………………………………………. 11 11(3) Ventilation .. .. .. …………………………………………………………………. 12 Table .. .. ………………….……………………………………………………… 12
12. Quantity of drinking water .. .. .. …………………………………………………. 13 Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996 (ii)
13. Source of supply .. .. .. ……………………………………………………………. 13
14. Means of supply .. .. .. …………………………………………………………….. 13
15. Cleanliness of well or reservoir ……………………………………………….. … 13
16. Report from local health officer concerned ………………………………………. 13
17. Cooling of water .. ……………………………………………………………... .. 14
18. Latrine accommodation .. .. .. …………………………………………………….. 14
19. Toilet blocks .. .. .. ……………………………………………………………….. 15
20. Privacy of latrines .. .. .. …………………………………………………………… 15
21. Sign boards to be displayed .. .. ………………………………………………….. 15
22. Urinal accommodation .. .. ……………………………………………………….. 15
23. Urinals to conform to public health requirements .. .. ……………………………. 15
24. Certain latrines and urinals to be connected to sewerage system .. ……………. .. 15
25. Whitewashing, colourwashing of latrines and urinals .. .. ……………………….. 16
26. Construction and maintenance of drains .. ……………………………………….. 16
27. Water taps in latrines .. .. ………………………………………………………… 16
28. Number and location of spittoons .. .. ……………………………………………. 16
29. Type of spittoons .. .. .. ………………………………………………………….. 16
30. Cleaning of latrines, urinals, workplaces & spittoons .. .. .. ……………………… 17
31. Qualification of Competent Person .. .. ………………………………………….. 17 Schedule .. .. .. ……………………………………………………………………. 17 Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996 (iii)
CHAPTER IV
SAFETY
32. Regarding Fencing of Machinery .. .. ……………………………………………. 19 Schedule IV-Welding & Gas Cutting .. .. ………………………………………… 27 Schedule V-Shears, Slitters and Guillotine Machines .. .. .. ………………………. 29 Schedule VI-Agitators and Mixing Machines .. ………………………………….. 31 Schedule VII-Conveyors .. .. .. …………………………………………………… 32
33. Register of workers employed for work on or near machinery in motion .. .. .. …. 33
34. Hoists & Lifts .. .. .. ……………………………………………………………… 33 Schedule .. .. .. ……………………………………………………………………. 34
35. Lifting machines, chains, ropes and lifting tackles .. .. .. ………………………….. 34
36. Pressure vessels or plants .. .. .. …………………………………………………. 38
37. Water-Sealed Gasholder .. .. .. ……………………………………………………. 44
38. Excessive weights .. .. .. ………………………………………………………….. 46 Table .. .. .. ……………………………………………………………………….. 46
39. Protection of eyes .. .. .. ………………………………………………………….. 46 Schedule I-Injury to eye from particles .. ………………………………………… 47 Schedule II-Injury to eye from light and Radiation .. .. .. ………………………… 48
40. Minimum dimensions of manholes .. .. ……………………………………………. 49
41. Exemption .. .. .. …………………………………………………………………… 49
42. Fire protection, prevention & fighting .. ………………………………………….. 50 Schedule I-First Aid Fire Fighting Equipments …………………………………… 61 Schedule II-Equipment to be provided with trailer pump .. .. .. …………………... 63 Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996 (iv)
43. Safety officers and staff .. .. .. …………………………………………………… 65
44. Safety organization for the factory .. .. …………………………………………… 68
45. Planning of building construction & roads .. …………………………………….. 70
46. Construction & erection .. .. .. …………………………………………………… 71
47. Temporary electrical wiring .. .. .. ………………………………………………… 79
48. Buildings and structures .. .. .. ……………………………………………………. 79
49. Machinery & plant .. .. .. ………………………………………………………….. 79
50. Methods of work .. .. .. ……………………………………………………………. 79 Schedule- Hand Tools & Portable Power Tools .. ……………………………….. 80
51. Stacking and storing of materials .. .. …………………………………………….. 81
52. Ladders .. .. .. ……………………………………………………………………… 81
53. Ovens & driers .. .. .. ……………………………………………………………… 82
54. Reaction vessels & kettles .. .. .. ………………………………………………….. 86
55. Examination of eyesight of certain workers .. ……………………………………. 87
56. Railways in factories .. .. .. ……………………………………………………….. 87
57. Quality of personal protective equipment .. ……………………………………… 92
58. Protective equipment .. .. .. ………………………………………………………. 92
59. Thermic fluid heater .. .. .. ………………………………………………………… 92
60. Record keeping and annual review .. .. …………………………………………… 94
61. Colour coding of service lines .. .. ………………………………………………… 94
62. Hazardous chemicals .. .. .. ……………………………………………………….. 94
CHAPTER V
WELFARE
63. Washing facilities .. .. .. …………………………………………………………… 95 Schedule .. .. .. …………………………………………………………………….. 95
64. Facilities for keeping clothing .. .. ………………………………………………… 96 Schedule .. .. .. …………………………………………………………………….. 96 Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996 (v)
65. First-aid and First-aid appliances .. .. ……………………………………………. 96
66. Notice regarding first-aid .. .. .. .. .. ………………………………………………. 99
67. Ambulance room .. .. .. ……………………………………………………….... .. 100
68. Canteens .. .. .. .. .. ……………………………………………………………….. 102
69. Dining hall .. .. .. ………………………………………………………………….. 104
70. Equipment .. .. .. .. ………………………………………………………………... 104
71. Annual medical examination .. .. .. .. .. ……………………………………………. 104
72. Shelters, rest rooms & lunch rooms .. .. .. .. ……………………………………… 105
73. Creches .. .. .. .. .. …………………………………………………………………. 106
74. Wash rooms .. .. .. .. .. …………………………………………………………….. 106
75. Supply of milk & refreshment.. .. .. .. .. …………………………………………… 107
76. Creche staff .. .. .. .. .. …………………………………………………………….. 107
77. Exemption from provision of creche .. .. .. .. ……………………………………… 107
78. Welfare officer .. .. .. .. .. …………………………………………………………. 108
CHAPTER VI
WORKING HOURS OF ADULTS
79. Compensatory holidays .. .. .. .. .. …………………………………………………. 112
80. Muster roll for exempted workers .. .. .. .. ……………………………………….. 112
81. Notice of periods of works for adults.. .. ………………………………………… 112
82. Register of adult workers .. .. .. ………………………………………………….. 113
83. Persons defined to hold positions of supervision or management .. .. .. …………. 113 Schedule .. .. .. .. .. ……………………………………………………………….. 113
84. List to be maintained of persons holding confidential position or position of supervision or management .. .. ………….. .. …………………………………… 113
85. Exemption of certain adult workers .. .. .. .. ……………………………………… 113 Schedule .. .. .. .. .. ……………………………………………………………….. 114 Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996 (vi)
CHAPTER VII
EMPLOYMENT OF YOUNG PERSONS
86. Employment of young persons .. .. .. .. .. ………………………………………… 119
CHAPTER VIII
ANNUAL LEAVE WITH WAGES
87. Maintenance of register by factories exempted under section 84 of the Act .. .. … 120
CHAPTER IX
SPECIAL PROVISIONS
88. Dangerous manufacturing processes or operations .. .. .. .. ……………………… 121 Schedule I-Electroplating .. .. .. .. .. ………………………………………………. 122 Schedule II-Chemicals and Chemical works .. ……………………………………. 126 Schedule III-Manipulation of stone or any other material containing free silica .. .. 153 Schedule IV-Grinding or glazing of metals and processes incidental thereto .. .. … 155 Schedule V-Handling or manipulation of corrosive substances .. .. ……………… 158 Schedule VI-Foundry .. .. .. .. .. ………………………………………………….. 161 Schedule VII-Electrical work & electrical installations .. .. .. ……………………. 171 Schedule X-Finishing by abrasives propelled by compressed air/steam .. .. .. …… 190 Schedule XI-Operations involving high noise levels .. .. .. ………………………. 195 Schedule XII-Highly flammable liquids and flammable compressed gases .. .. .. … 199 Schedule XIV-Laser and optical radiations .. ……………………………………. 203 Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996 (vii) Schedule XV-Motor vehicle garages .. ………………………………………….. 205 Schedule XVII-Use of alkali metals .. .. .. ………………………………………… 209
89. Notification of accidents .. .. .. .. .. ……………………………………………….. 210 Schedule .. .. .. .. .. ………………………………………………………………… 212
90. Notice of poisoning or disease .. .. .. ……………………………………………... 212
CHAPTER X
SUPPLEMENTAL
91. Procedure in appeals .. .. .. .. .. …………………………………………………… 213
92. Display of Notices .. .. .. .. .. ……………………………………………………… 214
93. Services of Notices .. .. .. .. .. …………………………………………………….. 214
94. Returns .. .. .. .. .. .. ……………………………………………………………….. 214
95. Information required by the Inspector .. .. ………………………………………… 214
96. Permissible levels of certain chemical substances in work environment ..……… 214 Schedule .. .. .. .. .. ………………………………………………………………… 214
97. Muster roll .. .. .. .. .. ……………………………………………………………… 217
98. Register of accidents and dangerous occurrences .. . .. ………………………….. 218
99. Maintenance of inspection book .. .. ……………………………………………… 218
100. Information regarding closure of factories .. ……………………………………… 218
101. Communication facilities .. .. .. .. .. ……………………………………………….. 218
102. Special Powers of Competent Authority .. .. …………………………………….. 218 Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996 (viii)
APPENDIX
( List of Forms )
Form 1 Certificate of fitness
Form 1A Health register
Form 2 Record of lime washing, painting etc.
Form 3 Examination of hoists & lifts
Form 4 Examination of lifting machines
Form 5 Examination of pressure vessel or plant
Form 6 Examination of water-sealed gasholder
Form 7 Item field performance report
Form 8 Failure mode, effect & criticality analysis
Form 9 Material safety data sheet
Form 10 Examination of dust extraction system
Form 11 Preliminary report of accident etc.
Form 12 Notice of accidents or dangerous occurrence
Form 13 Report of electrical accidents
Form 14 Notice of poisoning or disease Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996 Rules 1-2 [To be published in the Gazette of India, Part II Section 3, sub- section (i)] Government of India Department of Atomic Energy G.S.R. 253 In exercise of the powers conferred by sections 41, 49, 50, 76, 83, 112 and all other enabling sections of the Factories Act, 1948, (63 of 1948), read with sections 23 and 30 of the Atomic Energy Act, 1962, (33 of 1962) and in supersession of the Atomic Energy (Factories) Rules, 1984, except as respect things done or omitted to be done before such supersession, the Central Government hereby makes the following rules, namely :-
ATOMIC ENERGY (FACTORIES) RULES, 1996
CHAPTER I
PRELIMINARY
1. (1) These rules may be called the Atomic Energy (Factories) Rules, 1996.
(2) They shall apply to all the factories owned by the Central Government and engaged in carrying out the purposes of the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 (33 of
(3) They shall come into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette.
2. DEFINITIONS.-In these rules, unless the context otherwise requires,-
(a) "Act" means the Factories Act, 1948 (63 of 1948);
(b) "Certifying Surgeon" means the medical officer of the factory concerned;
(c) "Competent Authority" means any officer or authority appointed by the Central Government by notification in the official Gazette for the purposes of these rules;
(d) "Form" means forms set out in the appendix to these rules;
(e) "Indian Standard" means the Indian Standard as defined in clause (g) of section 2 of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 1986 (63 of 1986);
(f) "Inspector" means an officer appointed under section 8 of the Act and includes the Competent Authority;
Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996 Rules 2-3
(g) "Manager" of the factory means the person responsible to the occupier for the working of the factory for the purposes of the Act;
(h) words and expressions used but not defined in these rules shall have the meanings respectively assigned to them in the Factories Act, 1948 (63 of 1948).
3. APPROVAL OF PLANS -
(1) Every proposal for obtaining the previous permission for locating the site on which the factory is to be situated or for the construction or expansion of a factory shall be made to the Competent Authority in writing and shall be accompanied by the document specified in sub-rule (2).
Explanation.- Extension for the purpose of these rules shall include any modification to the process, equipments, alterations in layouts & structures.
(2) The following documents shall accompany every proposal made under sub-
(a) a flow chart of the manufacturing process supplemented by a brief description of the process in its various stages;
(b) plans in duplicate drawn to scale showing-
(i) the site of the factory and lands, buildings and other structures, roads, drains to its North, South, East and West respectively to the extent such particulars can with reasonable accuracy be described;
(ii) the plan, elevation and necessary cross-section of the various buildings, indicating all relevant information relating to lighting, ventilation clearly indicating the position of the plant, machinery, aisles and passageways, and the safety measures provided for escape and evacuation of persons employed in the factory in case of emergency;
(c) details of exhaust ventilation and control of gaseous releases and such other factors controlling the work environment;
(d) arrangements made for effluent treatment and discharges;
(e) safety analysis and emergency plans, and such other particulars as the competent authority may require; and
(f) number of persons likely to be employed during the construction/operation at any particular time.
Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996 Rules 3-4
(3) The decision of the Competent Authority that the plans are in consonance with the requirements of the Act, subject to such conditions as it may specify, shall be final. Approval shall be communicated to the applicant under the signature of the Competent Authority on one copy of each of the plans. The Competent Authority may if he thinks fit, call for such other particulars required for such certification from the applicant which shall be complied with by the applicant within the period prescribed.
4. PROHIBITION OF USE OF PREMISES AS FACTORYWITHOUT APPROVAL.- No occupier shall use any premises as a factory for the purposes of the Atomic Energy Act,1962 except with the approval of the Competent Authority. Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996 Rules 5-7
CHAPTER II
INSPECTING STAFF
5. APPOINTMENT OF INSPECTORS.-
(1) No person shall be appointed as an Inspector for the purpose of these rules unless he possesses the qualifications prescribed by the competent authority.
(2) Every Medical Inspector shall be a qualified medical practitioner as specified in section 10 of the Act and also possess such additional qualification as may be specified by the Competent Authority.
6. POWERS OF THE INSPECTOR.-Every inspector shall, for the purpose of the execution of all or any of these rules, have powers to do all or any of the following acts, namely:-
(1) To photograph any worker, to inspect, examine, measure, copy, photograph, sketch or test, as the case may be, any building or room, any plant, machinery, appliances or apparatus, any register or document or anything provided for the purpose of securing the health, safety and welfare of the persons employed in the factory, and living in the neighbourhood and for protecting and securing the environment.
(2) To carry out such medical examinations as may be necessary for the purposes of the Act provided he is a medical inspector.
(3) To enquire into safety and health related accidents & unusual occurrences.
(4) To advise the Manager of the factory against unsafe acts and practices and to point out unsafe conditions, if any, existing in the premises of the factory to enable him to take remedial means forthwith.
(5) To report any unsafe conditions or practices existing in the factory to the competent authority.
7. DUTIES OF CERTIFYING SURGEON.-
(1) The Certifying Surgeon shall visit the factory for the purpose of examination of all persons employed in processes covered by rule 88 of these rules at such intervals prescribed under the same rules and the Schedules attached thereto, such units, factories within the local limits assigned to him.
Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996
Rule 7
(2) The Certifying Surgeon shall, upon request by the Competent Authority, carry out such examination and furnish such report as it may indicate, for any factory or class or description of factories where cases of illness have occurred which, it is reasonable to believe, are due to the inherently hazardous nature of the manufacturing process carried on/ or attributable to other conditions of work prevailing therein, or by reason of any change in the manufacturing process carried on/ or in the substances used therein, or by reason of the adoption of any new manufacturing process, there is a likelihood of injury to the health of the workers employed in that manufacturing process.
(3) During such visits the Certifying Surgeon shall examine the persons employed in such processes and shall record the results of his examination in Form 1 and place it in a medical file which shall be kept by the Manager and produced to the Certifying Surgeon at each visit.
(4) If the Certifying Surgeon finds as a result of his examination that any person employed in such process is no longer fit for medical reasons to work in that process, he shall suspend such person from working in that process for such time as he may think fit and no person after suspension shall be employed in that process without the written certificate of fitness by the Certifying Surgeon in Form 1A and the same shall be placed in the medical file.
(5) The Manager of the factory shall afford to the certifying surgeon all facilities to inspect any process in which any person is employed or is likely to be employed.
(6) The Manager of the factory shall provide for the purpose of any medical examination which the Certifying Surgeon wishes to conduct at the factory ( for his exclusive use on the occasion of an examination) a room which shall be properly maintained, adequately ventilated and lighted and furnished with a screen, a table (with writing materials),chairs and other furniture necessary for a medical examination room. Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996 Rules 8-9
CHAPTER III
HEALTH
8. RECORD OF WHITEWASHING, ETC.- The record of dates on which whitewashing, colourwashing, varnishing, etc. are carried out shall be entered in a register maintained in a manner specified in Form 2.
9. CLEANLINESS OF WALLS, CEILINGS AND COMPOUND AREA.-
(1) Clause (d) of sub-section (1) of section 11 of the Act shall not apply to the class or description of factories or parts of factories specified in the Table to this rule and subject to the condition that they are kept in a clean state by washing, sweeping, brushing, dusting, vacuum cleaning or other effective and adequate means: Provided the said clause shall continue to apply-
(a) as respects units/factories or parts of units/factories specified in part A of the said Table, to workrooms in which the amount of cubic space allowed for every person employed in the room is less than 14.0 m3
(b) as respects factories or parts of factories specified in part B of the said Table, to workrooms in which the amount of cubic space allowed for every person employed in the room is less than 70.0 m3 ;
(c) to engine-houses, fitting shops, lunchrooms, canteens, shelters, creches, cloakrooms, rest-rooms and wash places; and
(d) to such parts of walls, sides and tops of passages and staircases as are less than 6 m. above the floor or stair.
(2) If it appears to the Competent Authority that any part of a factory, to which by virtue of sub-rule (1) any of the provisions of the said clause (d) do not apply or apply as modified by sub-rule (1), is not being kept in a clean state, it may, by written notice, require the occupier to whitewash or colourwash, wash, paint or varnish the same, and in the event of the occupier failing to comply with such requisition within two months from the date of the notice, sub-rule (1) shall cease to apply to such part of a factory, unless the Competent Authority otherwise determines.
Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996 Rules 9-11
(3) The compound surrounding every factory shall be maintained in a sanitary and clean condition free of rubbish, filth or debris.
TABLE
Part A
1. Chemical works.
2. The following parts of units/factories:-
(a) Rooms used only for storage of articles.
(b) Rooms in which the walls or ceilings consist of galvanised iron and/or asbestos cement sheets.
(c) Rooms in which graphite articles are manufactured / processed
(d) Parts of walls, partitions, ceilings or tops of rooms which are at least 6 m. above the floor.
Part B
1. Electric generating or transforming stations.
2. Engineering works.
3. Foundries other than foundries in which brass casting is carried on.
10. DISPOSAL OF WASTES AND EFFLUENTS.- The arrangements made in every factory after the treatment of wastes and effluents due to the manufacturing processes carried on therein shall be in accordance with those approved by the relevant Water and Air pollution Boards appointed under Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, the Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, the Environmental Protection Act, 1986 and such other authorities as may be notified by the Central Government in this behalf.
11. ILLUMINATION, TEMPERATURE AND VENTILATION.-
(1) Illumination.-
(a) General : Adequate lighting is necessary for all buildings and in the open area so as to-
(i) promote work and other activities carried out in the area;
(ii) promote safety of the people; and
(iii) create a pleasing environment conducive for feeling of well-being.
(b) Adequate lighting will be achieved by,- Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996 Rules 11-11(Tab.)
(i) planning of brightness in relation to task itself, immediate background of the task and the general surrounding;
(ii) avoiding glare produced by excessive contrast or abrupt and large change in brightness; and
(iii) planning of lighting for movement about a building and around.
(c) The recommended values of illumination for different locations is given in the Table below:
TABLE
Sr.No. Visual Tasks Illumination (Lux)
1. Industrial Buildings & Process
(a) General Factory Areas 100-150 -canteens, cloakrooms, entrances corridors, stairs
(b) Factory- outside Areas -Stockyards, main entrances 20
(c) Assembly, Inspection, Wood working, Welding & Soldering, Machine & Fitting Shops,
(i) Rough Work - Frame assembly 150
(ii) Medium Work - Assembly of parts 300
(iii) Fine Work - Electronic assembly, 700 inspection
(iv) Very Fine Work - Assembly of 1500 precision parts, optical aids to be provided.
(v) Very Precise Work 3000
(i) Coal & ash handling 100
(ii) Boiler rooms-operating area 100
(iii) Boiler rooms- other areas 20-50 Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996
Rule 11(Tab.)
(i) Hand furnace, boiling tanks, 150 driers, evaporators etc.
(ii) Controls, gauges, valves etc. 100 (Supplementary lighting for viewing)
(iii) Control rooms 200-300
(f) Electricity Generating Station (indoor )
(i) Turbine halls 200
(ii) Auxiliary equipment areas 100
(iii) Boiler houses 70-100
(iv) Boiler house & Turbine house 100
(vii) Control rooms 200-300
(viii) Nuclear reactors & steam 150-200 generating plants
(g) Engraving 1000
(h) Foundries
(i) Charging floors, tumbling etc. 150
(ii) Fine moulding, core making & 300 inspection
(iii) Repairs 300
(i) Garages
(i) Parking areas 70
(ii) Washing, polishing etc. 150
(iii) Repairs 300
(j) Gauge & Tool room 700 (Supplementary lighting if required) Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996
Rule 11(Tab.)
(k) Laboratories & Test Rooms
(i) General Labs & balance rooms 300
(ii) Electronic & Instrument Labs 450
(m) Paint Shops & Spraying Booths
(i) Dipping, rubbing 150-300
(ii) Fine painting & retouching 450-700
(i) Vat & baths 150
(ii) Final buffing & polishing Special lighting
(o) Structural Steel Fabrication Plants
(i) General 150
(p) Libraries
(i) Shelves 70-150
(iii) Cataloguing, sorting 150-300
(iv) Book binding etc. 300-700
(q) Offices
(i) Entrance & Reception 150
(ii) Conference rooms & Gen. office 30
(iii) Drawing offices 300-450
(v) Stairs, Lift landing 100-150 Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996
Rule 11(Tab.)
(r) Hospitals
(i) General & Wards 150
(ii) Operating Theatres General 300
(iii) Operation table Special lighting
(iv) Laboratories 300
(s) Restaurants
(i) Dining room tables 100
(ii) Self service counters 300
(iii) Kitchen 200
(iv) Cloak room & toilets 100
(2) Temperature.- It is essential to provide such temperature in work environment so that workers can be exposed to it repeatedly without adverse health effects. The nature of work can be light , moderate or heavy and the corresponding heat loads for the type of work are 200, 200-350 & 350-500 K Cal/hr. The heat stress is measured in terms of Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) Index.* (* Note - on page 12) The permissible WBGT index in degrees Celsius is given in the following WBGT Table.
WBGT TABLE
Work Load Work-Rest Regimen in each hour Light Moderate Heavy Continuous Work 30.0 26.7 25.0 75% Work - 25% Rest 30.6 28.0 25.9 50% Work - 50% Rest 31.4 29.4 27.9 25% Work - 75% Rest 32.2 31.1 30.0 The Competent Authority shall specify the optimum working temperature & humidity and also the rest periods for specific factories & jobs.
Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996
Rule 11(Tab.)
(3) Ventilation.- Ventilation shall be provided in buildings to supply fresh air for respiration & to dilute inside air to prevent vitiation by body odours & to remove any other products of combustion or other air contaminants. Contaminants from concentrated sources such as smoke, heat & fumes shall be collected separately by local exhaust ventilation. The recommended air changes per hour for various areas is given in the Table below:
TABLE
Factories 3 - 6 Dining Hall 12 - 15 Garages 12 – 15 Kitchen 6 - 9 Laboratories 3 – 6 Offices 3 – 6 Bathrooms & Toilets 6 - 12 Provided that the competent authority may relax the requirements regarding the number of air changes if it is satisfied that having regard to the location of the factory, orientation of the workroom, prevailing winds, roof height and the nature of manufacturing process carried on, sufficient supply of fresh air into the workroom is afforded during most part of the working time: Provided further that in the regions where in summer (15th March-15th July) dry-bulb temperatures of outside air in the shade during most part of the day exceed 35 degrees Celsius and simultaneous wet-bulb temperatures are 25 degrees Celsius or below and in the opinion of the Inspector the manufacturing process carried on in the workroom of a factory permits thermal environments with relative humidity of 50% or more, the Inspector may serve on the manager of the factory an order to have sufficient supply of outside air for ventilation cooled by * (a) Outdoors with Solar load (b) Indoor or Outdoor without Solar load Where NWB = Natural Wet Bulb Temperature GT = Globe Thermometer Temperature Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996 Rules 11(Tab.)-16 passing it through water sprays either by means of unit type of evaporative air coolers(desert coolers) or, where supply of outside air is provided by mechanical means through ducts in a plenum system, by means of central air washing plants.
12. QUANTITY OF DRINKING WATER.- The quantity of drinking water to be provided per day for the workers in every factory shall be at least 5 litres per worker employed in the factory and such drinking water shall be readily available at all times during working hours.
13. SOURCE OF SUPPLY.- The water provided for drinking shall be supplied,-
(a) from the public water supply system, or
(b) from any other source approved in writing by the local Health Officer concerned.
14. MEANS OF SUPPLY.- If drinking water is not supplied directly from taps either connected with public water supply system or any other water supply system of the factory approved by the local Health Officer concerned, it shall be kept in suitable vessels, receptacles or tanks fitted with taps and having dust proof covers, and placed on raised stands or platforms in shade and having suitable arrangement of drainage to carry away the spilt water. Such vessels, receptacles or tanks shall be kept clean and the water renewed at least once every day. All practicable measures shall be taken to ensure that the water is free from contamination.
15. CLEANLINESS OF WELL OR RESERVOIR.-
(1) Drinking water shall not be supplied from any open well or reservoir unless it is so constructed, situated, protected and maintained as to be free from the possibility of pollution by chemical, or bacterial and extraneous impurities.
(2) Where drinking water is supplied from such a well or reservoir, the water in it shall be sterilised once a week or more frequently if the inspector by written order so requires, and the date on which sterilising is carried out shall be recorded: Provided that this requirement shall not apply to any such well or reservoir if the water therein is filtered and treated to the satisfaction of the local Health Officer concerned before it is supplied for consumption.
16. REPORT FROM LOCAL HEALTH OFFICER CONCERNED.- The Inspector may by order in writing direct the manager to obtain, at such time or at such intervals as he may direct, a report from the local Health Officer concerned as to the fitness for human Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996 Rules 16-18 consumption of the water supplied to the workers, and to submit to the Inspector a copy of such report as soon as it is received from the local Health Officer.
17. COOLING OF WATER.- In every factory wherein more than two hundred and fifty workers are ordinarily employed,-
(1) The drinking water supplied to the workers shall be cooled by an effective method for the period specified by the Inspector;
(2) The cool drinking water shall be supplied in every canteen, lunchroom and rest-room and also at conveniently situated points throughout the factory which for the purpose of the rules shall be called "water centres";
(3) The water centres shall be sheltered from the weather and adequately drained and shall be located outside the work-places where toxic materials are handled or processed;
(4) The number of water centres to be provided shall be one "centre" for every 150 persons employed at any one time in the factory:
Provided that in the case of a factory where the number of persons employed exceeds 500 it shall be sufficient if there is one such "centre" as aforesaid for every 150 persons up to the first 500 and one for every 500 persons thereafter:
Provided further that its distance between the place of work shall be such as may be specified by the Inspector.
(5) Every water centre shall be maintained in a clean and orderly condition; and
(6) The means of supply of cooled drinking water shall be either directly through taps connected to water coolers or any other system for cooling of water, or by means of vessels, receptacles or tanks fitted with taps and having dust proof covers and placed on raised stands or platforms in shade, and having suitable arrangement of drainage to carry away the spilt water. Such vessels, receptacles or tanks shall be kept clean and the water refilled at least once every day.
18. LATRINE ACCOMMODATION.- Latrine accommodation shall be provided in every factory on the following scale, namely:-
(a) where females are employed, there shall be at least one latrine for every 25 females;
(b) where males are employed, there shall be at least one latrine for every 25 males; Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996 Rules 18-24 Provided that where the number of males exceeds 100, it shall be sufficient if there is one latrine for every 25 males up to the first 100 males, and one for every 50 males thereafter. Note:- In calculating the number of latrines required under this rule, any odd number of workers less than 25, or 50 as the case may be, shall be reckoned as 25 or 50.
19. TOILET BLOCKS .- The toilet block shall consist of wash basins, latrines and urinals (in case of male workers). The number of wash basins will the same as number of latrines. Each wash basin shall be provided with mirror and liquid/cake soap. Each toilet block shall be provided with clean towel or electric hand drier. The number, size and location of the toilet block shall be as per the decision of Inspector & Public Health Authority.
20. PRIVACY OF TOILET.- Every latrine shall be under cover and so partitioned off as to secure privacy, and shall have a proper door and fastenings, which shall be maintained in good working order at all time.
21. SIGN BOARDS TO BE DISPLAYED.- Where workers of both sexes are employed, there shall be displayed outside each latrine block a notice "For Men Only" or "For Women Only" as the case may be, in the language understood by the majority of the workers. The notice shall also bear the figures of a man or of a woman as the case may be.
22. URINAL ACCOMMODATION.- Urinal accommodation shall be provided for the use of male workers and there shall be at least one urinal for every 50 males: Provided that where the number of males employed exceeds 500, it shall be sufficient if there is one urinal for every 50 males up to the first 500 employed, and one for every 100 thereafter.
Note:- In calculating the urinal accommodation required under this rule any odd number of workers less than 50, or 100, as the case may be, shall be reckoned as 50 or 100.
23. URINALS TO CONFORM TO PUBLIC HEALTH REQUIREMENTS.- Urinals other than those connected with an efficient water-borne sewage system, and urinals in a factory wherein more than two hundred and fifty workers are ordinarily employed shall comply with the requirements of the Public Health Authorities.
24. CERTAIN LATRINES AND URINALS TO BE CONNECTED TO SEWERAGE SYSTEM.- When any general system of underground sewerage with an assured water supply for any particular locality is provided in a municipality, all latrines and urinals of a factory situated in Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996 Rules 24-29 such locality shall, if the factory is situated within 30 metres of an existing sewer, be connected with that sewerage system suitably.
25. WHITEWASHING, COLOURWASHING OF LATRINES AND URINALS.- The walls, ceilings and partitions of every latrine and urinal shall be whitewashed or colourwashed and the whitewashing or colourwashing shall be repeated at least once in a period of four months. The dates on which the whitewashing or colourwashing is carried out shall be entered in the prescribed register (Form 2):
Provided that this rule shall not apply to latrines and urinals, the walls, ceilings or partitions of which are laid in glazed tiles or otherwise finished to provide a smooth, polished, impervious surface and that they are washed with suitable detergents and disinfectants at least once in every period of four months.
26. CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE OF DRAINS.- All drains carrying waste or sullage water shall be constructed in masonry or other impermeable material and shall be regularly flushed and the effluent disposed of by connecting such drains with a suitable drainage line:
Provided that where there is no such drainage line, the effluent shall be deodorized and rendered innocuous and then disposed of in a manner suitable to the satisfaction of the local Health Officer concerned.
27. WATER TAPS IN LATRINES.- Where piped water supply is available, a sufficient number of water taps, conveniently accessible, shall be provided in or near latrine accommodation. A tap per each latrine is to be preferred. There shall be at least one tap for every ten latrines or part thereof. The water taps shall be connected to the Municipal water supply or to an overhead storage tank of sufficient capacity, so that water is available from the taps during all hours when the workers are in the factory. Wherever commode type of latrines are provided arrangements shall be made for providing toilet paper and soap solution, in addition to the water tap. The toilet paper and soap solution shall be regularly replenished.
28. NUMBER AND LOCATION OF SPITTOONS.- The number and location of the spittoons to be provided shall be to the satisfaction of the Inspector. Such spittoons shall be placed on a stand or a bracket 90 cm. high.
29. TYPE OF SPITTOONS.- The spittoons shall be of either of the following types, namely:-
(a) a galvanized iron container with a conical funnel-shaped cover. A layer of suitable disinfectant liquid shall always be Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996 Rules 29-31(Sch.) maintained in the container; or
(b) a container filled with dry clean sand, and covered with a layer of bleaching powder; or
(c) any other type approved by the Competent Authority.
30. CLEANING OF LATRINES, URINALS, WORKPLACES & SPITTOONS.- Latrines, urinals, washplaces & spittoons shall be maintained in clean & sanitary conditions by employing adequate number of sanitary staff.
31. Qualifications of competent person with reference to various Sections of the Act are given in the schedule below.
SCHEDULE
The Competent Person is a person who is having a degree in the discipline mentioned or equivalent followed by experience as specified, in responsible position in the field and designated by the Competent Authority.
Sl. No. Rules made under section of the Act requiring competency Type of work Discipline Experience
1. Section(6) Civil construction structural work.
Civil or & structural engineering Minimum 10 yrs in design, construction testing or repairs of structures, knowledge of various codes pertaining to the non destructive testing methods.
2. Section21(2) Operation of dangerous machines Electrical or mechanical engineering or equivalent Minimum 7 yrs in design, operation maintenance, testing of relevant machinery, guards, safety devices etc.
3. Section 28 Lifts & Hoists - do - Min. 7 yrs. in design, erection maintenance, inspection and test procedures of Hoists & lifts.
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Rule 31(Sch.)
4. Section 29 Lifting Machinery Lifting tackles Electrical, Mechanical or Metallurgical Min.7 yrs. in design, erection maintenance, inspection. testing of lifting machinery or lifting tackle
5. Section 31 Pressure plant Chemical, Electrical or mechanical or metallurgical Engineering or equivalent in design, erection, maintenance, testing examination, inspection of pressure plants and knowledge of non destructive testing & codes of safety requirement of pressure vessels.
6. Section 36 Dangerous fumes Chemical engineering or masters degree in chemistry Min.7 yrs. experience in collection and analysis of environmental samples and calibration of monitoring equipment.
7. Section 41-C (b) Supervision of handling of hazardous substances Chemical engineering or masters degree in chemistry on the shop floor in handling & disposal of hazardous chemicals.
8. Section 87 Ventilation system Electrical or mechanical engg.
Min.7 yrs. in design, fabrication, installation, testing of ventilation used for collection of dusts, fumes etc.
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Rule 32(Sch.)
CHAPTER IV
SAFETY
32. Without prejudice to the provisions of sub-section (1) of section 21 of the Act in regard to fencing , the further precautions specified in Schedules annexed here to shall apply to machines mentioned in each Schedule.
SCHEDULE I
WOODWORKING MACHINERY
1. Definitions.-For the purposes of this schedule -
(a) "woodworking machine" means a circular saw, band saw, planing machine, chain mortising machine or vertical spindle moulding machine operating on wood or cork;
(b) "circular saw" means a circular saw working in a bench (including a rack bench), but does not include a pendulum or similar saw which is moved towards the wood for the purpose of cutting operation;
(c) "band saw" means a band saw, the cutting portion of which runs in a vertical direction but does not include a log saw or band re-sawing machine; and
(d) "planing machine" means a machine for overhead planing or for thicknessing or for both operations.
2. Stopping and starting device.- An efficient stopping and starting device shall be provided on every woodworking machine. The control of this device shall be in such a position as to be readily and conveniently operated by the person in charge of the machine.
3. Space around machines.- The space surrounding every woodworking machine in motion shall be kept free from obstruction.
4. Floors.-The floor surrounding every woodworking machine shall be maintained in good and smooth condition, and shall not be allowed to become slippery, and as far as practicable shall be kept free from chips or other loosely scattered material.
5. Training and supervision.-
(a) No person shall be employed at a woodworking machine unless he has been sufficiently trained to work that class of machine, or unless he works under the adequate supervision of a person who has a thorough knowledge of the working of the machine.
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Rule 32 (Sch)
(b) A person who is being trained to work a woodworking machine shall be fully and carefully instructed as to the dangers of the machine and the precautions to be observed to secure safe working of the machine.
6. Circular saws.-Every circular saw shall be fenced as follows:-
(a) behind and in direct line with the saw there shall be a riving knife, which shall have a smooth surface, shall be strong, rigid and easily adjustable, and shall also conform to the following conditions:-
(i) the edge of the knife nearer the saw shall form an arc of a circle having a radius not exceeding the radius of the largest saw used on the bench;
(ii) the knife shall be maintained as close as practicable to the saw, having regard to the nature of the work being done at the time, and at the level of the bench table. The distance between the front edge of the knife and the teeth of the saw shall not exceed 12 millimeters; and
(iii) for a saw of a diameter of less than 60 cm., the knife shall extend upwards from the bench table to within 25 mm. of the top of the saw, and for a saw of a diameter 60 cm. or over shall extend upwards from the bench table to a height of at least 23 cm.
(b) the top of the saw shall be covered by a strong and easily adjustable guard, with a flange at the side of the saw farthest from the fence. The guard shall be kept so adjusted that the said flange shall extend below the roots of the teeth of the saw. The guard shall extend from the top of the riving knife to a point as low as practicable at the cutting edge of the saw; and
(c) the part of the saw below the bench table shall be protected by two plates of metal or other suitable material, one on each side of the saw; such plates shall not be more than 15 cm. apart, and shall extend from the axis of the saw outwards to a distance of not less than 5 cm. beyond the teeth of the saw. Metal plates, if not beaded, shall be of a thickness of at least 2.5 mm., or if beaded, be of a thickness of at least 1.25 mm.
7. Push Sticks.-A push stick or other suitable appliance shall be provided for use at every circular saw and at every vertical spindle moulding machine to enable the work to be done without unnecessary risk.
8. Band saws.-Every band saw shall be guarded as follows:-
(a) both sides of the bottom pulley shall be completely encased by sheet or expanded metal or other suitable material;
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Rule 32 (Sch.I-II)
(b) the front of the top pulley shall be covered with sheet or expanded metal or other suitable material; and
(c) all portions of the blade shall be enclosed or otherwise securely guarded, except the portion of the blade between the bench table and the top guide.
9. Planing machines.-
(a) A planing machine (other than a planing machine which is mechanically fed) shall not be used for overhand planing unless it is fitted with a cylindrical cutter block.
(b) Every planing machine used for overhand planing shall be provided with a "bridge" guard capable of covering the full length and breadth of the cutting slot in the bench, and so constructed as to be easily adjusted both in a vertical and horizontal direction.
(c) The feed roller of every planing machine used for thicknessing, except the combined machine for overhand planing and thicknessing, shall be provided with an efficient guard.
10. Adjustment and maintenance of guards.-The guards and other appliances required under this schedule shall be -
(a) maintained in an efficient state;
(b) constantly kept in position while the machinery is in motion; and
(c) so adjusted as to enable the work to be done without unnecessary risk.
11. Exemptions.-Paragraphs 6, 8, 9 and 10 shall not apply to any woodworking machine in respect of which it can be proved that other safeguards are provided, maintained and used which render the machine as safe as it would be if guarded in the manner prescribed in this schedule.
SCHEDULE II
CENTRIFUGAL MACHINES
1. Definition.-"Centrifugal machines" include centrifugal extractors, separators and driers.
2. Every part of centrifugal machine shall be
(a) of good design and construction and of adequate strength;
(b) properly maintained; and Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996
Rule 32 (Sch.II-III)
(c) examined thoroughly by a competent person at regular intervals to check for unbalance & in case unbalance at high speeds is observed steps to restore the balance shall be taken before commissioning the machine.
3. Interlocking guard for drum or basket.-
(a) The cage housing the rotating drum or basket of every centrifugal machine shall be provided with a strong lid. The design and construction of the cage as well as the lid shall be such that no access is possible to the drum or basket when the lid is closed.
(b) Every centrifugal machine shall be provided with an efficient interlocking device that will effectively prevent the lid referred to in sub-paragraph (a) from being opened while the drum or basket is in motion and prevent the drum or basket being set in motion while the lid is in the open position.
4. Braking arrangement.-Every centrifugal machine shall be provided with an effective braking arrangement capable of bringing the drum or basket to rest within as short a period of time as reasonably practicable after the power is cut off.
5. Operating speed.-No centrifugal machine shall be operated at a speed in excess of the manufacturer's rating which shall be legibly stamped at easily visible places both on the inside of the basket and on the outside of the machine casing.
SCHEDULE III
POWER PRESS
1. Application.- The Schedule shall apply to all types of power presses including press brakes, except when used for working hot metal.
2. Definition.- For the purpose of this Schedule -
(a) "approved" means approved by the Competent Authority;
(b) "fixed fencing" means fencing provided for the tools of a power press being fencing which has no moving parts associated with or dependent upon the mechanism of a power press and includes that part of a closed tool which acts as a guard;
(c) "power press" means a machine used in metal or other industries for moulding, pressing, blanking raising drawing and similar purposes;
(d) "safety device" means the fencing and any other safeguard provided for the tools of a power press.
3. Starting and stopping mechanism.- The starting and stopping mechanism shall be provided with a safety stop so as to prevent Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996
Rule 32 (Sch.III) over running of the press or descent of the ram during tool setting, etc.
4. Protection of tool and die.-
(a) Each press shall be provided with a fixed guard with a slip plate on the underside enclosing the front and sides of the tool.
(b) Each die shall be provided with a fixed guard surrounding its front and sides, and extending to the back in the form of a tunnel through which the pressed article falls to the rear of the press.
(c) The design, construction and mutual position of the guards referred to in (a) and
(b) such as to preclude the possibility of the worker's hand or fingers approaching the danger zone.
(d) The machine shall be fed through a small aperture at the bottom of the die guard, but a wider aperture may be permitted for second or subsequent operations if feeding is done through a chute.
(e) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-clauses (a) and (b) an automatic or an inter-locked guard may be used in place of a fixed guard, but where such guards are used they shall be maintained in an efficient working condition and if any guard develops a defect, the power press shall not be operated unless the defect of the guard is removed.
5. Appointment of persons to prepare power presses for use .-
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (4), no person shall set, re-set, adjust or try out the tools on a power press or install or adjust any safety device thereon, being installation or adjustment preparatory to production of die proving, or carry out an inspection and test of any safety device thereon required by paragraph 8 unless he-
(i) has attained the age of eighteen;
(ii) has been trained in accordance with the sub-paragraph (b); and
(iii) has been appointed by the occupier of the factory to carry out those duties in respect of the class or description of power press or the class or description of safety device to which the power press or the safety device (as the case may be) belongs; and the name of every such person shall be entered in a register in Form 1.
Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996
Rule 32(Sch.III)
(b) The training shall include suitable and sufficient practical instruction in the matters in relation to each type of power press & safety device in respect of which it is proposed to appoint the person being trained.
6. Examination and testing of power presses and safety devices.-
(a) No power press or safety device shall be taken into use in any factory for the first time in that factory, or in case of a safety device for the first time on any power press, unless it has been thoroughly examined and tested, in the case of a power press, after installation in the factory, or in the case of a safety device, when in position on the power press in connection with which it is to be used.
(b) No power press shall be used unless it has been thoroughly examined and tested by a competent person within the immediately preceding period of 12 months.
(c) No power press shall be used unless every safety device (other than fixed fencing) thereon has within the immediately preceding period of six months when in position on that power press, been thoroughly examined and tested by a competent person.
(d) The competent person carrying out an examination and test under the foregoing provisions shall make a report of the examination and test containing the following particulars and every such report shall be kept readily available for inspection:
(i) name of the occupier of the factory;
(ii) address of the factory;
(iii) identification number or mark sufficient to identify the power press or the safety device;
(iv) date on which the power press or the safety device was first taken into use in the factory;
(v) the date of each periodical thorough examination carried out as per requirements of sub-paragraph (b) above;
(vi) particulars of any defects affecting the safe working of the power press or the safety device found at any such thorough examination and steps taken to remedy such defects;
Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996
Rule 32(Sch.III)
7. Defects disclosed during a thorough examination and tests .-
(a) Where any defect is disclosed in any power press or in any safety device by any examination and test under paragraph 6 and in the opinion of the competent person carrying out the examination and test, either-
(i) the said defect is a cause of danger to workers and in consequence the power press or safety device (as the case may be ) ought not to be used until the said defect has been remedied; or
(ii) the said defect may become a cause of danger to workers and in consequence the power press or safety device (as the case may be) ought not to be used after the expiration of a specified period unless the said defect has been remedied.
Such defect shall, as soon as possible after the completion of the examination and test, be notified in writing by the competent person to the occupier of the factory and, in the case of a defect falling within clause (ii) of this sub-paragraph such notification shall include the period within which, in the opinion of the competent person, the defect ought to be remedied.
(b) In every case where notification has been given under this paragraph, a copy of the report made under paragraph 6(d) shall be sent by the competent person to the inspector for the area within fourteen days of the completion of the examination and test.
(c) Where any such defect is notified to the occupier in accordance with the foregoing provisions of this paragraph the power press or safety devise (as the case may be ) having the said defect shall not be used -
(i) in the case of a defect falling within clause(i) of sub- paragraph (a) until the said defect has been remedied; and
(ii) in the case of defect falling within clause (ii) of sub-paragraph (a), after the expiration of the specified period.
(d) As soon as is practicable after any defect of which notification has been given under sub-paragraph(a) has been remedied, a record shall be made by or on behalf of the occupier stating the measures by which and the date on which the defect was remedied.
8. Inspection and test of safety devices.-
(a) No power press shall be used after the setting, resetting or adjustment of the Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996
Rule 32(Sch.III) tools thereon unless a person appointed or authorised for the purpose under
Paragraph 5 has inspected and tested every safety device thereon while it is in position on the said power press:
Provided that any inspection, test and certificate as aforesaid not be required where any adjustment of the tools has not caused or resulted in any alteration to or disturbance of any safety device on the power press and if, after the adjustment of the tools, the safety devices remain, in the opinion of such a person as aforesaid, in efficient working order.
(b) Every power press and every safety device thereon while it is in position on the said power press shall be inspected and tested by a trained person every day.
9. Defects disclosed during an inspection and test.-
(a) Where it appears to any person as a result of any inspection and test carried out by him under paragraph 8 that any necessary safety device is not in position or is not properly in position on a power press or that any safety device which is in position on a power press is not in his opinion suitable, he shall notify the manager forthwith.
(b) Except as provided in sub-paragraph (c) where any defect is disclosed in a safety device by any inspection and test under paragraph 8, the person carrying out the inspection and test shall notify the manager forthwith.
(c) Where any defect in a safety device is the subject of a notification in writing under paragraph 7 by virtue of which the use of the safety device may be continued during a specified period without the said defect having been remedied, the requirement in sub-paragraph (b) of this paragraph shall not apply to the said defect until the said period has expired.
10. Identification of power presses and safety devices.- For the purpose of identification every power press and every safety device provided for the same shall be distinctively and plainly marked.
11. Training and instructions to operators.- The operators shall be trained and instructed in the safe method of work before starting work on any power press. It shall be ensured by adequate supervision that correct operating procedures are being followed.
12. Exemptions.-
(a) If in respect of any factory, the Competent Authority is satisfied that owing to the circumstances or infrequency of the processes or for any other reason, all or any of the provisions of this Schedule are not necessary for the Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996
Rule 32(Sch.III-IV) protection of the workers employed on any power press or any class or description of power press or in the factory, the Competent Authority by a certificate in writing(which he may in his discretion revoke at any time), exempt such factory from all or any of such provisions subject to such conditions, if any, as he may specify therein.
(b) Where such exemption is granted, a legible copy of the certificate, showing the conditions (if any) subject to which it has been granted, shall be kept posted in the factory in a position where it may be conveniently read by the persons employed.
SCHEDULE IV
WELDING AND GAS CUTTING
1. Arc Welding.-
(a) Definition.- Arc welding is a welding process wherein coalescence is produced by heating with an electric arc, with or without application of pressure and with or without the use of filler metal.
(b) Correct and proper electric earthing shall be provided for the welding machine, the casing and the job to be welded. These shall be electrically checked for any leakage of current by an authorised and trained electrician.
(c) The welding machine shall be kept at a dry place and materials shall not be kept around it.
(d) The welding cable shall be in good condition. The metal wire shall not be in an exposed state anywhere. The welding cable connections shall be tight. The cable shall not lie on wet surface nor shall it pass through water. Building structure, fuel tanks, railings etc., shall not be used to support welding cables. As far as possible cable shall not be laid across the passages.
(e) The welder shall not wear any wet dresses, footwear, hand gloves etc. These articles must be dry before working with welding machines. The welder shall wear rubber shoes, hand gloves and use welding screens while doing welding jobs. Welding screen shall be used around the welding area to stop welding flashes from affecting others. The welder must check the welding holder thoroughly before starting the job and shall also see that the insulation of the holder is proper.
(f) The welding cable and holder etc., shall be fastened to the overhead structures with non-conductors to prevent these from dropping down.
Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996
Rule 32 (Sch.IV)
(g) Scaffolding made of corrugated sheets shall be used below the areas where welding is to be done to prevent sparks dropping down below.
(h) While welding in confined areas like inside of tanks, pipes etc., proper ventilation shall be provided with the help of a fan.
(i) Welding on a gas or fuel line shall never be done without a special approved procedure written specially for the particular job.
(j) All welding work shall be started only after obtaining a welding permit from authorised agency indicating special precautions including the fire fighting details.
(k) For welding work on overhead equipment such as crane etc. a separate earth cable shall be run up to the work place and shall be connected to work piece.
2. Gas Cutting.-
(a) Definition.- Gas cutting is a process used for cutting mild steel by a flame torch using compressed gases Hydrogen/Acetylene and oxygen to preheat the metal and cutting it by forcing oxygen at higher pressure.
(b) The gas cylinders shall be kept well away from any fire or hot areas. The rubber pipes, joints, gas torches, valve connections shall be thoroughly checked for leakage of gas.
(c) The gas cutter shall use proper safety appliances viz. gas cutters goggles, hand gloves, safety shoes, helmets and safety belts.
(d) The rubber hose shall not come in contact with any hot material and it shall not be taken through hot areas.
(e) The gas torch shall be fastened to a fixed overhead structural or with the body of the gas cutter to stop it from dropping down.
(f) The rubber hose shall not obstruct the movement of others. When necessary to lower the rubber hose with fittings, a fibre rope should be used. A metal sheet shall be used below the job to arrest any sparks/hot slags from falling down.
(g) Before starting any gas cutting, a written permit clearance shall be obtained from authorised person which will indicate all Safety precautions including fire fighting details.
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Rule 32(Sch.IV-V)
(h) Gas cutting at or near fuel line/hazardous area etc., shall be done only after obtaining a special approved procedure for that job.
(i) Provisions of Gas Cylinder Rules shall be complied with.
SCHEDULE V
SHEARS, SLITTERS AND GUILLOTINE MACHINES
1. Definition.- For the purpose of this Schedule -
(a) "guillotine" means a machine ordinarily equipped with straight, bevel-edged blade operating vertically against a stationery resisting edge and used for cutting metallic or non- metallic substances;
(b) "shears" or "shearing machine" means a machine ordinarily equipped with straight, bevel-edged blades operating vertically against resisting edges, or with rotary, overlapping cutting wheels, and used for shearing metals or non-metallic substances; and
(c) "slitter" or "slitting machine" means a machine ordinarily equipped with circular disc-type knives, and used for trimming or cutting into metal or non-metallic substances or for slitting them into narrow strips; for the purpose of this Schedule, this term includes bread or other food slicers equipped with rotary knives or cutting discs.
2. Guillotine and Shears.-
(a) Where practicable, a barrier metal guard of adequate strength shall be provided at the front of the knife, fastened to the machine frame and shall be so fixed as would prevent any part of the operator's body to reach the descending blade from above, below or through the barrier guard or from the sides: Provided that in case of machines used in the paper printing and allied industries, where a fixed barrier metal guard is not suitable on account of the height and volume of the material being fed, there shall be provided suitable starting devices which require simultaneous action of both the hands of the operator or an automatic device which will remove both the hands of the operator from the danger zone at every descent of the blade.
(b) At the back end of such machines, as inclined guard shall be provided over which the slit pieces would slide and be collected at a safe distance in a manner as would prevent a person at the back from reaching the descending blade. Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996
Rule 32 (Sch.V)
(c) Power-driven guillotine cutters, except continuous feed trimmers, shall be equipped with -
(i) starting devices which require the simultaneous action of both hands to start the cutting motion and of at least one hand on a control during the complete stroke of the knife; or
(ii) an automatic guard which will remove the hands of the operator from the danger zone at every descent of the blade, used in conjunction with one- hand starting devices which require two distinct movements of the device to start the cutting motion, and so designed as to return positively to the non-starting position after each complete cycle of the knife.
(d) Where two or more workers are employed at the same time on the same power- driven guillotine cutter equipped with two- hand control the device shall be so arranged that each worker shall be required to use both hands simultaneously on the safety trip to start the cutting motion, and at least one hand on a control to complete the cut.
(e) Power-driven guillotine cutters, other than continuous trimmer, shall be provided, in addition to the brake or other stopping mechanism, with an emergency device which will prevent the machine from operating in the event of failure of the brake when the starting mechanism is in the non-starting position.
3. Slitting Machines.-
(a) Circular disc-type knives on machines for cutting metal and leather, paper, rubber, textiles or other non-metallic substances shall, if within reach of operators standing on the floor or working level, be provided with guards enclosing the knife edges at all times as near as practicable to the surface of the material, and which may either-
(i) automatically adjust themselves to the thickness of the material; or
(ii) be fixed or manually adjusted so that the space between the bottom of the guard and the material will not exceed 6 mm (1/4 in.) at any time.
(b) Portions of blades underneath the tables or benches of slitting machines shall be covered by guards.
4. Index Cutters and Vertical Paper Slotters.- Index cutters, and other machines for cutting strips from the ends of books, and for similar operations, shall be provided with fixed guards, so arranged that the fingers of the operators cannot come between the blades and the tables.
Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996
Rule 32(Sch.V-VI)
5. Corner Cutters.- Corner cutters, used in the manufacture of paper boxes, shall be equipped with -
(a) suitable guard fastened to the machines in front of the knives and provided with slots or perforations to afford visibility of the operations; or
(b) other guards equally efficient for the protection of the fingers of the workers.
6. Band Knives.- Band wheels on band knives, and all portions of the blades except the working side between the sliding guide and the table on vertical machines, or between the wheel guards on horizontal machines, shall be completely enclosed with hinged guards of sheet metal not less than 1 mm(0.04 in) in thickness or of other material of equal strength.
SCHEDULE VI
AGITATORS AND MIXING MACHINES
1. Definition.- "Agitators and Mixing Machines" means a tank or other container equipped with power-driven mixing arms, blades or paddle wheels fixed to revolvable shafts or other simple mechanical devices for blending stirring liquids with other liquids or with solid substances or combinations of these.
2. When the top of an open agitator tank, beater tank or paddle tank or similar vessel is less than 1 M above the adjacent floor or working level, adequate standard railings shall be installed on all open sides.
3. Agitators and mixing machines shall be provided with an efficient inter-lock arrangement for the top lid, to prevent access to the agitating, stirring or similar devices, whilst in motion and would prevent restart under power with the lids in open position.
4. When other inspection or examination openings are provided at the top or sides of the containers vessels of the agitator and mixing machines, such openings shall be provided with standard grill guards as would prevent access of any part of the operator's body coming in contact with agitator stirring or similar devices whilst in motion.
5. When discharge holes, openings, chutes or similar arrangements are provided at bottom or at the sides of the container vessels of the agitator and mixing machines, they shall, be so designed, shaped guarded, or situated as would prevent access of any part of operator's body coming in contact Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996
Rule 32 (Sch.VI-VII) with agitating, stirring or similar devices, whilst in motion inside the vessel.
SCHEDULE VII
CONVEYORS
1. Application.- The schedule shall apply to all types of conveyors.
2. Definition.- Conveyor means a horizontal, inclined or vertical device for moving or transporting bulk materials, packages & objects in a path predetermined by the design of device and having points of loading or discharge fixed or selective.
3. General.- The conveyors shall be so designed installed, operated & maintained as per the national code & standards. Safe procedures shall be laid down to include the following, namely:-
(a) All moving parts of conveyors such as gears, sprockets, sheaves etc. shall be guarded;
(b) The starting switch of conveyor shall be located at such a place so that the operator shall have clear view of the entire conveyor length;
(c) The entire system shall be so interlocked by electrical or mechanical means that it can stop automatically if there is a blockage at any place along the length;
(d) Conveyors operating in series shall have controls so designed that if one of the conveyor stops others shall automatically stop;
(e) Electrical machines operating the conveyors equipped with brakes which are mechanically applied or released by movement of operating device, shall be so designed that if the electrical power is interrupted with brakes in OFF position, load can descend only at controlled speed;
(f) Antirunaway or backstop devices shall be provided on reversible type of conveyors where reversing can cause hazard;
(g) Overload protecting devices shall be provided on conveyors which shall disconnect the electrical power. All restarting devices shall remain locked till the cause of overload is removed;
(h) For conveyors feeding the hopper at or near level of floor, the hopper shall be provided with screen or railing and toe-board;
Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996 Rules 32 (Sch.VII)-34
(i) Conveyors handling flammable material or fine powders shall have only explosion proof electrical fixtures. The dust levels in the area shall be restricted to PLE Limits by suitable means; and
(j) Conveyors running in tunnels & pits shall have sufficient clearance at sides for workers engaged in lubricating or repair works.
4. Conveyors at height.-
(a) Conveyors at elevated locations shall be provided with access platform with toe- board & guard rails.
(b) Conveyors installed within 2 metres of floor or walkway surface shall be provided with crossovers or passages
(c) Overhead conveyors shall be provided with sideboards along the edges & screen guards underneath. Underpasses shall be provided with sheet metal ceiling for protection of the persons crossing.
(d) Conveyors passing through building floors, walls shall have interlocks installed in such a way that all will have to operate at one time to start the system. These switches shall be clearly marked & area near them shall be kept clean and free of obstructions. The openings shall be guarded with hand rails, toe-boards etc.
5. Maintenance.- The operation, maintenance of conveyors shall be done under work permit system keeping in mind the nature of materials handled. The entire mechanism of conveyors, electrical switches, interlocks etc. shall be inspected and maintained regularly especially for brakes, back stops, anti-runaway devices, overload releases and such other safety devices.
6. Fire Fighting.- The entire length of the conveyor shall be covered by installation of fire detection and warning system. Wherever conveyor passes through wall or floor openings, automatic system shall be installed for closing of them to stop the passage of flame through them. Wherever necessary automatic water sprinkler system shall also be provided.
33. Register of workers employed for work on or near machinery in motion.-In every factory a register shall be maintained in Form 1 in which the name and other particulars of every such worker as may be employed for such examination or operation as referred to in the proviso to sub-section (1) of section 21 shall be entered.
34. HOISTS AND LIFTS.-
(1) A register shall be maintained to record particulars of examination of hoists and lifts and shall give particulars as shown in Form 3.
Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996 Rules 34-35
(2) In pursuance of the provisions of sub-section (4) of Section 28, in respect of any class or description of hoist or lift specified in the first column of the following Schedule, the requirements of section 28 specified in the second column of the said Schedule and set opposite to that class or description of hoist or lift shall not apply.
SCHEDULE
Class or description of hoist or lift Requirements which shall not apply Hoists or lifts mainly used for raising materials for charging blast furnaces or lime kilns.
Sub-section 1(b) in so far as it requires a gate at the bottom landing; sub-section1(d); sub- section 1(e) Hoists not connected with mechanical power and which are not used for carrying persons.
Sub-section 1(b) in so far as it requires the hoistway or liftway enclosure to be so constructed as to prevent any person or thing from being trapped between any part of the hoist or lift and any fixed structure or moving
35. LIFTING MACHINES, CHAINS, ROPES AND LIFTING TACKLES.-
(1) No lifting machine and no chain, rope or lifting tackle, except a fibre rope or fibre rope sling, shall be taken into use in any factory for the first time in that factory unless it has been tested and all parts have been thoroughly examined by a competent person and a certificate of such a test and examination specifying the safe working load or loads and signed by the person making the test and the examination, has been obtained and is kept available for inspection.
(2) Every jib-crane so constructed that the safe working load may be varied by the raising or lowering of the jib, shall have attached there to either an automatic indicator of safe working loads or an automatic jib angle indicator and a table indicating the safe working load at corresponding inclinations of the jib or corresponding radii of the load. An audio-visual alarm be preferably provided in addition, to give alarm wherever the limits given in table are exceeded.
(3) A table showing the safe working loads of every kind and Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996
Rule 35 size of chain, rope or lifting tackle in use, and, in the case of a multiple sling, the safe working loads at different angles of the legs, shall be pasted in the store in which the chains, ropes or lifting tackles are kept, and in prominent positions on the premises, and no chain, rope or lifting tackle not shown in the table shall be used:
Provided that this sub-rule shall not apply in respect of such lifting tackle if the safe working load thereof, or in the case of a multiple sling, the safe working load at different angles of the legs, is plainly marked upon it.
(4) The register to be maintained under clause (a)(iii) of sub-section (1) of Section 29 of the Act shall contain the report as given in Form - 4, giving following particulars and shall be kept readily available for inspection:-
(a) Name of occupier of factory.
(b) Address of factory.
(c) Distinguishing number or mark, if any, and description sufficient to identify the lifting machine, chain, rope, or the lifting tackle.
(d) Date when the lifting machine, chain, rope or lifting tackle was first taken into use in the factory.
(e) Date and number of the certificate relating to any test and examination made under sub-rules (1) and (15) together with the name and address of the person who issued the certificate.
(f) Date of each periodical thorough examination made under clause (a) (iii) of sub- section(1) of Section 29 of the Act and sub-section (3) and by whom it was carried out.
(g) Date of annealing or other heat treatment of the chain and other lifting tackle made under sub-rule (7) and by whom it was carried out.
(h) Particulars of any defects affecting the safe working load found at any such thorough examination or after annealing and of the steps taken to remedy such defects.
(5) All rails on which a travelling crane moves and every track on which the carriage of a transporter or runway moves shall be of proper size and adequate strength and have an even running surface; and every such rail or track shall be properly laid, adequately supported and properly maintained.
Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996
Rule 35
(6) To provide access to rail tracks of overhead travelling cranes suitable passage-ways of at least 50 centimeters width with toeboards and double hand rails 90 centimeters high shall be provided alongside, and clear of, the rail tracks of overhead travelling cranes, such that no moving part of the crane can strike persons on the ways, and the passage-way shall be at a lower level than the crane track itself. Safe access ladders shall be provided at suitable intervals to afford access to these passage-ways, and from passage-ways to the rail tracks:
Provided that the Competent Authority may, for reasons to be specified in writing, exempt any factory in respect of any overhead travelling crane from the operation of any provision of this sub-rule subject to such conditions as it may specify.
(7) All chains and lifting tackles except a rope sling shall, unless they have been subjected to such other heat treatment as may be approved by the Competent Authority of Factories, be effectively annealed under the supervision of a competent person at the following intervals:-
(a) all chains, slings, rings, hooks, shackles and swivels used in connection with molten metal or molten slag or when they are made of 12.5 millimeters bar or smaller, once at least in every six months; and
(b) all other chains, rings, hooks, shackles and swivels in general use, once at least in every twelve months:
Provided that chains and lifting tackle not in frequent use shall, subject to the Competent Authority's approval, be annealed only when necessary. Particulars of such annealing shall be entered in a register prescribed under sub-rule (4).
(c) Slinging-
(i) Chains shall not be joined by bolting or wiring links together. They shall not be shortened by tying knots. A chain in which the links are locked, stretched or do not move freely shall not be used. The chain shall be free of kinks and twists. Proper eye splices shall be used to attach the chain hooks.
(ii) Pulley blocks of the proper size shall be used to allow the rope free play in the sheave grooves and to protect the wire rope from sharp bends under load. Idle sling shall not be carried on the crane hook along with a loaded sling. When idle slings are carried they shall be hooked.
Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996
Rule 35
(iii) While using multileged slings, each sling or leg shall be loaded evenly and the slings shall be of sufficient length to avoid a wide angle between the legs.
(iv) Sling hitches on loads shall be made under the supervision of experienced persons.
(8) Nothing in the foregoing sub-rule (7) shall apply to the following classes of chains and lifting tackles, namely:-
(a) chains made of malleable cast iron;
(b) plate link chains;
(c) chains, rings, hooks, shackles and swivels made of steel or of any non-ferrous metal;
(d) pitched chains, working on sprocket or pocketed wheels;
(e) rings, hooks, shackles and swivels permanently attached to pitched chains, pulley blocks or weighing machines;
(f) hooks and swivels having screw threaded parts or ball bearing or other case hardened parts;
(g) socket shackles secured to wire ropes by white-metal capping; and Provided that such chains and lifting tackles shall be thoroughly examined by a competent person once at least in every twelve months, and particulars entered in the register kept in accordance with sub-rule (4).
(9) Cranes shall be operated only by authorised persons who are well trained and experienced, operators shall ensure that all safety devices are functioning properly before crane is put into operation.
(10) A mobile crane shall be operated so that none of its parts can approach live electric lines closer than 3 m. While lifting loads such a crane shall be located on level ground.
(11) Standard signals shall be used and operators shall recognise signals from only one person during crane operation. Signal men shall direct equipment movement at fills, quarries, pits, intersections or any other place where necessary to prevent possible accidents.
(12) No person shall be permitted to work or walk under a load. Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996 Rules 35-36
(13) Thorough inspection and load testing of a crane shall be done by a competent person at least once every 12 months. The load to be used for the purpose of testing shall be as follows:
Safe working load Test load Up to 20 tons 25% in excess 20 - 50 tons 5 tons in excess Over 50 tons 10% in excess
(14) All lifting machines, ropes, chains and lifting tackles, except a fibre rope or fibre sling, which have been lengthened, altered or repaired by welding or otherwise, shall, before being again taken into use, be adequately re-tested and re-examined by a competent person and certificate of such test and examination be obtained, and particulars entered in the register kept in accordance with sub-rule (4).
(15) No person under 18 years of age and no person who is not sufficiently competent and reliable shall be employed as driver of a lifting machine whether driven by mechanical power or otherwise, or to give signals to a driver.
(16) Where the Competent Authority is satisfied that in a factory due to shutdown or for any other reasons it is not practicable to maintain a minimum distance of 6 metres between the person employed or working on or near the wheel track of a travelling crane and the crane, it may on the request of the manager reduce the distance to such extent as it may consider necessary and also prescribe further precautions indicating appointment of suitable number of supervisors to ensure the safety of the persons while they are employed or working on or near the track.
36. PRESSURE VESSELS OR PLANTS.-
(1) Interpretation.-In this rule-
(a) "design pressure" means the maximum pressure that a pressure vessel or plant is designed to withstand safely when operating normally;
(b) "maximum permissible working pressure" means the maximum pressure at which a pressure vessel or plant is permitted to be operated or used under this rule and is determined by the technical requirement of the process;
(c) "plant" means a system of piping that is connected to a pressure vessel and is used to contain a gas, vapour or liquid under pressure greater than the atmospheric pressure, and includes the pressure vessel;
Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996
Rule 36
(d) "pressure vessel" means a vessel that may be used for containing, storing, distributing, transferring, distilling, processing or otherwise handling any gas, vapour or liquid under pressure greater than the atmospheric pressure and includes any pipeline fitting or other equipment attached thereto or used in connection therewith; and
(e) "competent person" means a person as defined in Sr.No. 5. of schedule to rule 31.
(2) Exceptions.-Nothing in this rule shall apply to -
(a) vessels made of ferrous materials having an internal operating pressure not exceeding 1 kilogram per square centimeter;
(b) steam boilers, steam and feed pipes and their fittings coming under the purview of the Indian Boilers Act, 1923;
(c) metal bottles or cylinders used for storage or transport of compressed gases or liquefied or dissolved gases under pressure covered by the Gas Cylinder Rules, 1981 framed under the Indian Explosives Act, 1884;
(d) vessels in which internal pressure is due solely to the static head of liquid;
(e) vessels with a nominal water capacity not exceeding 500 litres connected in a water-pumping system containing air that is compressed to serve as a cushion;
(f) vessels for nuclear energy application shall be covered by rules framed by Competent Authority;
(g) refrigeration plant having a capacity of 3 tons or less of refrigeration in 24 hours; and
(h) working cylinders of steam engines or prime movers, feed pumps and steam traps; turbine casings; compressor cylinders; steam separators or dryers; steam strainers; steam de-super- heaters; oil separators; air receivers for fire sprinkler installations; air receivers of monotype machines provided the maximum working pressure of the air receiver does not exceed 130 kPa (1.33 kg/sq.cm) and the capacity 85 litres; air receivers of electrical circuit breakers; air receivers of electrical relays; air vessels on pumps, pipe coils, accessories of instruments and appliances such as cylinders and piston assemblies used for operating relays and interlocking type of guards; vessels with liquids subjected to static head only; and hydraulically operating cylinders other than any cylinder communicating with an air loaded accumulator.
Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996
Rule 36
(3) Design and construction.-Every pressure vessel or plant used in a factory -
(a) shall be properly designed on sound engineering practice;
(b) shall be of good construction, sound material, adequate strength and free from any patent defects; and
(c) shall be properly maintained in a safe working condition: Provided that the pressure vessel or plant in respect of the design and construction of which there is an Indian standard or a standard of the country of manufacture or any other law or regulation in force, shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the said standards, law or regulation, as the case may be, and a certificate thereof shall be obtained from the manufacturer or from the competent person which shall be kept and produced on demand by an Inspector.
(4) Safety devices.-Every pressure vessel shall be fitted with-
(a) a suitable safety valve or other effective pressure relieving device of adequate capacity to ensure that the maximum permissible working pressure of the pressure vessel shall not be exceeded. It shall be set to operate at a pressure not exceeding the maximum permissible working pressure and when more than one protective device is provided, only one of the devices need be set to operate at the maximum permissible working pressure and the additional device shall be set to discharge at a pressure not more than 5 percent in excess of the maximum permissible working pressure;
(b) a suitable pressure gauge with a dial range not less than 1.5 times the maximum permissible working pressure, easily visible and designed to show at all times the correct internal pressure and marked with a prominent red mark at the maximum permissible working pressure of the pressure vessel;
(c) a suitable nipple and globe valve connected for the exclusive purpose of attaching a test pressure gauge for checking the accuracy of the pressure gauge referred to in clause (b) of this sub-rule;
(d) a suitable stop valve or valves by which the pressure vessel may be isolated from other pressure vessels or plant or source of supply of pressure. Such a stop valve or valves shall be located as close to the pressure vessel as possible and shall be easily accessible;
Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996
Rule 36
(e) a suitable drain cock or valve at the lowest part of the pressure vessel for the discharge of the liquid or other substances that may collect in the pressure vessel; and
(f) every pressure gauge, stop valve, nipple and globe valve, shall be mounted at a height not more than 1.5 m from the working level:
Provided that it shall be sufficient for the purpose of this sub-rule if the safety valve or pressure relieving device, the pressure gauge and the stop valve are mounted on a pipeline immediately adjacent to the pressure vessel and where there is a range of two or more similar pressure vessels served by the same pressure lead, only one set of such mountings need be fitted on the pressure lead immediately adjacent to the range of pressure vessels, provided they cannot be isolated.
(5) Pressure reducing devices.-
(a) Every pressure vessel which is designed for a working pressure less than the pressure at the source of supply. or less than the pressure which can be obtained in the pipe connecting the pressure vessel with any other source of supply, shall be fitted with a suitable pressure reducing valve or other suitable automatic device to prevent the maximum permissible working pressure of the pressure vessel being exceeded.
(b) To further protect the pressure vessel in the event of failure of the reducing valve or device, at least one safety valve having a capacity sufficient to release all the steam, vapour or gas without undue pressure rise as determined by the pressure at the source of supply and the size of the pipe connecting the source of supply, shall be fitted on the low pressure side of the reducing valve.
(c) In case of a jacketed vessel in which heat is transmitted by means of steam or other media in the jacket causing pressure rise in the vessel, the heat input in the jacket shall be so controlled by a suitable device as not to allow the safe working pressure of the vessel being exceeded.
6. Pressure vessel or plant being taken into use.-
(a) No new pressure vessel or plant shall be taken into use in a factory after coming into force of this rule unless it has been hydrostatically tested by a competent person at a pressure at least 1.3 times the design pressure, and no pressure vessel or plant which has been previously used or has remained isolated or idle for a period exceeding 6 months or which has undergone alterations or repairs shall be taken into use in a factory unless it has been thoroughly examined by a competent person externally and internally, if practicable, and has been hydrostatically tested by the competent person at a pressure Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996
Rule 36 which shall be 1.5 times the maximum permissible working pressure: Provided that the pressure vessel or plant which is so designed and constructed that it cannot be safely filled with water or liquid or is used in service when even some traces of water cannot be tolerated, shall be pneumatically tested at a pressure not less than the design pressure or maximum permissible working pressure as the case may be:
Provided further that the pressure vessel or plant which is lined with glass shall be tested hydrostatically or pneumatically as required at a pressure not less than the design pressure or maximum permissible working pressure as the case may be. Explanation:- Design pressure shall be not less than the maximum permissible working pressure and shall take into account the possible fluctuations of pressure during actual operation.
(b) No pressure vessel or plant shall be used in a factory unless there has been obtained from the maker of pressure vessel or plant or from the competent person a certificate specifying the design pressure or maximum permissible working pressure thereof, and stating the nature of tests to which the pressure vessel or plant and its fittings (if any) have been subjected, and every pressure vessel or plant so used in a factory shall be marked so as to enable it to be identified as to be the pressure vessel or plant to which the certificate relates and certificate shall be kept available for perusal by the Inspector.
(c) No pressure vessel or plant shall be permitted to be operated or used at a pressure higher than its design pressure, or the maximum permissible working pressure as shown in the certificate.
(7) In-service test and examinations.-
(a) Every pressure vessel or plant in service shall be thoroughly examined by a competent person -
(i) externally, once in every period of six months; and
(ii) internally, once in every period of twelve months:
Provided that if by reason of the construction of a pressure vessel or plant, a thorough internal examination is not possible, this examination may be replaced by a hydrostatic test which shall be carried out once in every period of two years:
Provided further that for a pressure vessel or plant in continuous process which cannot be frequently opened, the period Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996
Rule 36 of internal examination may be extended to four years; and
(iii) hydrostatically tested once in every period of four years: Provided that in respect of a pressure vessel or plant with thin walls, such as sizing cylinder made of copper or any other non-ferrous metal, periodic hydrostatic test may be dispensed with subject to the condition that the requirements laid down in sub-rule (8) are fulfilled:
Provided further that when it is impracticable to carry out thorough external examination of any pressure vessel or plant every six months as required in sub-clause (i)of this clause, or if owing to its construction and use a pressure vessel or plant cannot be hydrostatically tested as required in sub-clauses (ii) and (iii) of this clause, a thorough external examination of the pressure vessel or plant shall be carried out at least once in every period of two years, and at least once in every period of four years a thorough systematic non- destructive test like ultrasonic test or magnetic particle test for metal thickness or other defects of all parts the failure of which might lead to eventual rupture of the pressure vessel or plant shall be carried out.
(b) The pressure for the hydrostatic test to be carried out for the purpose of this sub- rule shall be 1.25 times the design pressure or 1.5 times the maximum permissible working pressure, whichever is less.
(8) (a) In respect of any pressure vessel or plant which cannot hold the hydrostatic load, periodic hydrostatic test may be dispensed with provided the requirements set forth in clause (7)(a)above are complied with.
(b) If any information as to the date of construction, thickness of walls, or maximum permissible working pressure is not available, the age of such pressure vessel or plant shall be determined by the competent person in consultation with the Competent Authority from the other particulars available with the factory.
(c) Every new and second hand pressure vessel or plant to which repairs, likely to affect its strength or safety, have been carried out, shall be tested before use to at least 1.5 times its maximum permissible working pressure.
(9) Report by competent person.-
(a) If during any examination any doubt arises as to the ability of the pressure vessel or plant to work safely until the next prescribed examination, the competent person shall enter in the prescribed register his Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996 Rules 36-37 observations, findings and conclusions with other relevant remarks with reasons and may authorise the pressure vessel or plant to be used and kept in operation subject to a lowering of maximum permissible working pressure, or to more frequent or special examination or test, or subject to both of these conditions.
(b) A report of every examination or test carried out shall be completed in Form 5 and shall be signed by the person making the examination or test, and shall be kept available for perusal by the Inspector at all hours when the factory or any part thereof is working.
(c) Where the report of any examination under this rule specified any condition for securing the safe working of any pressure vessel or plant, the pressure vessel or plant shall not be used unless the specified condition is fulfilled.
(d) The competent person making report of any examination under this rule, shall within seven days of the completion of the examination, send to the Competent Authority a copy of the report in every case where the maximum permissible working pressure is reduced or the examination shows that the pressure vessel or plant or any part thereof cannot continue to be used with safety unless certain repairs are carried out or unless any other safety measure is taken.
(10) Application of other laws.-
(a) The requirements of this rule shall be in addition to and without any prejudice to and not in derogation of the requirements of any other law in force.
(b) Certificates or reports of any examination, or test of any pressure vessel or plant to which sub-rules (7) to (9) do not apply, conducted or required to be conducted under any other law in force and other relevant record relating to such pressure vessel or plant, shall be properly maintained as required under the said law and shall be produced on demand by the Inspector.
37. WATER-SEALED GASHOLDER.-
(1) The expression "gasholder" means a water-sealed gasholder which has a storage capacity of not less than 140 cu.m.
(2) Every gasholder shall be of adequate material and strength, sound construction and properly maintained.
(3) No gasholder shall be taken into use in any factory for the first time unless,
(a) information giving details of gasholder is recorded in Form 6 ; Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996
Rule 37
(b) certificate of its internal and external examination in Form 6 is obtained either from the manufacturer or from any person competent to conduct such examination; and
(c) such certificate is in possession of the occupier.
(4) Where there is more than one gasholder in a factory, every gasholder shall be marked in a conspicuous position with a distinguishing number or letter.
(5) Every gasholder shall be thoroughly examined externally by a competent person at least once in a period of 12 months.
(6) In the case of gasholder of which any lift has been in use for more than 10 years, the internal state of the sheeting shall, within one year of the coming into operation of these rules and thereafter at least once in every period of four years, be examined by a competent person by means of electronic or other accurate devices: Provided that if the Competent Authority is satisfied that such electronic or other accurate devices are not available, it may permit the cutting of samples from the crown and the sides of the holder:
Provided further that if the above examination raises a doubt, an internal visual examination shall be made.
(7) All possible steps shall be taken to prevent or minimise ingress of impurities in the gasholder.
(8) No gasholder shall be repaired or demolished except under the direct supervision of a person who, by his training, experience and knowledge of the necessary precautions against risks of explosion and of persons being overcome by gas, is competent to supervise such work.
(9) (a) All sample discs cut under sub-rule (6) above shall be kept readily available for inspection.
(b) A permanent register in Form 6 duly signed by the occupier or manager shall be maintained.
(c) The results of examinations by the competent person carried out as required under sub-rules (5). and (6). above shall be recorded in Form 6.
(d) A copy of the report shall be kept in the register in Form 6 and both the register and the report shall be readily available for inspection.
Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996 Rules 37-39
(10) The Inspector shall inspect the gasholder at least once in a period of 12 months.
38. EXCESSIVE WEIGHTS.-
(1) No person, unless aided by another person or any mechanical device, shall carry or move by hand or head any material, article, tool or appliance exceeding the maximum limit in weight set out in the following Table:-
TABLE
Persons Max. weight of material, article, tool or appliance in kg a) Adult Male 55 Provided that the dimensions of material, tool or appliance shall be such as not to make worker unstable and not to hurt others:
Provided further that pregnant females shall not be engaged for lifting loads.
(2) No female worker shall engage in conjunction with others, in lifting carrying or moving by hand or on head any material article, tool or appliance if the weight thereof exceeds the lowest weight fixed by Table to sub rule (1) above for any of the persons engaged multiplied by the persons engaged.
39. PROTECTION OF EYES.- Effective screens or suitable goggles shall be provided for the protection of persons employed in or in the immediate vicinity of the following processes, namely:-
(1) The processes specified in Schedule I to this rule, being processes which involve risk of injury to eyes from particles or fragments thrown off in the course of the processes.
(2) The processes specified in Schedule II to this rule, being processes which involve risk of injury to eyes by reason of exposure to excessive light or infra-red or ultra-violet radiations.
Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996
SCHEDULE I
INJURY TO EYE FROM PARTICLES
1. Breaking, cutting, dressing or carving of bricks, stone, concrete, slag or similar materials by means of a hammer, chisel, pick or similar hand tool, or by means of a portable tool driven by mechanical power, and the dry grinding of surfaces of any such materials by means of a wheel or disc driven by mechanical power, where in any of the foregoing cases, particles or fragments are liable to be thrown off towards the face of the operator in the course of the process.
2. Dry grinding of surfaces of metal by applying them by hand to a wheel, disc or band driven by mechanical power, and of surfaces of metal by means of a portable tool driven by mechanical power.
3. Dividing into separate parts of metal, bricks, stone, concrete or similar materials by means of a high speed saw driven by mechanical power or by means of an abrasive cutting-off wheel or disc driven by mechanical power.
4. Turning of metals or articles of metal, where particles or fragments are liable to be thrown off towards the face of the operator in the course of the process.
5. Drilling by means of portable tools, where particles or fragments are liable to be thrown off towards the face of the operator in the course of the process.
6. Welding and cutting of metals by means of an electric, oxy- acetylene or similar process.
7. Hot fettling of steel castings by means of a flux-injected burner or air torch, and de- seaming of metal.
8. Fettling of metal castings involving the removal of metal, including runners, gates and risers, and removal of any other material during the course of such fettling.
9. Chipping of metal, and chipping, knocking out, cutting out or cutting off of cold rivets, bolts, nuts, lugs, pins, collars or similar articles from any structure or plant, or from part of any structure or plant, by means of a hammer, chisel, punch or similar hand tool, or by means of a portable tool driven by mechanical power.
10. Chipping or scurfing of paint, scale, slag, rust or other corrosion from the surface of metal and other hard materials by means of a hand tool or by a portable tool driven by mechanical power.
Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996
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11. Breaking of scrap metal by means of a hammer or by means of a tool driven by mechanical power.
12. Routing of metal, where particles or fragments are liable to be thrown off towards the face of the operator in the course of the process.
13. Work with drop hammers and power hammers used in either case for the manufacture of forgings, and work by any person not working with such hammers, whose work is carried on in such circumstances and in such a position that particles or fragments are liable to be thrown off towards his face during work with drop hammers or power hammers.
14. Work at a furnace where there is risk to the eyes from molten metal.
15. Pouring or skimming of molten metal.
16. Work involving risk to the eyes from hot sand being thrown off.
17. Truing or dressing of an abrasive wheel.
18. Handling in open vessels or manipulation of strong acids or dangerous corrosive liquids or materials, and operation, maintenance or dismantling of plant or any part of plant being plant or part of plant which contains or has contained such acids, liquids or materials, unless the plant or part of plant has been so prepared (by isolation, reduction of pressure, or otherwise), treated, or designed and constructed as to prevent risk of injury.
19. Any other process wherein there is a risk of injury to eyes from particles or fragments thrown off during the course of the process.
SCHEDULE II
INJURY TO EYE FROM LIGHT AND RADIATION
1. Welding or cutting of metals by means of an electrical, oxy- acetylene or similar process.
2. All work on furnaces where there is risk of exposure to excessive light or infra-red radiations.
3. Process such as rolling, casting or forging of metals, where there is risk of exposure to excessive light heat or infra-red radiations.
Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996
4. Any other process wherein there is a risk of injury to eyes from exposure to excessive light or infra-red or ultra-violet radiations.
40. MINIMUM DIMENSIONS OF MANHOLES.- Every chamber, tank, vat, pipe, flue or other confined space, which persons may have to enter and which may contain dangerous fumes to such an extent as to involve risk of the persons being overcome thereby, shall unless there is other effective means of egress, be provided with a manhole which may be rectangular, oval or circular in shape, and shall have the following dimensions as minimum, namely:- Oval shape - Major & minor axis diameters 50 cm. and 30 cm. respectively. Circular shape - 50 cm diameter
41. EXEMPTIONS.- The requirements of sub-section (4) of section 37 of the Act shall not apply to the following processes carried on in any factory, namely:-
(1) the operation of repairing a water sealed gasholder by the electric welding process, subject to the following conditions, namely:-
(a) the gasholder shall contain only the following gases, separately or mixed at a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure, namely, town gas, coke-oven gas, producer gas, blast furnace gas, or gases other than air, used in their manufacture: Provided that this exemption shall not apply to any gasholder containing acetylene or mixture of gases to which acetylene has been added intentionally; and
(b) welding shall only be done by the electric welding process and shall be carried out by experienced operatives under the constant supervision of a competent person;
(2) the operations of cutting or welding steel or wrought iron gas mains and services by the application of heat, subject to the following conditions, namely:-
(a) the main or service shall be situated in the open air, and it shall contain only the following gases, separately or mixed at a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure, namely, town gas, coke-oven gas, producer gas, blast furnace gas, or gases other than air, used in their manufacture;
(b) the main or service shall not contain acetylene or any gas or mixture of gases to which acetylene has been added Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996 Rules 41-42 intentionally;
(c) the operation shall be carried out by an experienced person or persons and at least 2 persons (including those carrying out the operations) experienced in work on gas mains and over 18 years of age shall be present during the operation;
(d) the site of the operation shall be free from any flammable or explosive gas or vapour;
(e) where acetylene gas is used as a source of heat in connection with an operation, it shall be compressed and contained in a porous substance in a cylinder; and
(f) prior to the application of any flame to the gas main or service, this shall be pierced or drilled and the escaping gas ignited.
(1) Processes & equipment, plant, etc. involving serious explosion and serious fire hazards.-
(a) All processes, storages, equipments, plants etc. involving serious explosion and flash fire hazard shall be located in segregated buildings where the equipment shall be so arranged that only a minimum number of employees are exposed to such hazards at any one time.
(b) All industrial processes involving serious fire hazard should be located in building or work places separated from one another by walls of fire-resistant construction.
(c) Equipment and plant involving serious fire or flash fire hazard shall, wherever possible, be so constructed and installed that in case of fire, they can be easily isolated.
(d) Ventilation ducts, pneumatic conveyors and similar equipment involving a serious fire risk should be provided with flame-arresting or automatic fire extinguishing appliances or fire resisting dampers electrically interlocked with heat sensitive / smoke detectors and the air-conditioning plant system.
(e) In all workplaces having serious fire or flash fire hazards, passages between machines, installations or piles of material should be at least 90 cm wide. For storage piles, the clearance between the ceiling and the top of piles shall not be
(2) Access for fire fighting. -
(a) Buildings and plants shall be so laid out and roads, passageways etc. so maintained as Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996
Rule 42 to permit unobstructed access for fire fighting. The main exit ways shall have width not less than 4.5m. and vertical clearance not less than 5m.
(b) Doors and/or window openings shall be located in suitable position on all external walls of the building to provide easy access to the entire area within the building for fire fighting.
(3) Protection against lightning.- Protection from lightning shall be provided for-
(a) buildings in which explosive or highly flammable substances are manufactured, used, handled or stored;
(b) storage tanks containing oils, paints, or other flammable liquids;
(d) buildings, tall chimneys or stacks where flammable gases, fumes, dust or lint are likely to be present; and
(e) sub-station buildings and outdoor transformers / switchyards.
(4) Explosives.-All explosives shall be handled, transported, stored and used in accordance with the provisions in the Indian Explosives Act, 1884 (4 of 1884).
(5) Precautions against ignition.-Wherever there is danger of fire or explosion from accumulation of flammable or explosive substances in air-
(a) all electrical apparatus shall either be excluded from the area of risk or they shall be of such construction and so installed and maintained as to prevent the danger of their being a source of ignition;
(b) effective measures shall be adopted for prevention of accumulation of static charges to a dangerous extent;
(c) workers shall wear shoes without iron or steel nails or any other exposed ferrous materials which is likely to cause sparks by friction;
(d) smoking, lighting or carrying of matches, lighters or smoking materials shall be prohibited;
(e) transmission belts with iron fasteners shall not be used; and Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996
Rule 42
(f) all other precautions, as are reasonably practicable, shall be taken to prevent initiation of ignition from all other possible sources such as open flames, frictional sparks, overheated surfaces of machinery or plant, chemical or physical- chemical reaction and radiant heat.
(6) Spontaneous ignition.- Where materials are likely to induce spontaneous ignition, care shall be taken to avoid formation of air pocket and to ensure adequate ventilation. The materials susceptible to spontaneous ignition shall be stored in dry condition and shall be in heaps of adequate capacity and separated by adequate passage. The materials susceptible to ignition and stored in the open shall be at a distance not less than 10 m. away from process/storage buildings.
(7) Cylinders containing compressed gas.- Cylinders containing compressed gas may only be stored in open if they are protected against excessive variation of temperature, direct rays of sun, or continuous dampness. Such cylinders shall never be stored near highly flammable substances, furnaces or hot processes. The room where such cylinders are stored shall have adequate ventilation.
(8) Storage of flammable liquids.-
(a) The quantity of flammable liquids in any work room shall be the minimum required for the process or processes carried on in such room. Flammable liquids shall be stored in suitable containers with close fitting covers: Provided that not more than 30 litres of flammable liquids having a flash point of 23 degree C or less shall be kept or stored in any work room without licence as specified in Sec.8 of the Petroleum Act of 1934.
(b) Flammable liquids shall be stored in closed containers as specified in the Petroleum rules and in limited quantities in well ventilated rooms of fire resisting construction which are isolated from the remaining of the building by fire walls and self closing fire doors.
(c) Large quantities of such liquids shall be stored in containers constructed of iron or steel as per relevant I.S. Codes. These containers shall be stored in isolated and adequately ventilated building of fire resisting construction or in storage tanks, preferably underground and at a distance from any building as required in the Petroleum Rules, 1976.
(d) Effective steps shall be taken to prevent leakage of such liquids into basements, sumps or drains and to confine any escaping liquid within safe limits. Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996
Rule 42
(9) Accumulation of flammable dust, gas, fume or vapour in air or flammable waste material on the floors.-
(a) Effective steps shall be taken for removal or prevention of the accumulation in the air of flammable dust, gas, fume or vapour to an extent which is likely to be dangerous.
(b) No waste material of a flammable nature shall be permitted to accumulate on the floors and shall be removed at least once in a day or shift, and more often, when possible. Such materials shall be placed in suitable metal containers with covers wherever possible.
(10) Fire exits.-
(a) In this rule-
(i) "horizontal exit" means an arrangement which allows alternative egress from a floor area to another floor at or near the same level in an adjoining building or an adjoining part of the same building with adequate separation; and
(ii) "travel distance" means the distance an occupant has to travel to reach an exit.
(b) An exit may be a doorway, corridor, passageway to an external stairway or to a verandah or to an internal stairway segregated from the rest of the building by fire resisting walls which shall provide continuous and protected means of egress to exterior of a building or to an exterior open space. An exit may also include a horizontal exit leading to an adjoining building at the same level.
(c) Lifts, escalators and revolving doors shall not be considered as exits for the purpose of this sub-rule.
(d) In every room of a factory exits sufficient to permit safe escape of the occupants in case of fire or other emergency shall be provided which shall be free of any obstruction.
(e) The exits shall be clearly visible and suitably illuminated with suitable arrangement, whatever artificial lighting is to be adopted for this purpose, to maintain the required illumination in case of failure of the normal source of electric supply.
(f) The exits shall be marked in a language understood by the majority of the workers.
(g) Iron rung ladders or spiral staircases shall not be used as exit staircases.
(h) Fire resisting doors or roller shutters shall be provided at appropriate places along the escape routes to prevent Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996
Rule 42 spread of fire and smoke, particularly at the entrance of lifts or stairs where funnel or flue effect may be created inducing an upward spread of fire.
(i) All exits shall provide continuous means of egress to the exterior of a building or to an exterior open space leading to a street.
(j) Exits shall be so located that the travel distance on the floor shall not exceed 30m.
(k) In case of those factories where high hazard materials are stored or used, the travel distance to the exit shall not exceed 22.5 m and there shall be at least two ways of escape from every room, however small, except toilet rooms, so located that the points of access there to are out of or suitably shielded from areas of high hazard.
(l) Wherever more than one exit is required for any room space or floor, exits shall be placed as remote from each other as possible and shall be arranged to provide direct access in separate directions from any point in the area served.
(m) The unit of exit width used to measure capacity of any exit shall be 50 cm. A clear width of 25 cm. shall be counted as an additional half unit. Clear width of less than 25 cm. shall not be counted for exit width.
(n) Occupants per unit width shall be 50 for stairs and 75 for doors.
(o) For determining the exits required, the occupant load shall be reckoned on the basis of actual number of occupants within any floor area or 10 sq.m per person, whichever is more.
(p) There shall not be less than two exits serving every floor area above and below the ground floor, and at least one of them shall be an internal enclosed stairway.
(q) For every building or structure used for storage only, and every section thereof considered separately, shall have access to at least one exit so arranged and located as to provide a suitable means of escape for any person employed therein, and in any such room wherein more than 10 persons may be normally present, at least two separate means of exit shall be available, as remote from each other as practicable.
(r) Every storage area shall have access to at least one means of exit which can be readily opened.
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Rule 42
(s) Every exit doorway shall open into an enclosed stairway, a horizontal exit on a corridor or passageway providing continuous and protected means of egress.
(t) No exit doorway shall be less than 100 cm in width. Doorways shall be not less than 200 cm. in height.
(u) Exit doorways shall open outwards, that is, away from the room but shall not obstruct the travel along any exit. No door when opened, shall reduce the required width of stairway or landing to less than 90 cm. Over head or sliding doors shall not be installed for this purpose.
(v) An exit door shall not open immediately upon a flight of stairs. A landing of at least 1.5m X 1.5m in size shall be provided in the stairway at each doorway. The level of landing shall be the same as that of the floor which it serves.
(w) The exit doorways shall be openable from the side which they serve without the use of a key.
(x) Exit corridors and passageways shall be of a width not less than the aggregate required width of exit doorways leading from there in the direction of travel to the exterior.
(y) Where stairways discharge through corridors and passageways, the height of the corridors and passageways shall not be less than 2.4 m.
(z) In the case of enclosed staircases, all windows therein falling within 3m of any other opening in the building shall normally be protected by wired glass in steel framework. In the case of open sided staircases, windows and door openings of the building falling within 3m of the staircase shall normally be protected by wired glass in steel framework and single fireproof door respectively.
(aa) A staircase shall not be arranged round a lift shaft unless the latter is totally enclosed by a material having a fire-resistance rating not lower than that of the type of construction of the former.
(bb) Hollow combustible construction shall not be permitted.
(cc) The minimum width of an internal staircase shall be 100 cm.
(dd) The minimum width of treads without nosing shall be 25 cm. for an internal staircase. The treads shall be constructed and maintained in a manner to prevent slipping.
Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996
Rule 42
(ee) The maximum height of a riser shall be 19 cm. and the number of risers shall be limited to 12 per flight.
(ff) Hand rails shall be provided with a minimum height of 100 cm. and shall be firmly supported.
(gg) The use of spiral stair case shall be limited to low occupant load and to a building of height of 9 m , unless they are connected to platforms such as balconies and terraces to allow escapees to pause. A spiral staircase shall be not less than 300 cm. in diameter and have adequate head room.
(hh) The width of a horizontal exit shall be same as for the exit doorways.
(ii) The horizontal exit shall be equipped with at least one fire door of self closing type.
(jj) The floor area on the opposite or refuge side of a horizontal exit shall be sufficient to accommodate occupants of the floor areas served, allowing not less than 0.3 m2The refuge area shall be provided with exits adequate to meet the requirements of this sub-rule. At lest one of the exits shall lead directly to the exterior or street.
(kk) Where there is difference in level between connected areas for horizontal exit, ramps not more than 1 in 8 slope shall be provided. For this purpose steps shall not be used.
(ll) Doors in horizontal exits shall be openable at all times.
(mm) Ramps with a slope of not more than 1 in 12 may be substituted for the requirements of staircase. For all slopes exceeding 1 in 12 and wherever the use is such as to involve danger of slipping, the ramp shall be surfaced with non-slipping material.
(nn) In any building not provided with automatic fire alarm a manual fire alarm system shall be provided if the total capacity of the building is over 500 persons, or if more than 25 persons are employed above or below the ground floor, except that no manual fire alarm shall be required in one-storey buildings where the entire area is undivided and all parts thereof are clearly visible to all occupants.
(11) First-aid fire fighting arrangements.-
(a) In every factory there shall be provided and maintained adequate and suitable fire fighting equipment for fighting fires in the early stages, those being referred to as first-aid fire Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996
Rule 42 fighting equipment in this rule.
b) The types of first-aid fire fighting equipment to be provided shall be determined by considering the different types of fire risks which are classified as follows:-
(i) "Class A fire" - Fire due to combustible materials such as wood, textiles, paper, rubbish and the like.
(1) "Light hazard" - Occupancies like offices, assembly halls , canteens, rest- rooms, ambulance rooms and the like;
(2) "Ordinary hazard" - Occupancies like saw mills, carpentry shop, small timber yards, book binding shops, engineering workshop and the like;
(3) "Extra hazard"-Occupancies like large timber yards, godowns storing fibrous materials, flour mills, cotton mills, jute mills, large wood working factories and the like;
(ii) "Class B fire" - Fire in flammable liquids like oil, petroleum products, solvents, grease, paint, etc.
(iii) "Class C fire" - Fire arising out of gaseous substances.
(iv) "Class D fire" - Fire from reactive chemicals, active metals and the like.
(v) “Class E fire" - Fire involving electrical equipment and delicate machinery and the like.
(c) The number and types of first-aid fire fighting equipment to be provided shall be as given in Schedule I to this rule. For "ordinary hazard or extra hazard occupancies equipments as given in sub-rule (12) shall be provided in addition to that given in Schedule I.
(d) The first-aid fire fighting equipment shall conform to the relevant Indian Standards.
(e) As far as possible the first-aid fire fighting equipment shall all be similar in shape and appearance and shall have the same method of operation.
(f) All first-aid fire fighting equipment shall be placed in a conspicuous position and shall be readily and easily accessible for immediate use. Generally, these equipment shall be placed as near as possible to the exits or staircase landing or normal routes of escape.
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Rule 42
(g) All water buckets and bucket pump type extinguishers shall be filled with clean water. All sand buckets shall be filled with clean, dry and fine sand.
(h) All other extinguishers shall be charged appropriately in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer.
(i) Each first-aid fire fighting equipment shall be allotted a serial number by which it shall be referred to in the records. The following details shall be painted with white paint on the body of each equipment.
(1) Serial number:
(2) Date of last refilling; and
(3) Date of last inspection.
(j) First-aid fire fighting equipment shall be placed on platforms or in cabinets or hanged from brackets in such a way that their bottom is 750 mm above the floor level. Fire buckets shall be placed on hooks attached to a suitable stand or wall in such a way that their bottom is 750 mm above the floor level. Such equipment if placed outside the building, shall be under shades or covers.
(k) All extinguishers shall be thoroughly cleaned and recharged immediately after discharge. Sufficient refill material shall be kept readily available for this purpose at all times.
(l) All first-aid fire fighting equipment shall be subjected to routine maintenance, inspection, and testing to be carried out by properly trained persons. Periodicity of the routine maintenance, inspection and test shall conform to the relevant Indian Standards.
(12) Other fire fighting arrangements.-
(a) In every factory, adequate provision of water supply for fire fighting shall be made and where the amount of water required in litres per minute, as calculated from the formula A + B + C + D divided by 20 is 550 or more, power driven trailer pumps of adequate capacity to meet the requirement of water as calculated above shall be provided and maintained.
In the above formula - A = the total area in sq.m of all floors including galleries in all buildings of the factory;
B = the total area in sq.m of all floors and galleries including open spaces in which combustible Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996
Rule 42 material are handled or stored;
C = the total area in sq.m of all floors over 15 m above ground level; and D = the total area in sq.m of all floors of all buildings other than those of fire resisting construction:
Provided that in areas where the fire risk involved does not require use of water, such areas under B,C or D may, for the purpose of calculation, be halved: Provided further that where the areas under B, C or D are protected by permanent automatic fire fighting installations approved by any fire association or fire insurance company such areas may, for the purpose of calculation, be halved: Provided also that where the factory is situated at not more than 3 km from an established city or town fire service, the pumping capacity based on the amount of water arrived at by the formula above may be reduced by 25%; but no account shall be taken of this reduction in calculating water supply required under
(b) Each trailer pump shall be provided with equipment as per Schedule II to this rule. Such equipment shall conform to the relevant Indian Standards.
(c) Trailer pumps shall be housed in a separate shed or sheds which shall be sited close to a principal source of water supply in the vicinity of the main risks of the factory.
(d) In factories where the area is such as cannot be reached by man-hauling of trailer pumps within reasonable time vehicles with towing attachment shall be provided at the scale of one for every four trailer pumps with a minimum of one such vehicle kept available at all times.
(e) Water supply shall be provided to give flow of water as required under clause (a) for at least 100 minutes. At least 50% of this water supply or 450,000 litres whichever is less, shall be in the form of static tanks of adequate capacities (not less than, 45,000 litres each) distributed round the factory with due regard to the potential fire risks in the factory, where piped supply is provided the size of the main shall not be less than 15 cm. diameter and it shall be capable of supplying a minimum of 4500 litres per minute at a pressure of not less than 700 kPa
(f) All trailer pumps including the equipment provided with them and the vehicles for towing them shall be maintained in good condition and subjected to periodical inspection and testing as Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996
Rule 42 required.
(13) Personnel in charge of equipment and for fire fighting, fire drills, etc.-
(a) The first-aid and other fire fighting equipment to be provided as required in sub- rules(11) and (12) shall be in charge of a trained responsible person.
(b) Sufficient number of persons shall be trained in the proper handling of fire fighting equipment as referred to in clause (a) and their use against the types of fire for which they are intended to ensure that adequate number of persons are available for fire fighting both by means of first-aid fire fighting equipment and others. Wherever vehicles with towing attachment are to be provided as required in clause (d) of sub- rule (12) sufficient number of persons shall be trained in driving these vehicles to ensure that trained persons are available for driving them whenever the need arises.
(c) Fire fighting drills shall be held as often as necessary & at least once in every period of two months.
(14) Adequate number of automatic sprinklers and fire hydrants shall be provided, in addition, and not in substitution of the requirements in sub-rules (11) and (12).
(15) If the Competent Authority is satisfied in respect of any factory or any part of the factory that owing to the exceptional circumstances such as inadequacy of water supply or infrequency of the manufacturing process or for any other reason, to be recorded in writing, all or any of the requirements of the rules are impracticable or not necessary for the protection of workers, it may by order in writing (which it may at its discretion revoke)exempt such factory or part of the factory from all or any of the provisions of the rules subject to conditions as it may by such order prescribe. Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996
Rule 42(Sch.I)
SCHEDULE I
First Aid Fire Fighting Equipments
1. The different type of fires and first aid fire fighting equipments suitable for use on them are as under:
Class of Fire Suitable type of Appliances A. Fires in ordinary combustibles (wood, vegetable fibres, paper & the like) Chemical Extinguishers of Soda-acid, Gas/expelled Water and anti-freeze types and water buckets.
B. Fires in flammable liquids, paints, grease, solvents and the like Chemical Extinguishers of foam, Carbon dioxide and dry powder types and sand buckets C. Fires in gaseous substances under pressure Chemical Extinguishers of carbon dioxide and dry powder types D. Fires in Reactive Chemicals, active metals and the like Special type of dry powder extinguishers and sand buckets E. Fires in electrical equipments Chemical extinguishers of carbon dioxide and dry Powder type & sand buckets
2. One 9 litres water bucket shall be provided for every 100 sq.m. of the floor area or part thereof and one 9 litres water type extinguisher shall be provided to six buckets or part thereof with a minimum of one extinguisher and two buckets per compartment of the building. Buckets may be dispensed with, provided supply of extinguishers is double that indicated above.
3. Acceptable replacements for Water buckets and water type extinguishers in occupancies where Class B fires are anticipated, are as under:
Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996
Rule 42 (Sch.I) Buckets of water Water type Extinguishers Acceptable Replacements For one bucket For three buckets For each 9 ltrs.(or 2 gallons) Extinguishers 1 2-a 2-b 3 Dry sand 1 bucket 3 buckets - Carbondioxide Extinguishers (In not less than 2 extinguishers) (In one or more extinguishers) Foam extinguishers 9 litres(or 2 gallons) 9 litres (or 2 gallons) 9 litres (or 2 gallons)
4. The following provisions shall be complied with where Class E fires are anticipated:
(a) For rooms containing electrical transformers, switchgears, motors and/or other electrical apparatus only, not less than two kg. Dry Powder or Carbon Dioxide type extinguishers shall be provided within 15 m. of the apparatus.
(b) Where motors and/or other electrical equipment are installed in rooms other than these containing such equipment only, one 5 kg. Dry Powder or Carbon Dioxide Extinguisher shall be installed within 15 m. of such equipment in addition to the requirements mentioned at (3) and (4) above. For this purpose the same extinguisher may be deemed to afford protection to all apparatus within 15 m. thereof.
(c) Where electrical meters are installed on platforms, one 2 kg. Dry Powder or Carbon Dioxide type extinguisher shall be provided on or below each platform. In case of a long platform with a number of motors, one extinguisher shall be acceptable as adequate for every 3 motors on the common platform. The above requirements will be in addition to the requirements mentioned at item (3) & (4) above.
Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996
Rule 42 (Sch.I-II)
5. The first aid fire fighting equipments shall be so distributed over the entire floor area that a person has to travel not more than 15 m. to reach the nearest equipment.
6. Selection of sites for the installation of first aid fire fighting equipments -
(a) While selecting sites for first aid fire fighting equipments, due consideration shall be given to the nature of the risk to be covered. The equipments shall be placed in conspicuous positions and shall be readily accessible for immediate use in all parts of the occupancy. It should always be borne in mind while selecting sites that first aid fire fighting equipments are intended only for use on incipient fires and their values may be negligible if the fire is not extinguished or brought under control in the early stages.
(b) Buckets and extinguishers shall be placed at convenient and easily accessible locations either on hangers or on stands in such a way that their bottom is 750 mm. above the floor level.
7. The operating instructions of the extinguishers shall not be defaced or obliterated. In case the operating instructions are obliterated or have become illegible due to passage of time, fresh transfers of the same shall be obtained from the manufacturers of the equipments and affixed to the extinguishers.
SCHEDULE II
EQUIPMENT TO BE PROVIDED WITH TRAILER PUMP
For light trailer pump of capacity of 680 ltrs./min.
Type of equipment Nos.
Armoured suction hose of 9 meters length, with wrenches. 1 Metal suction strainer. 1 Basket strainer. 1 Two-way suction collecting-head. 1 Suction adaptor. 1 Unlined or rubber lined 70 mm delivery hose of 25 meters length complete with quick-release couplings.
Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996
Rule 42 (Sch.II) Dividing breaching-piece. 1 Branch-piece with 15 mm nozzles. 2 Diffuser nozzle. 1 Standpipe with blank cap. 1 Hydrant key. 1 Collapsible canvas buckets. 4 Fire hook preventor with cutting edge. 1 25 mm manila rope of 30 meters length. 1 Extension ladder of 3 m (where necessary) 1 Heavy axe. 1 Spade. 1 Pick axe. 1 Crowbar. 1 Saw. 1 Hurricane lamp. 1 Electric torch. 1 Pair of rubber gloves. 1 For large trailer pump of a capacity of 1800 litres/minute Type of equipment Nos.
Armoured suction hose of 9 meters length, with wrenches. 1 Metal strainer. 1 Basket strainer. 1 Three-way suction collecting-head. 1 Suction adaptor. 1 Unlined or rubber lined 70 mm delivery hose of Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996 Rules 42(Sch.II)-43 25 meters length complete with quick-release couplings. 14 Dividing breaching-piece. 1 Collecting breaching-piece. 1 Branch pipes with one 25 mm, two 20 mm and one diffuser nozzles. 4 Stand pipe with blank caps. 2 Hydrant keys. 2 Collapsible canvas buckets 6 Coiling hook (preventor) with cutting edge. 1 50 mm manila rope of 30 meters length. 1 Extension ladder of 9 meters length (where necessary). 1 Heavy axe. 1 Spade. 1 Pick axe. 1 Crowbar. 1 Saw. 1 Hurricane lamp. 1 Electric torch. 1 Pair of rubber gloves. 1 Note:- If it appears to the Competent Authority that in any factory the provision of breathing apparatus is necessary it may by order in writing require the occupier to provide suitable breathing apparatus in addition to the equipment for light trailer pump or large trailer pump as the case may be.
43. SAFETY OFFICERS AND STAFF.-
(1) Number of safety officers.- Competent Authority shall notify the number of safety officers & staff required for any particular factory.
(2) Duties of safety officers.- The duties of safety officers shall be to advise and assist the management in the fulfillment of its obligations, statutory or otherwise, concerning prevention of Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996
Rule 43 personal injuries and maintaining a safe working environment. These duties shall include the following, namely:-
(a) to advise the concerned departments in planning and organising measures necessary for the effective control of personal injuries;
(b) to advise on safety aspects in all job studies, and to carry out detailed job safety studies of selected jobs;
(c) to check and evaluate the effectiveness of the action taken or proposed to be taken to prevent personal injuries.
(d) to ensure that all Personal Protective Equipment provided to workers as required under any of the provisions of the Act or the Rules conform to the relevant Indian Standards.
(e) to provide advice on matters related to carrying out plant safety inspections;
(f) to carry out plant safety inspections in order to observe the physical conditions or work and the work practices and procedures followed by workers and to render advice on measures to be adopted for removing the unsafe physical conditions and preventing unsafe actions by workers;
(g) to render advice on matters related to reporting and investigation of industrial accidents and diseases;
(h) to investigate selected accidents;
(i) to investigate the cases of industrial diseases contracted and reportable dangerous occurrences.
(j) to advise on the maintenance of such records as are necessary relating to accidents, dangerous occurrences and industrial diseases;
(k) to promote setting up of safety committee and act as adviser and catalyst to such committees;
(l) to organise in association with the concerned departments, campaigns, competitions, contests and other activities which will develop and maintain the interest of the workers in establishing and maintaining safe conditions of work and procedures; and
(m) to design and conduct either independently or in collaboration with the training department, suitable training and educational programme for the prevention of personal injuries.
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Rule 43
(3) Facilities to be provided to Safety Officers.- The occupier of the factory shall provide each Safety Officer with such facilities, equipment & information as are necessary to enable him to discharge his duties effectively.
(4) Prohibition Of Performance Of Other Duties.- No Safety Officer shall be required or permitted to do any work which is inconsistent with or detrimental to the performance of the duties prescribed in sub-rule (2).
(5) Qualifications.-
(a) A person shall not be eligible for appointment as a Safety Officer unless he
(i) possesses-
(1) a recognised degree or equivalent in any branch of engineering or technology and has had practical experience of working in a factory in a supervisory capacity for a period of not less than 2 years; or
(2) a recognised degree in physics or chemistry and has had practical experience of working in a factory in a supervisory capacity for a period of not less than 5 years; or
(3) a recognised diploma or equivalent in any branch of engineering or technology and has had practical experience of working in a factory in a supervisory capacity for a period of not less than 5 years;
(ii) possesses a degree or diploma in industrial safety recognised by the Central / State Government in this behalf; and
(iii) has adequate knowledge of the language spoken by majority of the workers in the region in which the factory where he is to be appointed is situated.
(b) Notwithstanding the provisions contained in clause (a), any person who -
(i) possesses a recognised degree or diploma in engineering or technology and has had experience of not less than five(5) years in a department of the Central or State Government which deals with the administration of the Factories Act, 1948 or the Dock Workers(Safety, Health and Welfare) Act, 1986 (54 of 1986) or
(ii) possesses a recognised degree or diploma in engineering or technology and has had experience of not less than 5 years, full time, on training, education, consultancy, or research in the field of accident prevention in industry or in any institution;
Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996 Rules 43-44 shall also be eligible for appointment as a Safety Officer:
Provided that the competent authority may, subject to such conditions as it may specify, grant exemption from the requirements of this sub-rule, if in its opinion, a suitable person possessing the necessary qualifications and experience is not available for appointment:
Provided further that, in the case of a person who has been working as a safety officer for a period of not less than 3 years on the date of commencement of this rule, the Competent Authority may, subject to such conditions as it may specify, relax all or any of the above said qualifications.
(6) Conditions Of Service-
(a) Where the number of Safety Officers to be appointed in a factory exceeds one, one of them shall be designated as the Chief Safety Officer and shall have a status higher than that of the others. The Chief Safety Officer shall be in overall charge of the safety functions as envisaged in sub-rule (2), the other Safety Officers working under his control.
(b) The Chief Safety Officer or the Safety Officer in the case of factories where only one Safety Officer is required to be appointed, shall be given the status of a senior executive and he shall work directly under the control of the Manager of the factory. All other Safety Officers shall be given appropriate status to enable them to discharge their functions effectively.
(c) The scale of pay and the allowances to be granted to the Safety Officers including the Chief Safety Officer, and the other conditions of their service shall be the same as those of the other officers of corresponding status in the factory.
(d) No Safety Officer shall be forcibly transferred or removed from service without prior intimation to the competent authority.
44. SAFETY ORGANISATION FOR THE FACTORY.-
(1) General - Manager of the factory shall not rest satisfied with mere compliance with sections & rules of various Acts & Rules. He shall promote health & safety in his factory by enlisting cooperation of all the employees so that safety culture is created. Towards this he shall appoint Factory level and section level Safety Committees. In addition the corporate offices of the factories shall establish a safety and environmental control section to liase with the Competent Authority and carry out safety audit.
(a) Factory Level Safety Committee:-This is the apex safety body of the factory. The manager of the factory Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996
Rule 44 shall be the Chairman of this committee with chief safety officer as member secretary. All section heads and two representatives of workers with adequate knowledge of health & safety at their works will be the members of this committee. The committee will meet once in three months & discuss the overall aspects of health & safety and formulate programmes for promotion of safety & health. The committee will also review the reports of Sectional Safety Committees. The other duties will be the same as listed under Duties of Safety Committees.
(b) Sectional Level Safety Committees:-The sectional head shall be the chairman of this committee and one of the Safety Officers or his nominee shall be the member secretary. An equal number of representatives of supervisors and workers from the section with adequate knowledge of health & safety at their work shall be the members of this committee. The committee shall meet once in a month and discuss & analyse the safety performance of the section & set a goal for the next month. The committee shall invite suggestions from employees & discuss these in the meeting & take appropriate action. Suggestions & actions taken thereon shall be put on the safety notice board.
(2) Duties of the Safety Committee.- The main job of the safety committee is to ensure health & safety of all employees and the neighbourhood and towards this the committee shall-
(a) see that all the provisions of relevant Acts & Rules are conformed to.
(b) assess the potential hazards and dangerous occurrences at the work place and examine the effectiveness of the Safety & Control measures.
(c) see that the processes for the manufacture of the main products and for the disposal of gaseous, liquid & solid effluents are safe to ensure conformance to the Environmental Protection Act, 1986.
(d) see that a well documented safety programme exists.
(e) see that a work permit system exists for handling of hazardous materials and working-
(i) at hazardous locations such as at height;
(ii) near electrical installations and high pressure and enthalpy area;
(iii) with flammable and toxic materials; and Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996 Rules 44-45
(iv) under high noise environment.
(f) see that the work environment and the neighbourhood is monitored for physical, chemical & biological agents & see that the limits specified by the Acts & Competent Authority are not exceeded any time.
(g) see that all employees are informed of the hazards involved in their work & are provided with adequate protective equipments.
(h) see that a detailed schedule for periodic calibration & preventive maintenance of all the machinery & equipments is being implemented.
(i) see that periodic medical examination of all employees is carried out to the extent required as per the work environment.
(j) discuss accidents & dangerous occurrences at the work place and examine causes of accidents & suggest to the management necessary improvements.
(k) organise safety circles in the unit for developing safety culture.
(l) investigate complaints received from any quarter about the risks or dangers.
(m) promote safety & health by organising accident prevention programs, campaigns, & meets.
45. PLANNING OF BUILDING CONSTRUCTION & ROADS,SIDEWALKS.-
(1) General.- All constructions shall conform to National Building Code of Indian Standards Institution now Bureau of Indian Standards.*
(2) Means of access for industrial buildings.-
(a) Means of access for industrial buildings & those buildings which attract large crowd shall be adequate.
* Note-The Code covers aspects of administrative regulations, development control rules & general building & fire protection requirements; rules for design of electrical, etc. installations; regulation for ventilation etc. & plumbing services; measures to ensure safety of workers & public during construction etc.
Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996 Rules 45-46 The length of the main access shall be determined by the distance from the farthest building to the public street. The length of the subsidiary accessories shall be measured from the point of its' origin to the next wider road on which it meets.
(b) Pathways: The approach to the buildings from road/street/internal means of access shall be adequate and through paved pathways.
(c) Intersection of Roads: For intersection junction of roads meeting at right angles as well as other than right angles, the rounding off or cut off or splay or similar treatment shall be done, depending upon the width of the roads, traffic, sighting angle etc. to provide clear sight distance.
(d) Speed Breakers & Pedestrian Passage: Speed breakers shall be provided on all roads which lead to main road near the junction. The pedestrian crossings shall be marked.
(e) Sign Boards & Signs: Sign boards displaying information on maximum permissible speeds and appropriate road signs wherever required shall be provided. The maximum permissible speed on internal roads shall be decided by the manager of the factory depending on the traffic, size and number of vehicles, number of persons working in a particular building etc. The sign boards, road signs & pedestrian crossings shall be of fluorescent paint. The speed limit on various roads shall be decided by the factory manager.
(3) Guarding of pits, sumps, trenches, manholes etc.-Pits, sumps, trenches, manholes and any other openings in the wall or floor shall be adequately covered or guarded. these shall be periodically checked and record maintained.
46. CONSTRUCTION & ERECTION.-Manager shall take appropriate measures with the approval of the Inspector to minimise the effects of occupational hazards arising out of animals, reptiles, rodents, poisonous plants and weeds, weather conditions and living conditions.
(1) General.-
(a) Site preparation - While preparing the site for construction, bush and other wood, debris, etc, shall be removed and promptly disposed of so as to minimize the attendant hazards.
Temporary buildings for construction offices and storage shall be so located as to cause the minimum fire hazards and shall be constructed from non-combustible materials as far as practicable.
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Rule 46
(b) Access for Fire Fighting Equipment & Vehicles - Access for fire fighting equipment shall be provided to the construction site at the start of construction and maintained until all construction work is completed:
(i) Free access from the street to fire hydrants/static water tanks, where available, shall be provided and maintained at all times;
(ii) No materials for construction shall be placed within 3m of hydrants/static water tanks; and
(iii) During building operations, free access to permanent, temporary or portable first-aid fire fighting equipment shall be maintained at all times.
(c) Access to the Upper Floors During Construction- In all buildings over two storeys high, at least one stairway shall be provided in usable condition at all times. This stairway shall be extended upward as each floor is completed. As far as possible, there shall be a handrail on the staircase.
(2) Storage, Stacking & Handling of Materials.-Construction of Plant and Building: Construction requires various kinds of materials such as cement; lime; masonary units; aggregate;. fly ash; timber; protective clothing; electrical fittings etc. These shall be stored and handled as per prevalent good practices & relevant national standards in order to ensure quality & quantity of materials used in the construction and safety of personnel handling these materials.
(3) Safety Requirements for Erection of Structural Steel Work.-
(a) Organization of Work - The agency responsible for erecting the steel work shall analyze the proposed erection scheme for safety. The erection scheme shall cover safety aspects right from the planning stage up to the actual execution of the work and make provision for personnel protective equipments.
(b) Safety of Men:
(i) General - Skilled workers trained in relevant jobs shall only be employed in jobs requiring skills.
(1) All personnel protective equipments like helmets, goggles, safety shoes, gloves, aprons etc. shall be suitable for the job & shall conform to relevant Indian Standards.
(2) When the work is in progress, the area shall be cordoned off by barricades to structural components, or falling into excavated trenches or getting injured by falling objects.
Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996
Rule 46
(3) Warning signs shall be displayed where necessary to indicate hazards, for example (a) '440 VOLTS', (b) 'DO NOT SMOKE', (c) 'MEN WORKING AHEAD', etc.
(4) All electrically operated hand tools shall be provided with proper earthing.
(5) Hand lamps shall be of low voltage preferably 24 V to prevent electrical hazards.
(ii) Anchors for guys or ties shall be checked for proper placement. The weight of concrete in which the anchors are embedded shall be checked for uplift and sliding:
(1) Split-end eye anchors shall only be used in good, solid rock.
(2) The first load lifted by a guy derrick shall be kept at a small height for about 10 minutes and the anchors immediately inspected for any signs or indications of failure.
(3) When a number of trusses or deep girders are loaded in one car or on one truck, all but one being lifted shall be tied back unless they have been tied or braced to prevent their falling over and endangering men unloading.
(4) The erection gang shall have adequate supply of bolts, washers, rivets, pins, etc. of correct size. Enough number of bolts shall be used in connecting each piece using a minimum of two bolts in a pattern to ensure that the joint will not fail due to dead load and erection loads.
All splice connections in columns, crane girders, etc., shall be completely bolted or riveted or welded as specified in the drawing before erection.
(5) Safety belts shall always be provided & used for working at heights. The ropes shall be chemically treated to resist dew and rotting. These shall not be tied on sharp edges of steel structures. They shall be tied generally not more than 2 to 3 m. away from the belt.
(6) On a guy derrick or climbing crane job, the tool boxes used by the erection staff shall be moved to the new working floor each time the rig is changed. On a mobile crane job, the boxes shall be moved as soon as the crane starts operating in a new area too far away for the men to reach the boxes conveniently.
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(7) Baskets or containers to hold small materials such as bolts and drift pins shall be provided to men working on floats or scaffolds. Men shall be trained to use such containers, and to keep small tools gathered up and put away in tool boxes when not in use. Material shall not be dumped overboard when a scaffold is to be moved. Rivet heaters shall have safe containers or buckets for hot rivets left over at the end of the day.
(8) During the erection of tall buildings, nylon nets at a height of 3 to 4 m. shall be provided to ensure safety of men if there is a fall from heights.
In case of industrial buildings the height of which is in excess of 4 m a temporary strong net shall be provided below the roof, at a height of 3 m to 4 m above the floor, over which workers are working.
(9) Safety Against Fire - A fire protection procedure shall be set up if there is to be any flame cutting, burning, heating, riveting or any operation that could start a fire. Following precautions shall be observed during welding and cutting operations.
(a) The workers shall be instructed not to throw objects like hot rivets, cigarette stubs, etc, around.
(b) Sufficient number of fire extinguishers, preferably of soda acid type shall be placed at strategic points. Extinguishers shall always be placed in cranes, hoists, compressors and similar places. Where electrical equipments are involved, CO2 or dry powder extinguishers shall be provided.
(10) Riding on a load, tackle or runner shall be prohibited.
(11) The load shall never be allowed to rest on wire ropes. Ropes in operation shall not be touched. Wire ropes/manila ropes conforming to acceptable standards shall be used for guying.
(12) Lifting Appliances - Necessary precautions as laid down in rule 37 shall be followed.
(c) Safety of Structure: General -The structure itself shall be safeguarded during its erection & erection of columns shall be immediately followed by vertical bracing between columns before the roof structure is erected.
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(4) Excavation.-
(a) Excavation shall be planned in advance so that hazards due to falling and things falling are avoided. Accident prevention measures shall be adopted and effectively carried out on each job because of inherent dangers.
(b) Underground utilities such as water mains, drainage lines, electrical cables, gas lines etc. shall be located and protected wherever necessary.
(c) Adequate measures shall be taken to prevent dislodgement of loose or unstable earth, rock or other material from falling into the excavation by proper timbering.
(d) Cutting shall be done from top to bottom. Under no circumstances undermining or undercutting shall be done.
(e) No excavation below the level of any foundation of a building or structure (if the excavation is liable to effect the building) shall be commenced unless adequate shoring has been provided to prevent any danger to the building.
(f) In every excavation work along sloping ground, sides and slopes of ground shall be maintained in a safe condition by scaling, benching or barricading. Loose earth and loose rock shall be scaled continuously. To ensure safety of workers engaged on such work, each worker shall be provided with safety belt attached to a safety line. On steep slopes workers shall not be permitted to work one above the other. All such scaling work shall be done under good supervision.
(g) All trenches, 120 cm or more in depth, shall at all times be supplied with at least one ladder for each 30 meters in length or fraction thereof. Ladder shall be extended from bottom of the trench to at least one metre above the surface of the ground.
(h) Every accessible part on an excavation or an opening in the ground into which a person is liable to fall vertically through a height of 2 meters, shall be barricaded to a height of one metre.
(i) Measures shall be taken to prevent spectators and other workmen who are not engaged in excavation work, from approaching excavation areas by placing warning signals etc. near the site of the excavation. Provisions shall also be made to prevent animals from falling into excavation areas.
(5) Shoring.-
(a) Additional precautions by way of shoring and bracing shall be taken to prevent slides, slips or caveins when excavations or trenches are made in locations subject to vibrations from railway or road traffic, the operation of Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996
Rule 46 machinery or any other source of vibration.
(b) Excavations over 1.2 m in depth, unless in solid rock or hard soil shall be shored and braced or sloped to the angle of repose of the material when consolidated. All shoring and bracing shall extend to the bottom of the excavation when necessary.
(c) Materials used for bracing, shoring etc. shall be in good serviceable condition and timbers shall be sound and free from large and loose knots.
(d) No person shall work in an excavation shaft, earth work of tunnel unless all timbering or planks used therein has been inspected by a competent person before the commencement of the work.
(6) Night work.-
(a) Excavated areas shall be adequately lighted up for night work.
(b) During night, a red danger light shall be displayed at a conspicuous place near the excavation site to warn approaching traffic and men.
(7) Disposal of soil.- The excavated material shall be dumped sufficiently away from the edge of the excavated trench to avoid the excavated material slipping and falling into the trench. The excavated materials and any other material or load shall not be dumped or placed within 1.5m of the edges of the trench or half of the depth of the trench whichever is more.
(8) Scaffolding.-
(a) Suitable scaffolds shall be provided for workmen for all works that cannot be done safely from the ground.
(b) All the members of a scaffold such as planks, braces, vertical supports, horizontal supports shall be of sound material, good construction and of adequate strength. They shall be properly maintained.
(c) No plank shall be kept loose so that levering of the plank is avoided. Nails of proper size shall be used for construction of scaffolds in sufficient numbers and driven fully in.
(d) Scaffolding or staging more than 3.5 metres above the ground floor swung or suspended from an overhead support or erected with stationary support shall have a guard rail properly attached, bolted, braced and otherwise secured at least one metre high above the floor or platform of such scaffolding or staging and extending along the entire length of the outside and ends thereof with only such opening as may be necessary for the delivery of materials. Such scaffolding or staging shall be so Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996
Rule 46 fastened as to prevent it from swaying from the building or structure.
(e) On unprotected scaffolds at high elevations the men must wear life belts suitably anchored to some substantial part of the structure.
(f) Side screens shall be provided on scaffold erected along passageways.
(g) The platform of a suspended scaffold shall not be less than 45 cm. wide and points of suspension not more than 3 m apart and so arranged, that, at the working position, the edge is as close as practicable to the working face when persons have to work in a sitting position. Suspended scaffolds shall be tested as before use to ensure that minimum safety factors are maintained. The test will be made by raising the working surface 30 cm. above the ground and loading it with at least three times the maximum weight that will be imposed upon it.
(h) A safe and convenient means of access shall be provided to the platform or scaffold. Means of access may be a portable ladder, fixed ladder, ramp or a stairway. The use of cross braces or frame work as means of access to the working surface shall not be permitted.
(i) All scaffolds, before use, shall be examined by the engineer in charge.
(j) Every working place and approach thereto, every place where raising or lowering operations with the use of lifting appliance are in progress and all openings dangerous to persons employed shall be adequately and suitably lighted.
(k) During dismantling of scaffolds necessary precautions shall be taken to prevent injury to persons due to fall of loose materials.
(l) Bracings and other members of the scaffolds shall not be removed prematurely while dismantling the entire scaffold which shall be maintained stable and rigid so as to avoid the danger of collapse.
(m) Care shall be taken to see that no uninsulated electric wire exists within 3 metres of the working platform, gangways, runs, etc. of the scaffold.
(n) Good house-keeping shall be maintained at all times upon scaffolds, platforms and ramps. Excessive storage of materials thereon shall be avoided. Care must be taken to avoid accumulation of small objects such as tools, pieces of Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996
Rule 46 reinforcing steel, waste concrete, which may easily be disturbed or knocked off. Hand rails shall be kept in good repair and securely nailed or otherwise fastened down. Scaffold shall be cleared of tools, materials and rubbish at the end of each working day/shift.
(9) PLATFORMS.- The following minimum width of platforms are recommended for various types of works, namely:-
(a) Where platform is not more than 2 m above the ground or solid floor:
(i) For painters, decorators and similar workmen ... ... 30 cm.
(ii) For other types (Men and tools only) ... ... ... 50 cm.
(b) Where platform is more than 2 m above the ground or solid floor:
(i) For men, tools and materials ... ... . 120 cm.
(ii) For men, tools, materials and vehicles such as wheel barrows ... ... 150 cm.
(10) GANGWAYS & RUNS.-
(a) Undue or unequal sagging shall be avoided from all planks forming a gangway or run by suitably supporting them. The slope of all gangways or runs shall be restricted to 1 vertical and 12 horizontal.
(b) Where the slope of the gangway or run renders additional foothold necessary, and in every case where the slope is more than 1 in 12, there shall be provided proper stepping laths which shall-
(i) have a minimum section of 50 x 30 mm and be placed at maximum interval of 45 cm.; and
(ii) be of the full width of the gangway or run except that they may be interrupted over a width of not more than 10 cm to facilitate the movement of barrows.
(11) CONCRETE PLACEMENT.-
(a) All workers handling cement & mortar shall be provided with protective gear.
(b) Concrete buckets for use with cranes shall be constructed without flanges or projections that may collect concrete which might be dislodged and fall on workmen. Buckets shall be provided with proper dumping mechanism. Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996 Rules 46-50
(c) A man shall be specially employed as signalman to watch the movement of the bucket and warn the crew and vibrator operators of the approaching bucket so that all workers may clear out of the area affected by the bucket. Signalman shall be so stationed in a safe place that they can see the entire area where concrete is being placed.
(12) Work in open areas and specially at height shall be stopped under adverse weather conditions such as strong winds, snowfall, rainfall and under any other conditions specified by Safety Officer/Inspector.
47. TEMPORARY ELECTRICAL WIRING.-
(1) Frayed and / or bare wires shall not be used for temporary electrical connections during construction. All temporary wiring shall be installed and supervised by a competent electrician. Adequate protection shall be provided for all electrical wiring laid on floor which may have to be crossed over by construction machinery or by the workmen. All flexible wiring connecting the electrical appliances shall have adequate mechanical strength and shall preferably be enclosed in a flexible metal sheath. Overhead wires/cables shall be so laid that they leave adequate head room. Clearance for the above shall be obtained from the competent person.
(2) All electrical circuits, other than those required for illumination of the site at night, shall be switched off at the close of day's work. The main switch board from which connections are taken for lighting, power operated machinery, etc, shall be located in an easily accessible and prominent place. No article of clothing nor stores shall be kept at the back of or over the board or anywhere near it. One 3-kg/4.5-kg CO2 extinguisher or one 5-kg dry powder extinguisher shall be provided near the switch board.
48. BUILDINGS & STRUCTURES.- No building, wall, chimney, bridge, tunnel, road, gallery, stairway, ramp, floor, platform, staging, or other structure, whether of a permanent or temporary character, shall be constructed, situated or maintained in any factory in such a manner as to cause risk of bodily injury.
49. MACHINERY AND PLANT.- No machinery, plant or equipment shall be constructed, situated, operated or maintained in any factory in such a manner as to cause risk of bodily injury or adverse effect on health. The Safety Officer shall have authority to stop the work if he finds that unsafe practices are being followed and/or unsafe conditions exist.
50. METHODS OF WORK.- No process or work shall be carried in any factory in such a manner as to cause risk of bodily injury. Schedule for Hand Tools & Portable Power Tools is given Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996
Rule 50(Sch.) below.
SCHEDULE
HAND TOOLS & PORTABLE POWER TOOLS
1. Hand tools:-
(a) Definition: Hand tool means any tool which is used without any external motive power.
(b) Hand tools shall be of good quality materials, conforming to relevant BIS standards and shall be used only for the job it is designed for. Non sparking tools such as that made of Beryllium Copper alloy shall be used for working in explosive areas.
(c) Workers shall be trained & instructed for proper use of tools such as files, hammers, hacksaws etc.
(d) Proper tool bags shall be provided to workers to carry the tools and not leaving them on floors, passages etc.
(e) Protective equipments such as gloves, goggles etc. shall be provided to and worn by the workers.
(f) The tools shall be inspected regularly, repaired and maintained.
2. Portable Power Tools.-
(a) Definition: Portable Power Tool means a tool powered by electric or pneumatic power, operated by a single operator and which is transportable from place to place.
(b) Portable power tools shall conform to the relevant BIS standards and shall be used for the job it is designed for. Starting switches shall be located at such places where accidental starting cannot take place.
(c) Electrically operated tools shall be used only with 3 core cable with proper earthing provided. This should be checked before use.
(d) Electrically operated tools shall not be used where flammable vapours, gases or dusts are present, unless they are specially designed for use in such environment.
(e) Proper guards shall be provided for tools such as grinders, saws etc. and operators shall be provided with personal protective equipments wherever required. Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996 Rules 50(Sch.)-52
(f) In case of pneumatic tools a short chain shall be provided for attaching the air hose and tools housings securely to prevent it from whipping in case of breaking of the coupling.
(g) Periodic inspection and maintenance shall be carried out for electrical insulation, earthing, integrity etc.
51. STACKING AND STORING OF MATERIALS, ETC.- No materials or equipment shall be stacked or stored in such a manner as to cause risk of bodily injury.
52. LADDERS.-
(1) Every ladder shall be of good construction, sound material and of adequate strength for the purpose for which it is used. The rungs shall be parallel, level and uniformly spaced at 30 cm.
(2) Ladders shall be inspected regularly and repaired immediately. No ladder with defective or missing rungs shall be used. Wooden ladders shall not be painted. For preserving the material from deterioration linseed oil or clear varnish shall be used.
(3) No portable single ladder shall be over 9 m in length while the width between side rails in rung ladder shall in no case be less than 28 cm for ladder up to and including 3 m in length. For longer ladders this width shall be increased at least 20 mm for each additional metre of length. Uniform step spacing shall not exceed 30 cm.
(4) All ladders with spreading bases such as step and trestle ladders shall be equipped with rigid spreads or some other means to prevent their premature opening or closing.
(5) Ladders shall be in a safe position before being climbed. The best angle for a ladder is 75 with the horizontal i.e., the distance of the base of the ladder from the wall, pole structure etc., as the case may be shall be 1/4th its length.
(6) A ladder shall be stored upon brackets and in sheltered locations.
(7) A ladder shall not be placed upon a box, barrel, or other movable insecure object and against a round or angular pillar such as pipe or narrow steel section etc.
(8) Two ladders must not be spliced together as far as possible. When it is inevitable they shall be tied together properly to ensure rigidity. Extra parallel members at the point of splicing may be added to each of the main members of the ladder. Two ladders shall not be spliced together to provide access to a greater height than when a single ladder is used. Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996 Rules 52-53
(9) Bamboo ladders shall be provided with twisted wire loops enclosing both longitudinal members to prevent them from opening outwards. However, such ladders where longitudinal members are reinforced with metal/wire loops shall not be used when working on electrical circuits.
(10) Metal ladders with insulating rubber shoes shall only be used for working with electrical lines or in places where they may come in contact with such wires.
(11) No worker shall work from a plank placed on the rungs of ladders.
(12) All permanently installed vertical ladders above a height of 3 m shall have manguards provided.
53. OVENS AND DRIERS.-
(1) Application - This rule shall apply to ovens and driers, except those used in laboratories or kitchens of any establishment and those which have a capacity below 325 litres.
(2) Definition:- For the purpose of this rule, "oven or drier" means any enclosed structure, receptacle, compartment or box which is used for baking, drying or otherwise processing of any article or substance at a temperature higher than the ambient temperature of the air in the room or space in which explosive mixture of air and a flammable substance is likely to be evolved within the enclosed structure, receptacle, compartment or box or part thereof on account of the article or substance which is baked, dried or otherwise processed within it.
(3) Separate electrical connection.- Electrical power supplied to every oven or drier shall be by means of a separate circuit provided with an isolation switch.
(4) Design, Construction, examination and testing.-
(a) Every oven or drier shall be properly designed on sound engineering practice and be of good construction, sound materials and adequate strength, free from any patent defects and safe if properly used.
(b) No oven or drier shall be taken into use in a factory for the first time unless a competent person has thoroughly examined all its parts and carried out the tests as are required to establish that the necessary safe systems and controls provided for safety in operation for the processes for which it is to be used and a certificate of such examination and tests signed by that competent person has been obtained and is kept available for inspection.
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(c) All parts of any oven or drier which has undergone any alteration or repair which has the effect of modifying any of the design characteristics, shall not be used unless a thorough examination and tests as have been mentioned in clause (b) has been carried out by a competent person and a certificate of such examination and tests signed by that competent person has been obtained and is kept available for inspection.
(5) Safety Ventilation.-
(a) Every oven or drier shall be provided with a positive and effective safety ventilation system using one or more motor-driven centrifugal fans so as to dilute any mixture of air and any flammable substance that may be formed within the oven or drier and maintain the concentration of the flammable substance in the air at a safe level of dilution.
(b) The safe level of dilution referred to in clause (a) shall be so as to achieve a concentration of the concerned flammable substance in air of not more than 25 percent of its lower explosive limit:
Provided that a level of concentration in air up to 50 percent of the lower explosive limit of the concerned flammable substance may be permitted to exist subject to installation and maintenance of an automatic device which -
(i) shows continuously the concentration of the flammable substances in air present in the oven or drier at any instant;
(ii) sounds an alarm when the concentration of the flammable substance in air in any part of the oven or drier reaches a level of 50 percent of its lower explosive limit; and
(iii) shuts down the heating system of the oven or drier automatically when the concentration in air of the flammable substance in any part of the oven or drier reaches a level of 60 percent of its lower explosive limit, is provided to the oven or drier and maintained in efficient working condition.
(c) No oven or drier shall be operated without its safety ventilation system working in an efficient manner.
(d) No oven or drier shall be operated with a level of dilution less than what is referred to in clause (b).
(e) Exhaust ducts of safety ventilation systems should be so designed and placed that their ducts discharge the mixture of air and flammable substance away from workrooms and not near windows Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996
Rule 53 or doors or other openings from where the mixture could re-enter the workrooms.
(f) The fresh air admitted into the oven or drier by means of the safety ventilation system shall be circulated adequately by means of circulating fan or fans through all parts of the oven or drier so as to ensure that there are no locations where the flammable substance can accumulate in the air or become pocketed to any dangerous degree.
(g) Throttling dampers in any safety ventilation system shall be so designed, by cutting away a portion of damper or otherwise, that the system shall handle at least the minimum ventilation rate required for safety when they are set in their maximum throttling position.
(6) Explosion panels.-
(a) Every oven or drier having an internal total space of not less than half cubic meter shall be provided with suitably designed explosion panels so as to allow release of the pressure of any possible explosion within the oven or drier through explosion vents. The area of openings to be provided by means of such vents together with the area of openings of any access doors which are provided with suitable arrangements for their release in case of any explosion, shall be not less than 2200 sq.cm. for every one cu.m. of volume of the oven or drier. The design of the explosion panels and doors as mentioned above shall be such as to secure their complete release under an internal pressure of 25 kPa (0.25 kg./sq.cm.).
(b) The explosion releasing panels, shall, as far as practicable, be situated at the roof of the oven or drier or at those portions of the walls where persons do not remain in connection with operation of the oven or drier.
(7) Interlocking arrangements.-In each oven or drier efficient inter-locking arrangements shall be provided and maintained to ensure that-
(a) all ventilating fans and circulating fans whose failure would adversely effect the ventilation rate or flow pattern, are in operation before any mechanical conveyor that may be provided for feeding the articles or substances to be processed in the oven or drier is put into operation;
(b) failure of any of the ventilating or circulating fans will automatically stop any conveyor as referred to in clause (i) as may be provided, as well as stop the fuel supply by closing the shut off valve and shut off the ignition in case of gas or oil fired ovens, and in the case of electrically heated ovens switch off the electrical supply to the heaters;
Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996
Rule 53
(c) the above said mechanical conveyor is set in operation before the above said shut off valve can be energized; and
(d) the failure of the above said conveyor will automatically close the above said shut off valve in the case of ovens and driers heated by gas, oil or steam and deactivate the ignition system, or cut off the electrical heaters in the case of electrically heated ovens or furnaces.
(8) Automatic preventilation.- Every oven or drier heated by oil, gas , steam or electricity shall be provided with an efficient arrangement for automatic preventilation consisting of at least 3 volume changes with fresh air by operation of the safety ventilation fans and the circulating fans (if used)so as to effect purging of the oven or drier of any mixture of air and a flammable substance before the heating system can be activated and before the conveyor can be placed in position.
(9) Temperature control.- Every oven or drier shall be provided with an automatic arrangement to ensure that the temperature within does not exceed a safe upper preset limit to be decided in respect of the particular processing being carried on.
(10) Multistage processes.- Wherever materials are to be processed in ovens or driers in successive operations, suitable arrangement shall be provided to ensure that the operating temperatures necessary for safe operation at each stage are maintained with the design limits.
(11) Combustible substances not to drip on electrical heaters or burner flames.- Effective arrangements shall be provided in every oven or drier to prevent dripping of combustible substances on electric heaters or burner flame used for heating.
(12) Periodical examination testing and maintenance.-
(a) All parts of every oven and drier shall be properly maintained and thoroughly examined and the various controls as mentioned in this rule and the working of the oven or drier tested at frequent intervals to ensure its safe operation by a competent person.
(b) A register shall be maintained in which the details of the various tests carried out from time to time under clause (a) shall be entered and every entry made shall be signed by the person doing the tests.
(13) Training of Operators.- No person shall be assigned any task connected with operation of any oven or drier unless he has completed 18 years of age and he is properly trained. Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996
Rule 54
54. REACTION VESSELS AND KETTLES.-
(1) This rule applies to reaction vessels and kettles, here in after referred to as reaction vessels, which normally work at a pressure not above the atmospheric pressure but in which there is likelihood of pressure being created above the atmospheric pressure due to reaction getting out of control or any other circumstances.
(2) In the event of the vessel being heated by electrical means, a suitable thermostatic control device shall be provided to prevent the temperature exceeding the safe limit.
(3) Where steam is used for heating purposes in a reaction vessel, it shall be supplied through a suitable pressure reducing valve or any other suitable automatic device to prevent the maximum permissible steam pressure being exceeded, unless the pressure of the steam in the supply line itself cannot exceed the said maximum permissible pressure.
(4) A suitable safety valve or rupture disc of adequate size and capacity shall be provided to effectively prevent the pressure being built up in the reaction vessel beyond the safe limit. Effective arrangements shall be made to ensure that the released gases, fumes, vapours, liquids or dusts, as the case may be, are led away and disposed of through suitable pipes without causing any hazard. Where flammable gases or vapours are likely to be vented out from the vessel, the discharge end shall be provided with a flame arrester.
(5) Every reaction vessel shall be provided with a pressure gauge having the appropriate range.
(6) In addition to the devices as mentioned in the foregoing provisions, means shall be provided for automatically stopping the feed into the vessel as soon as process conditions deviate from the normal limits to an extent which can be considered as dangerous.
(7) Wherever necessary, an effective system for cooling, flooding or blanketing shall be provided, for the purpose of controlling the reaction and process conditions within the safe limits of temperature and pressure.
(8) An automatic audio-visual warning device shall be provided for clear warning whenever process conditions exceed the preset limits. This device, wherever possible, shall be integrated with automatic process correction systems.
(9) A notice pointing out the possible circumstances in which pressures above atmospheric pressure may be built up in the reaction vessel, the dangers involved and the precautions to be taken by the operators shall be displayed at a conspicuous place Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996 Rules 54-56 near the vessel.
55. EXAMINATION OF EYE SIGHT OF CERTAIN WORKERS.-
(1) No person shall be employed to operate a crane, locomotive or fork-lift truck, or to give signals to a crane or locomotive operator unless his eyesight and colour vision have been examined and declared fit by a qualified ophthalmologist to work whether with or without the use of corrective glasses.
(2) The eye sight and colour vision of the person employed as referred to in clause 1 shall be examined at least once in every period of 12 months up to the age of 45 years and once in every 6 months beyond that age.
(3) Any fee payable for an examination of a person under this sub-rule shall be paid by the occupier and shall not be recoverable from that person.
(4) The record of examination or re-examination carried out as required under sub-rule 1. shall be maintained in Form-1.
56. RAILWAYS IN FACTORIES.-
(1) This rule shall apply to railways in the precincts of a factory which are not subject to the Railways Act, 1988.(59 of 1988)
(2) Gateways.- A gateway through which a railway track passes shall not be used for the general passage of workers into or out of a factory.
(3) Barriers and Turngates.-
(a) Where building or walls contain doors or gates which open to a railway track, a barrier about 1 m high shall be fixed parallel to and about 60 cm. away from the building or wall outside the opening and extending several metres beyond it at either end, so that any person passing out may become aware of the approaching train when his pace is checked at the barrier:
Provided that if the traffic on the nearest track is all in one direction the barrier shall be in the form of an "L" with the end of the short leg abutting on to the wall and the other end opening towards the approaching train.
(b) If the distance between wall and track cannot be made to accommodate such a barrier, the barrier or a turngate shall be placed at the inside of the opening.
(c) Where a footway passes close to a building or other obstruction as it approaches a railway track, a barrier or a turngate shall be fixed in such a manner that a person approaching the track is compelled to move away from the building Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996
Rule 56 or obstruction and thus obtain timely sight of an approaching locomotive or wagon.
(4) Crowds.-
(a) Workers' pay-windows, first-aid stations and other points where a crowd may collect shall not be placed near a railway track.
(b) At any time of the day when workers are starting or ending work, all railway traffic shall cease for not less than five minutes.
(5) Locomotives.-
(a) No locomotive shall be used in shunting operations unless it is in good working order.
(b) Every locomotive and tender shall be provided with efficient brakes, all of which shall be maintained in good working order. Brake shoes shall be examined at suitably fixed intervals and those that are worn out replaced at once.
(c) Water-gauge glasses of every locomotive, whatever its boiler pressure, shall be protected with substantial glass or metal screens.
(d) Suitable stops and hand-holds shall be provided at the corners of the locomotive for the use of shunters.
(e) Every locomotive crane shall be provided with lifting and jacking pads at the four corners of the locomotive for assisting in re-railing operation
(f) It shall be clearly indicated on every locomotive crane in English and in language understood by the majority of the workers in the factory, for what weight of load and at what radius the crane is safe.
(6) Wagons.-
(a) Every wagon (and passenger coach, if any ) shall be provided either with self- acting brakes capable of being applied continuously or with efficient hand brakes which shall be maintained in good working order. The hand brakes shall be capable of being applied by a person on the ground and fitted with a device for retaining them in the applied position.
(b) No wagon shall be kept standing within 3 metres of any authorised crossing.
(c) No wagon shall be moved with the help of crowbars or pinch bars.
(7) Riding on locomotive, wagon or other rolling stock.- No person shall be permitted to be upon (whether inside or outside)any locomotive, wagon or after rolling stock except Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996
Rule 56 where secure foothold and handhold are provided.
(8) Attention to brakes and doors.-
(a) No locomotive, wagon or other rolling stock shall be kept standing unless its brakes are firmly applied and, where it is on a gradient, without sufficient number of properly constructed scotches placed firmly in position.
(b) No train shall be set in motion until the shunting jamadar has satisfied himself that all wagon doors are securely fastened.
(9) Projecting loads and cranes.-
(a) If the load on a wagon projects beyond its length, a guard or dummy-truck shall be used beneath the projection.
(b) No loco-crane shall travel without load unless the jib is completely lowered and positioned in line with the track.
(c) When it is necessary for a loco-crane to travel with a load, the jib shall not be swung until the loco-crane has come to rest.
(10) Loose-shunting.- Loose-shunting shall be permitted only when it cannot be avoided. It shall never be performed on a wagon not accompanied by a man capable of applying and pinning down the brakes. A wagon not provided with brakes in good working order and capable of being easily pinned down shall not be loose-shunted unless there is attached to it at least another wagon with such brakes. Loose-shunting shall not be performed with, or against a wagon containing passengers, live-stock or explosives.
(11) Fly-shunting.- Fly-shunting shall not be permitted on any factory railway.
(12) The shunting jamadar.-
(a) Every locomotive or wagon in motion in a factory shall be in charge of a properly trained jamadar.
(b) Before authorising a locomotive or wagon to be moved, the shunting jamadar shall satisfy himself that no person is under or in-between or in front of the locomotive or wagon.
(13) Hand signals.- The hand signals used by the shunting jamadar by day and night shall be those prescribed by the shunting rules of railways, working under the Railways Act , 1988 (59 of 1988).
(14) Night work and fog.-
(a) In factories where persons work at night, no movement of locomotive, wagon or other rolling stock Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996
Rule 56 otherwise than by hand shall be permitted between sunset and sunrise unless the tracks and their vicinity are lighted on a scale of not less than 10 lux as measured at the horizontal plane at the ground level.
(b) In no circumstances shall any locomotive or train be moved between sunset and sunrise or at any time when there is fog, unless it carries a white head light and a red rear light.
(15) Speed control.-
(a) A locomotive or train shall not move at a speed greater than seven kilometres per hour.
(b) A train, locomotive, wagon or other rolling stock shall not be moved by mechanical or electrical power unless it is preceded at a distance of not less than 10 metres during the whole of its journey by a shunting jamadar. He shall be provided with signaling flags or lamp and whistle necessary for calling the attention of the driver.
(16) Tracks.-
(a) The distance,
(i) between tracks;
(ii) between tracks and buildings, blind walls or other structures; and
(iii) between tracks and materials deposited on the ground shall be respectively not less than :-
(1) from centre to centre of parallel tracks, the overall width of the widest wagon of that gauge plus twice the width of the door of such a wagon when opened directly outward plus metre.
(2) from a building or structure other than a loading platform to the centre of the nearest track, half the overall width of the widest wagon of the gauge, plus the width of its door when opened
(3) from material stacked or deposited alongside the track, on the ground or on a loading platform, to the centre of the nearest track, half the overall width of its door when opened directly outward, plus 1 m.
(b) Sleepers of a track shall be in level with the ground and at the crossings of the track with a road or walkway, the surface of the road or walkway shall be in level with the top of the rails.
(c) All track ends shall be equipped with buffer stops of adequate strength.
(d) Barriers of substantial construction shall be securely and permanently fixed across any doorway or gateway in a building Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996
Rule 56 or in a wall which conceals an approaching train from view, between the building and the tracks as prescribed in clause (a) of sub-rule (3).
(e) Where tracks are carried on a gantry or other elevation, a safe footway or footways with hand rails and toe-boards shall be provided at all positions where persons work or pass on foot; and where there is an opening in the stage of an elevated track for the dropping of material to a lower level, the position shall be adequately fenced or the opening itself provided with a grill through which a person cannot fall.
(f) All point levers shall have their movements parallel to, not across, the direction of the track.
(g) All loading platforms which are more than 60 cm. above the level of the ground on which the track is laid and more than 15 m. in length, shall be provided with stops at intervals not greater than 15 m. apart to enable the platform to be easily mounted from the track.
(h) Turn tables on plant railways shall be provided with locking devices which will prevent the tables from turning while locomotives or wagons are being run on or off the tables.
(i) Workers shall be prohibited from passing under, between or above railway wagons.
(17) Crossings.-
(a) At all crossings of a track with a road or walkway, danger or crossing signs and wherever reasonably practicable, blinking lights or alarm lights shall be provided. At all important crossings, manned gates or barriers or watchmen shall be provided. Swinging gates and barriers shall be secured against inadvertent opening or closing.
(b) All crossing, warning signs, gate and barriers shall be illuminated during hours of darkness.
(18) Duties of drivers and shunters.- It shall be the duty of every driver of a locomotive, or a shunter including a shunting jamadar, to report without delay to their superior any defect in permanent way, locomotive or rolling stock.
(19) The Competent Authority may by an order in writing exempt a factory or part of it from all or any of the provisions of this rule to such extent and on such conditions as it deems necessary.
Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996 Rules 57-59
57. QUALITY OF PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT.- All Personal Protective Equipment provided to workers as required under any of the provisions of the Act or the Rules shall conform to the relevant Indian Standards.
58. PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT.- The Inspector may, having regard to the nature of the hazards involved in work and process being carried out, order the occupier or the manager in writing to supply to the workers exposed to particular hazard any personal protective equipment as may be found necessary.
59. THERMIC FLUID HEATERS.-
(1) All heaters shall be of such construction that coils are removable for periodic cleaning, visual inspection and hydraulic test.
(2) Suitable arrangements shall be made for cooling the furnace effectively in case of power failure.
(3) Before restarting the furnace, it shall be effectively purged.
(4) Velocity of flow of the thermic fluid shall not be allowed to fall below the minimum recommended by the manufacturers while the heater is in operation.
(5) The thermic fluid shall be circulated in a closed circuit formation with an expansion cum deaerator tank. This tank shall be located outside the shed where the heater is installed.
(6) Every heater shall be provided with a Photo-resistor actuated audio-visual alarm to indicate flame failure and automatic burner cut off.
(7) The stack temperature monitor-cum-controller with audio- visual alarm shall be provided so as to warn the operator in case the outlet temperature exceeds the specified minimum.
(8) Where inspection doors are provided on the furnace they shall be interlocked with the burner itself so that they cannot be opened until burner is shut off and furnace is cooled sufficiently.
(9) All heaters shall also be provided with the following safety devices:-
(a) level control in the expansion tank;
(b) temperature control of thermic fluid;
(c) differential pressure switch on the outlet line of the Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996
Rule 59 heater tubes; and
(d) temperature control device for the fuel oil supply to the burner.
(10) All devices mentioned in sub-rule (9)shall have interlocking arrangement with burner so that in case of any predetermined limits being crossed the supply of fuel and air to burner shall automatically be cut-off.
(11) All safety interlocks when operated shall be indicated on the control panel of the heater by a suitable audio visual alarm.
(12) Every heater unit shall be provided as a standard accessory an arrangement for sniffing with low pressure steam or nitrogen for putting out the fire.
(13) Electric panel for the heater shall be located near the heater but not so close as to be exposed to spilling or leaking oil.
(14) The heater shall be located in a place segregated from other manufacturing activities.
(15) Explosion vent shall be so installed that release takes place at safe location.
(16) The heater oil shall be subjected to pressure test by competent person once at least in every 12 months. The test pressure shall not be less than twice the operating pressure.
(17) If repairs are carried out to the coil, it shall be tested before taking it into use.
(18) The thermic fluid shall conform to the specifications prescribed by the manufacturer and shall be tested by competent person for suitability at least once in every three months period. Such tests shall include test for acidity, suspended matter, ash contents, viscosity and flash point.
(19) Cleaning of the internal surface of the heater or soot and check up of refractory surface on the inside shall be carried out every month or as often as required depending upon working conditions. The coils shall be removed and surface of the coils cleaned thoroughly once at least in a period of six months. The burner, nozzles, oil filters and pumps shall be cleaned once a week during the period of use.
(20) A separate register containing the following information shall be maintained,- Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996 Rules 59-62
(a) weekly checks carried out confirming the effectiveness of the interlock;
(b) weekly checks confirming that all accessories are in good state of repairs; and
(c) information regarding fuel oil temperature, pressure, thermic fluid inlet/outlet pressure and temperature, fuel gas temperature, recorded at 4 hourly interval.
(21) The heater when in operation shall always be kept in charge of a trained operator.
60. RECORD KEEPING & ANNUAL REVIEW.-Each factory shall maintain a record of field equipment failures and Failure Mode, Effect & Criticality Analysis in prescribed Forms 7 & 8 respectively. This data and analysis shall be used for preparation of preventive maintenance schedules and prevention of potential hazards. In addition, the factory shall conduct an annual review of unusual occurrences and accidents occurred and submit the report to the Competent Authority.
61. COLOUR CODING OF SERVICE LINES.-
(1) Pipelines for water, air, oil and gases shall be colour coded as per Indian Standard: 2379-1963 & Indian Standard: 5-1978.
(2) Electrical conduit panels shall be colour coded as per Indian Standard: 375-1951 & Indian Standard: 5-1978.
62. HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS.- The occupier of every factory involving hazardous process shall fill the Form 9 entitled `Material Safety Data Sheet' and inform all employees of the factory, and the Competent Authority about the hazards involved. The Competent Authority may, on the basis of Material Safety Data Sheet mentioned above direct the Manager in writing to supply the workers exposed to particular hazard any necessary personal protective equipment conforming to relevant Indian Standards and prescribe the information and manner in which this information is to be passed on to the general public residing in the vicinity of the factory.
Atomic Energy Factory Rules, 1996
Rule 63
CHAPTER V
WELFARE
63. WASHING FACILITIES.-
(1) There shall be provided and maintained, in every factory for the use of employed persons adequate and suitable facilities for washing which shall include soap and nail brushes or other suitable means of cleaning and the facilities shall be conveniently accessible and shall be kept in a clean and orderly condition.
(2) Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing provisions, the washing facilities shall include-
(a) a trough with taps or jets at intervals of not less than 60 cm.; or
(b) wash basins with taps attached there to;or
(c) taps on stand-pipes; or
(d) showers controlled by taps; or
(e) circular troughs of fountain type:
Provided that the Inspector may having regard to the needs and habits of the workers, fix the proportion in which the aforementioned types of facilities shall be installed.
(3) (a) Every trough and basin shall have a smooth, impervious surface and shall be fitted with a waste-pipe and plug.
(b) The floor or ground under and in the immediate vicinity of every trough, tap, jet, wash- basin, stand-pipe, and shower shall be so laid or finished as to provide a smooth
Provisions this rule answers to
Read out of the instrument itself: an enabling provision is one it says it was made under, which is the power it rests on. The rest it names without resting on.
- Atomic Energy Act s. 23 Administration of Factories Act, 1948 — made under this
- Atomic Energy Act s. 30 Power to make rules — made under this
- Atomic Energy Act s. 2 Definitions and interpretation
- Atomic Energy Act s. 3 General powers of the Central Government
- Atomic Energy Act s. 8 Powers of entry and inspection
- Atomic Energy Act s. 10 Compulsory acquisition of rights to work minerals
- Atomic Energy Act s. 11 Compulsory acquisition of prescribed substances, minerals and plants
- Atomic Energy Act s. 21 Principles relating to payment of compensation
- Atomic Energy Act s. 28 Effect of other laws
- Atomic Energy Act s. 29 Protection of action taken in good faith
- Atomic Energy Act s. 31 Act binding on Government
Other instruments under the same Act
- The Atomic Energy (Amendment), Act, 2015(No.5 of 2016) dated 15.05.2023 Rule 2023
- Atomic Energy (Arbitration Procedure) Rules, 1983 Rule 2021
- Atomic Energy (Radiation Protection) Rules, 2004 Rule 2021
- Atomic Energy (Safe disposal of radioactive wastes) Rules, 1987 Rule 2021
- Atomic Energy (Working of the mines, minerals and handling of prescribed substances) Rules, 1984 Rule 2021
- Atomic Energy Amendment Act, 2015 Rule 2021
- Atomic Energy Radiation Processing of food and allied products rules 2012 Rule 2021
- Notification (July 15, 2005): w.r.t Rule 13 of Atomic Energy (Working of the mines, minerals and handling of prescribed sustances) Rules, 1984 Notification 2021
- Notification 2865 Mumbai 26.10.2004 Notification 2021
- Notification dated 15.12.2015 authorising Director AMD to exercise powers of entry and inspection under section 8 of the Act for the purpose of Atomic Energy (Working of the mines, minerals and handling of prescribed substances) Rules, 1984 (New Addition) Notification 2021
- Notification s.o.1014 E 04..07.2005 Notification 2021
- Notification s.o.984 23.03.2019 Notification 2021
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