Factories Act 1948 — Set 13

Correct Answer: B. 14 but not 18

Section 2(b) of the Factories Act defines 'adolescent' as a person who has completed his fourteenth year of age but has not completed his eighteenth year. Adolescents are subject to special restrictions on their working hours and the types of work they can do. They must obtain a certificate of fitness from a certifying surgeon before employment.

Correct Answer: B. Any factory premises at any time

Section 9 of the Factories Act gives an Inspector powers to enter, inspect and examine any factory and its premises at any reasonable time by day or night. The Inspector can take measurements, photograph, make extracts from registers, seize documents, examine any person found on the premises, and take samples. These wide powers help in effective enforcement of the Act.

Correct Answer: B. Electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic or any other form

Section 2(g) of the Factories Act defines 'power' as electrical energy, or any other form of energy which is mechanically transmitted and is not generated by human or animal agency. This broad definition covers electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and other forms of mechanical power. It excludes manually generated power. The definition determines whether a factory requires registration under the Act.

Correct Answer: C. 12 months

The Factories Act and its associated rules require that machinery, particularly pressure vessels, lifting machinery, and other dangerous equipment, be examined by a competent person at regular intervals not exceeding 12 months. The competent person must hold a certificate of competency and must submit a report of examination. This ensures timely detection of defects and prevents accidents.

Correct Answer: B. State Government or Chief Inspector

Under the Factories Act, the occupier of a factory must register the factory with the State Government or Chief Inspector of Factories. The registration process involves submission of details about the factory, its layout, manufacturing process, and the expected number of workers. A registration certificate is issued and must be prominently displayed in the factory. Renewal is required periodically.

Correct Answer: C. Factories Act 1934

The Factories Act 1948 replaced the earlier Factories Act of 1934. The 1934 Act itself had replaced the Factories Act of 1911. The legislative journey of factory regulation in India began with the Factories Act of 1881. The 1948 Act was a more comprehensive piece of legislation with wider coverage and stronger protections for workers. It came into force on April 1, 1949.

Correct Answer: A. Section 11

Section 11 of the Factories Act deals with cleanliness in factories. It requires that every factory shall be kept clean and free from effluvia arising from any drain, privy or other nuisance. The floors, walls, ceilings and other parts must be cleaned periodically. White-washing or colour-washing must be done at least once in 14 months. This is the first health provision in the Act.

Correct Answer: C. Ventilation and temperature

Section 13 of the Factories Act deals with ventilation and temperature. It requires that every factory shall make effective and suitable provision for securing and maintaining adequate ventilation by the circulation of fresh air. A comfortable temperature must be maintained to prevent injury to health. Thermometers may be required to be displayed to ensure temperature standards are maintained.

Correct Answer: B. All dangerous machines must be securely fenced

Section 21 of the Factories Act requires that every moving part of a prime mover, every part of electric generators, and every dangerous part of any other machinery must be securely fenced. This includes fly-wheels, headrace and tailrace of water turbines, and other moving parts. The purpose is to prevent workers from accidentally coming into contact with dangerous machinery.

Correct Answer: A. Section 34

The correct answer is Section 34. Section 34 of the Factories Act requires that no person shall be employed in any factory to work in any process involving risk of injury to the eyes from particles or fragments thrown off in the course of the process or from exposure to excessive light, unless the person is wearing suitable goggles. Suitable goggles must be provided free of charge by the occupier. This topic is frequently tested in competitive examinations such as RRB NTPC, SSC, and UPSC.