Amendments to the Draft Amendment to the Tamil Nadu Factories Rules, 1950

What the notification changes

Government Order Ms. No. 70, Labour and Employment (M2), dated 26 August 2011, was issued by the Labour and Employment Department, Government of Tamil Nadu. It adds requirements to Schedule XXIV under rule 95 of the Tamil Nadu Factories Rules, 1950, mainly covering fire and explosion risks in fireworks factories.

The notification also changes clause 11 of Form No. 22. In sub-clauses (i) and (ii), the expression referring to less than Rs. 1,600 per month is replaced with an expression referring to not more than Rs. 10,000 per month.

Government Order Ms. No. 82, Labour and Employment (M2), dated 26 September 2011, is introduced as a further amendment to the Tamil Nadu Factories Rules, 1950. The supplied text ends before stating what that amendment changes.

Fireworks factory requirements

Government Order Ms. No. 70 introduces the following requirements:

• Workers must discharge electrostatic charges using copper plates before entering chemical mixing and filling sheds.
• Workers above 55 may work only in non-explosive areas. Workers aged 50 or older require specified eyesight, colour vision and hearing examinations at least once every two years.
• Mixing and filling workers must have at least a Higher Secondary Course qualification.
• Work benches and tables must be provided for mixing and filling operations.
• Drying platforms require blast walls. Platforms for rockets and flying fireworks also require temporary strong aluminium mesh roofing.
• At least two burning pits must be provided, each at least 62 metres from working sheds. Collected waste must be burned after working hours on the same day under the stated supervision.
• A wind direction indicator must be provided.
• Each factory must appoint qualified supervisors at the rate of one for every 50 workers. Fireworks manufacture must take place under their supervision.
• Fancy cracker factories require separate facilities for making, drying and temporarily storing colour pellets.
• Electronic appliances, including mobile phones and transistors, are prohibited where fireworks are manufactured, handled, stored or used.
• Mixed chemicals must be used or safely destroyed on the same day.
• Factories ordinarily employing 250 or more workers must appoint one qualified Safety Officer for every 250 workers.
• Fireworks manufacturing is prohibited between 6.00 p.m. and 6.00 a.m.

Who is affected

Government Order Ms. No. 70 directly concerns fireworks factory occupiers, managers, supervisors, workers and factory inspectors. It does not contain provisions about land ownership, property transfer, planning approval or registration.