The construction and operation of factory buildings are subject to stringent regulations to ensure safety, functionality, and compliance with statutory requirements. These regulations address various aspects of factory design, ranging from site selection to fire safety and space utilization. Below is a detailed explanation of these regulations.
General Compliance
Every factory building or part thereof must strictly adhere to a set of additional regulations, ensuring a safe and efficient working environment for employees and proper alignment with statutory requirements.
Site Regulations
The location of a factory site is critical and must align with the city’s development plan, where applicable. In cities without development plans, the factory site requires explicit approval from the relevant authority. This ensures that the factory is suitably located to minimize environmental impact and integrate seamlessly into the surrounding area.
Fire Safety and Means of Escape
Safety in case of fire is paramount in factory buildings, particularly for those constructed or converted after the enforcement of these bye-laws. The regulations mandate the following:
Stairways:
- At least two stairways must be constructed from fire-resistant materials to ensure durability and safety during emergencies.
- Each stairway must be at least 1.2 meters wide to accommodate safe and swift evacuation.
- An unobstructed headroom of no less than 2.1 meters must be maintained for easy movement.
Treads and Risers:
- The treads must have a minimum width of 25 cm, ensuring stability during movement.
- The risers must not exceed a height of 18 cm for ease of ascent and descent.
- Including nosing, the treads should measure at least 27 cm in width.
Proximity to Fire Escapes:
- No section of the factory should be farther than 15 meters from a designated fire escape to ensure quick access during emergencies.
Lighting and Ventilation:
- Staircases must be lit and ventilated through an airspace with specified minimum depths:
- 3 meters for buildings with ground and one upper floor.
- 4.5 meters for buildings with ground and two upper floors.
- 6 meters for taller structures.
- Each floor must have at least 1 square meter of lighting and ventilation space.
Corridors and Passages:
- All lobbies, landings, and corridors must have a minimum width of 1.2 meters and be free from obstructions. These areas must also be constructed with fire-resistant materials to enhance safety.
Hoist-ways and Lift-ways:
- These must be completely enclosed with fire-resistant materials.
- Doors to hoists or lifts must also be fire-resistant, ensuring containment of potential fire hazards.
- Vents or easily breakable materials must be installed at the top for emergency escape, in compliance with Section 38(7) of the Indian Factories Act, 1948.
Abutment of Overcrowding
To prevent overcrowding, adequate space is mandated for each employee. Each person employed in a factory must have at least 3.4 square meters of floor space, excluding the space occupied by machinery. Additionally, a breathing space of no less than 14 cubic meters must be provided per individual, ensuring comfort and safety in the workspace.
Height of Work Rooms
The height of workrooms is crucial for proper ventilation and air circulation. Regulations require that the internal height of workrooms be at least 4.5 meters, measured from the floor to the lowest point of the ceiling.
Percentage of Coverage
The permissible coverage of a factory site is limited to three-fifths of the total area, ensuring sufficient open spaces for ventilation and safety. The mandatory open spaces include:
- A front area of at least 7.5 meters.
- A side yard of at least 3.0 meters.
- A rear yard of at least 7.5 meters.
Miscellaneous Provisions
- Unfinished Buildings:
Factory buildings must not be left with unfinished or unsightly portions, such as projecting reinforcing bars. Such structures are only allowed with the authority’s explicit permission, which includes conditions for the structure and a time limit for completion. - Clearing of Site:
Upon the completion of a building, the owner is responsible for removing all construction debris, rubbish, and refuse from the site. Any adjoining areas used during construction must also be cleared to ensure cleanliness and compliance with regulations.
Conclusion
The regulations governing factory buildings emphasize safety, functionality, and compliance with statutory standards. By ensuring adequate fire safety measures, proper space allocation, and well-planned site usage, these regulations aim to provide a safe and conducive environment for industrial activities. Factory owners and builders must adhere strictly to these guidelines to protect workers’ well-being and maintain operational standards.