"Protecting Lives in the Workplace: Kamlesh Chandra Kanojiya on Essential Safety Standards and Compliance in Industrial Settings"

"Protecting Lives in the Workplace: Kamlesh Chandra Kanojiya on Essential Safety Standards and Compliance in Industrial Settings"

Ensuring Safety in Factories - Insights from Kamlesh Chandra Kanojiya, Assistant Director of Factories, Labor Department
Satendra Singh: Today, we are joined by Mr. Kamlesh Chandra Kanojiya, the Assistant Director of Factories in the Labor Department. His responsibility is to ensure that safety measures are followed in factories according to the Factory Act. Mr. Kanojiya, could you explain the various safety equipment, such as safety belts, shoes, and leather jackets, and their specific uses and legal requirements under the Factory Act?
Kamlesh Chandra Kanojiya: Greetings, everyone. I am K.C. Kanojiya, Assistant Director of Factories in the Labor Department. Our primary duty is to enforce the provisions under the Factory Act, focusing on health, safety, and welfare within factories. The act’s goal is to ensure the safety of workers and visitors in factory premises.
For instance, we have safety shoes, which protect workers’ feet from falling objects. The shoes have iron toes to shield the feet from injuries. Similarly, safety helmets, which come in different colors for easy identification, protect workers from head injuries. Another essential piece of equipment is the safety belt, which is critical for employees working at heights. In case of a fall, the safety belt helps slow the descent, reducing the risk of fatal injuries. We recommend all workers use safety belts when working at heights.
In areas with high chemical exposure or dust, we use respirators, including N95 masks, which filter out up to 95% of airborne particles. Surgical masks are not suitable for these environments. Workers in high-noise areas also need ear protection, such as earmuffs, to prevent hearing damage. Gloves protect hands from various hazards, and goggles protect the eyes from dust or chemical exposure.
Satendra Singh: Could you elaborate on the use and requirements for fire extinguishers?
Kamlesh Chandra Kanojiya: Absolutely. Fire extinguishers are critical first-aid firefighting equipment. According to the Factory Act, every 100 square meters must have a fire extinguisher to address fires in their early stages. Fire extinguishers are classified into four types: A, B, C, and D, based on the type of flammable material present, and each type is used accordingly to manage specific types of fires.
Satendra Singh: What about emergency response and fire drills? How often are these conducted?
Kamlesh Chandra Kanojiya: Under the Factory Act, factories must conduct fire drills every three months. Factories are categorized as general factories, hazardous factories, and major accident hazard factories. Hazardous factories, defined by the Act’s 29 dangerous processes, and major accident hazard factories are required to conduct fire mock drills every quarter.
The purpose of these drills is to prepare workers to respond effectively in an actual emergency. A simulated scenario is created, including fire alarms, fire extinguishers, fire tenders, and ambulances. By practicing, workers become familiar with the equipment and procedures, which reduces response time and improves efficiency during real emergencies. Factories must also submit drill reports to the government.
Thank you.