Labour Code Advisor

CHAPTER III - HEALTH

Section 16. Overcrowding.

(1) No room in any factory shall be overcrowded to an extent injurious to the health of the workers employed therein.

(2) Without prejudice to the generality of sub-section (1) there shall be in every workroom of a factory in existence on the date of the commencement of this Act at least1[9.9 cubic meters] and of a factory built after the commencement of this Act at least2[14.2 cubic meters] of space for every worker employed therein, and for the purposes of this sub-section no account shall be taken of any space which is more than3[4.2 meters] above the level of the floor of the room.

(3) If the Chief Inspector by order in writing so requires, there shall be posted in each workroom of a factory a notice specifying the maximum number of workers who may, in compliance with the provisions of this section, be employed in the room.

(4) The Chief Inspector may by order in writing exempt, subject to such conditions, if any, as he may think fit to impose, any workroom from the provisions of this section, if he is satisfied that compliance therewith in respect of the room is unnecessary in the interest of the health of the workers employed therein.

View Act Footnotes

Note: In the legacy archives, footnotes are grouped by original PDF page numbers rather than by section.

Page 6

  • 1. The Act has been extended to Dadra and Nagar Haveli by Reg. 6 of 1963, s. 2 and the First Schedule; Pondicherry by Reg. 7 of1963, s. 3 and the First Schedule, Goa, Daman and Diu by Reg. 11 of 1963, s. 3 and the Schedule and Laccadive, Minicoy andAmindivi Islands by Reg. 8 of 1965, s. 3 and the Schedule.
  • 2. Subs. by the A.O. 1950, for the former sub-section.
  • 3. The words “except the state of Jammu and Kashmir” omitted by Act 51 of 1970, s. 2 and the Schedule (w.e.f. 1-9-1971).
  • 4. Ins. by Act 25 of 1954, s. 2. (w.e.f. 7-5-1954).
  • 5. Ins. by Act 20 of 1987, s. 2. (w.e.f. 1-12-1987).

Page 7

  • 1. Subs. by Act 94 of 1976, s. 2, for sub-clause (ii) (w.e.f. 26-10-1976).
  • 2. Subs. by Act 25 of 1954, s. 2, for sub-clause (iv) (w.e.f. 7-5-1954).
  • 3. Ins. by Act 94 of 1976, s. 2, (w.e.f. 26-10-1976).
  • 4. Subs. by s. 2, ibid., for “employed, directly or through any agency, whether for wages or not” (w.e.f. 26-10-1976).
  • 5. Subs. by Act 25 of 1954, s. 2, for “the Indian Mines Act, 1923 (4 of 1923)” (w.e.f. 7-5-1954).
  • 6. Subs. by Act 94 of 1976, s. 2, for “a railway running shed” (w.e.f. 26-10-1976).

Page 8

  • 1. Ins. by Act 94 of 1976, s. 2 (w.e.f. 26-10-1976).
  • 2. The Explanation numbered as Explanation I by Act 20 of 1987, s. 2 (w.e.f. 1-12-1987).
  • 3. Subs. by s. 2, ibid., for “different relays” (w.e.f. 1-12-1987).
  • 4. Ins. by s. 2, ibid. (w.e.f. 1-12-1987).
  • 5. Certain words omitted by s. 2, ibid., (w.e.f. 1-12-1987).
  • 6. Subs. by s. 2, ibid., for “Provided that” (w.e.f. 1-12-1987).
  • 7. Clause (o) omitted by s. 2, ibid., (w.e.f. 1-12-1987).
  • 8. Clause (q) omitted by Act A. O. 1950.
  • 9. Subs. by Act 20 of 1987, s. 2, for “relay” (w.e.f. 1-12-1987).

Page 9

  • 1. Subs. by Act 25 of 1954, s. 3, for section 4 (w.e.f. 7-5-1954).
  • 2. Ins. by Act 20 of 1987, s. 2 (w.e.f. 1-12-1987).
  • 3. Added by s. 2, ibid. (w.e.f. 1-12-1987).
  • 4. Ins. by the A.O. 1950.
  • 5. Ins. by Act 94 of 1976, s. 3 (w.e.f. 26-10-1976).
  • 6. Ins. by s. 4, ibid. (w.e.f. 26-10-1976).

Page 10

  • 1. Clause (a) re-lettered as clause (aa) by Act 94 of 1976, s. 4 (w.e.f. 26-10-1976).
  • 2. Subs. by s. 4, ibid., for “clause (a)” (w.e.f. 26-10-1976).
  • 3. Ins. by s. 4, ibid. (w.e.f. 26-10-1976).
  • 4. Ins. by Act 25 of 1954, s. 4 (w.e.f. 7-5-1954).
  • 5. Subs. by Act 94 of 1976, s. 5, for “clause (e)” (w.e.f. 26-10-1976).

Page 11

  • 1. Subs. by Act 40 of 1949, s. 3 and the Second Schedule, for “within thirty days” (w.e.f. 1-5-1949).
  • 2. Subs. by Act 25 of 1954, s. 4, for “Chief Inspector a written notice” (w.e.f. 7-5-1954).
  • 3. Ins. by Act 20 of 1987, s. 4 (w.e.f. 1-12-1987).

Page 12

  • 1. Ins. by Act 94 of 1976, s. 6 (w.e.f. 26-10-1976).

Page 13

  • 1. Subs. byAct 94 of 1976, s. 6,for “every Chief Inspector and Inspector” (w.e.f. 26-10-1976).
  • 2. Ins. by Act 20 of 1987, s. 5 (w.e.f. 1-12-1987).
  • 3. Subs. by s. 5, ibid., for clause (b) and (c) (w.e.f. 1-12-1987 ).

Page 14

  • 1. Ins. by Act 94 of 1976, s. 7 (w.e.f. 26-10-1976).
  • 2. See now the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956 (102 of 1956).
  • 3. Subs. by Act 94 of 1976, s. 8, for “painted” (w.e.f. 26-10-1976).
  • 4. Ins. by s. 8, ibid. (w.e.f. 26-10-1976).

Page 15

  • 1. Ins. by Act 94 of 1976, s. 8 (w.e.f. 26-10-1976).
  • 2. Subs. by s. 8,ibid.,for “in a factory” (w.e.f. 26-10-1976).
  • 3. Ins. by s. 8, ibid. (w.e.f. 26-10-1976).
  • 4. Subs. by s. 9, ibid., for sub-section (1) (w.e.f. 26-10-1976).
  • 5. Subs. by Act 20 of 1987, s. 6, for certain words (w.e.f. 1-12-1987).
  • 6. Subs. by s. 6, ibid., for “sub-section (3) (w.e.f. 1-12-1987).

Page 16

  • 1. Subs. by Act 20 of 1987, s. 7 for “three hundred and fifty cubic feet” (w.e.f. 1-12-1987).
  • 2. Subs. by s. 7, ibid., for “five hundred cubic feet” (w.e.f. 1-12-1987).
  • 3. Subs. by s. 7, ibid., for “fourteen feet” (w.e.f. 1-12-1987).

Page 17

  • 1. Subs. by Act 20 of 1987, s. 8, for “twenty feet of any washing place, urinal or latrine” (w.e.f. 1-12-1987).
  • 2. Subs. by s. 9, ibid., for “three feet” (w.e.f. 1-12-1987).

Page 18

  • 1. Subs. by Act 94 of 1976, s. 10, for “shall be kept in position” (w.e.f. 26-10-1976).
  • 2. Subs. by s. 10, ibid., for the proviso (w.e.f. 26-10-1976).
  • 3. Subs. by s. 10, ibid., for the opening paragraph and clause (a) (w.e.f. 26-10-1976).

Page 19

  • 1. Subs. by Act 25 of 1954, s. 6, for sub-section (2) (w.e.f. 7-5-1954).
  • 2. Subs. by Act 20 of 1987, s. 10, for “shall work” (w.e.f. 1-12-1987).

Page 20

  • 1. Ins. by Act 94 of 1976, s. 12 (w.e.f. 26-10-1976).
  • 2. Subs. by Act 20 of 1987, s. 11, for “eighteen inches” (w.e.f. 1-12-1987).
  • 3. Subs. by Act 25 of 1954, s. 7, for “sub-section (1)” (w.e.f. 7-5-1954).
  • 4. Subs. by s. 7, ibid., for “sub-section (3)” (w.e.f. 7-5-1954).

Page 21

  • 1. Ins. by Act 20 of 1987, s. 12 (w.e.f. 1-12-1987).
  • 2. Subs. by Act 25 of 1954, s. 8, for section 29 (w.e.f. 7-5-1954).

Page 22

  • 1. Subs. by Act 20 of 1987, s. 13, for “twenty feet” (w.e.f. 1-12-1987).
  • 2. Subs. by s. 13, ibid., for clause (b) (w.e.f. 1-12-1987).
  • 3. Subs. by s. 14, ibid., for “in every room in a factory” (w.e.f. 1-12-1987).
  • 4. Subs. by s. 15, ibid., for sub-section (1) (w.e.f. 1-12-1987).
  • 5. Ins. by Act 94 of 1976, s. 13 (w.e.f. 26-10-1976).
  • 6. Ins. by s. 14, ibid. (w.e.f. 26-10-1976).

Page 23

  • 1. Subs. by Act 20 of 1987, s. 16, for clause (c) (w.e.f. 1-12-1987).
  • 2. Subs. by s. 17, ibid., for section 36 (w.e.f. 1-12-1987).
  • 3. Ins. by Act 94 of 1976, s. 16 (w.e.f. 26-10-1976).
  • 4. Ins. by Act 20 of 1987, s. 18 (w.e.f. 1-12-1987).

Page 24

  • 1. Subs. by Act 20 of 1987, s. 19, for section 38 (w.e.f. 1-12-1987).

Page 25

  • 1. Subs. by Act 94 of 1976, s. 18, for “the manager” (w.e.f. 26-10-1976).
  • 2. Ins. by s. 19, ibid. (w.e.f. 26-10-1976).
  • 3. Subs. by s. 20, ibid., for “devices” (w.e.f. 26-10-1976).

Page 26

  • 1. Ins. by Act 20 of 1987, s. 20 (w.e.f. 1-12-1987).

Page 29

  • 1. Ins. by Act 25 of 1954, s. 9 (w.e.f. 7-5-1954).
  • 2. Subs. by s. 9, ibid., for sub-section (2) (w.e.f. 7-5-1954).
  • 3. Subs. by Act 94 of 1976, s. 21, for “who is trained in first-aid treatment” (w.e.f. 26-10-1976).
  • 4. Sub-section (3) re-numbered as sub-section (4) by Act 25 of 1954, s. 9 (w.e.f. 7-5-1954).
  • 5. Subs. by Act 94 of 1976, s. 21, for “employed” (w.e.f. 26-10-1976).
  • 6. Ins. by s. 21, ibid. (w.e.f. 26-10-1976).

Page 30

  • 1. Ins. by Act 94 of 1976, s. 22 (w.e.f. 26-10-1976).
  • 2. Subs. by s. 23, ibid., for “fifty women workers” (w.e.f. 26-10-1976).

Page 32

  • 1. Added by Act 25 of 1954, s. 10 (w.e.f. 7-5-1954).
  • 2. Section 55 re-numbered as sub-section (1) of that section by s. 11, ibid. (w.e.f. 7-5-1954).
  • 3. Subs. by act 40 of 1949, s. 3 and the Second Schedule, for “The period” (w.e.f. 1-5-1949).
  • 4. Added by Act 25 of 1954, s. 11 (w.e.f. 7-5-1954).
  • 5. Subs. by Act 94 of 1976, s. 24, for “spread over to twelve hours” (w.e.f. 26-10-1976).
  • 6. Subs. by Act 25 of 1954, s. 12, for sub-section (2) (w.e.f. 7-5-1954).
  • 7. Subs. by Act 94 of 1976, s. 25, for sub-section (2) and (3) (w.e.f. 26-10-1976).

Page 33

  • 1. Subs. by Act 25 of 1954, s. 13, for sub-section (4) (w.e.f. 7-5-1954).
  • 2. Subs. by s.14, ibid., for “55 and 56” (w.e.f. 7-5-1954).

Page 34

  • 1. Ins. by Act 94 of 1976, s. 26 (w.e.f. 26-10-1976).
  • 2. Ins. by s. 27, ibid. (w.e.f. 26-10-1976).
  • 3. Subs. by Act 20 of 1987, s. 21, for “does not exceed rupees seven hundred and fifty per month” (w.e.f. 1-12-1987).

Page 35

  • 1. The words “throughout the day” omitted by Act 25 of 1954, s. 15 (w.e.f. 7-5-1954).
  • 2. Subs. by Act 94 of 1976, s. 27, for section 52 (w.e.f. 26-10-1976).
  • 3. Added by Act 25 of 1954, s. 15 (w.e.f. 7-5-194).
  • 4. Ins. by Act 94 of 1976, s. 27 (w.e.f. 26-10-1976).
  • 5. Subs. by Act 25 of 1954, s. 15, for sub-section (4) (w.e.f. 7-5-1954).
  • 6. Clause (iii) re-numbered as clause (iv) by Act 94 of 1976, s. 27 (w.e.f. 26-10-1976).

Page 36

  • 1. Subs. by Act 94 of 1976, s. 27, for “three years” (w.e.f. 26-10-1976).
  • 2. Subs. by Act 94 of 1976, s. 28, for sub-section (3) (w.e.f. 26-10-1976).
  • 3. Omitted by s. 28, ibid. (w.e.f. 26-10-1976).
  • 4. Subs. by s. 29, ibid., for “employed in any factory” (w.e.f. 26-10-1976).
  • 5. Subs. by s. 29, ibid., for “any class or description of factories” (w.e.f. 26-10-1976).
  • 6. Ins. by Act 25 of 1954, s. 17 (w.e.f. 7-5-1954).

Page 38

  • 1. The proviso and the Explanation omitted by Act 20 of 1987, s. 22 (w.e.f. 1-12-1987).
  • 2. Ins. by Act 20 of 1957, s. 22 (w.e.f. 1-12-1987).
  • 3. Subs. by Act 25 of 1954, s. 19, for clause (b) (w.e.f. 7-5-1954).
  • 4. Ins. by Act 20 of 1957, s. 23 (w.e.f. 1-12-1987).

Page 39

  • 1. Ins. by Act 94 of 1976, s. 30 (w.e.f. 26-10-1976).

Page 40

  • 1. Subs. by Act 25 of 1954, s. 20 for Chapter VIII (w.e.f. 7-5-1954).
  • 2. Subs. by Act 94 of 1976, s. 31, for “agreement” (w.e.f. 26-10-1976).
  • 3. Subs. by s. 31, ibid., for the proviso (w.e.f. 26-10-1976).
  • 4. Subs. by Act 94 of 1976, s. 31, for “in any workshop” (w.e.f. 26-10-1976).
  • 5. Subs. by s. 32, ibid., for sub-section (3) (w.e.f. 26-10-1976).

Page 41

  • 1. Ins. byAct 94 of 1976, s. 32. (w.e.f. 26-10-1976).
  • 2. Subs. by s. 32, ibid.,for “unavailed leave” (w.e.f. 26-10-1976).

Page 42

  • 1. Subs. by Act 94 of 1976, s. 33, for “section 79” (w.e.f. 26-10-1976).
  • 2. Subs. by Act 20 of 1987, s. 24, for “shall be paid” (w.e.f. 1-12-1987).
  • 3. Subs. by Act 94 of 1976, s. 33, for “he worked” (w.e.f. 26-10-1976).
  • 4. Ins. by Act 20 of 1987, s. 24 (w.e.f. 1-12-1987).

Page 43

  • 1. Ins. by Act 94 of 1976, s. 34 (w.e.f. 26-10-1976).
  • 2. Subs. by Act 94 of 1976 s. 35, for “training” (w.e.f. 26-10-1976).

Page 44

  • 1. Subs. byAct 94 of 1976s. 36, ibid., for “operation” (w.e.f. 26-10-1976).
  • 2. Ins. by s. 36, ibid. (w.e.f. 26-10-1976).
  • 3. Omitted by Act of 20 of 1987, s. 25 (w.e.f. 1-12-1987).
  • 4. Ins. by s. 26, ibid. (w.e.f. 1-12-1987).
  • 5. Section 88 re-numbered as sub-section (1) thereof by Act 94 of 1976, s. 37 (w.e.f. 26-10-1976).
  • 6. Ins. by s. 37, ibid. (w.e.f. 26-10-1976).

Page 45

  • 1. Ins. byAct 94 of 1976, s. 38 (w.e.f. 26-10-1976).
  • 2. Subs. by Act 20 of 1987, s. 27, for “the Schedule” (w.e.f. 1-12-1987).
  • 3. Subs. by s. 27, ibid., for “fifty rupees” (w.e.f. 1-12-1987).
  • 4. Added by s. 27, ibid. (w.e.f. 1-12-1987).
  • 6. Subs. by s. 28, ibid., for “the Schedule” (w.e.f. 1-12-1987).

Page 46

  • 1. Ins. by Act 94 of 1976, s. 39 (w.e.f. 26-10-1976).
  • 2. Ins. by Act 20 of 1987, s. 29 (w.e.f. 1-12-1987).

Page 47

  • 1. Subs. by Act 20 of 1987, s. 30, for “three months” (w.e.f. 1-12-1987).
  • 2. Subs. by s. 30, ibid., for “two thousand rupees” (w.e.f. 1-12-1987).
  • 3. Subs. by s. 30, ibid., for “seventy-five rupees” (w.e.f. 1-12-1987).
  • 4. Ins. by Act 94 of 1976, s. 40 (w.e.f. 26-10-1976).
  • 5. Subs. by Act 20 of 1987, s. 30, for “one thousand rupees” (w.e.f. 1-12-1987).
  • 6. Subs. by s. 30, ibid., for “five thousand rupees” (w.e.f. 1-12-1987).
  • 7. Subs. by Act 25 of 1954, s. 21, for section 93 (w.e.f. 7-5-1954).

Page 48

  • 1. Section 94 renumbered is sub-section (1) thereof by Act 94 of 1976, s. 41 (w.e.f. 26-10-1976).
  • 2. Subs. by Act 20 of 1987, s. 31, for “six months” (w.e.f. 1-12-1987).
  • 3. Subs. by Act 94 of 1976, s. 41, for “which may extend to one thousand rupees” (w.e.f. 26-10-1976).
  • 4. Subs. by Act 20 of 1987, s. 31, for “two hundred rupees” (w.e.f. 1-12-1987).
  • 5. Subs. by s. 31, ibid., for “five thousand rupees” (w.e.f. 1-12-1987).
  • 6. Subs. by Act 94 of 1976, s. 41, for the proviso (w.e.f. 26-10-1976).

Page 49

  • 1. Subs. by Act 20 of 1987, s. 31, for “two thousand rupess” (w.e.f. 1-12-1987).
  • 2. Subs. by s. 31, ibid., for “one thousand rupees” (w.e.f. 1-12-1987).
  • 3. Ins. by Act 94 of 1976, s. 41 (w.e.f. 26-10-1976).
  • 4. Subs. by Act 20 of 1987, s. 32, for “three months” (w.e.f. 1-12-1987).
  • 5. Subs. by s. 32, ibid., for “five thousand rupees” (w.e.f. 1-12-1987).
  • 6. Subs. by s. 33, ibid., for “three months” (w.e.f. 1-12-1987).
  • 7. Subs. by s. 33, ibid., for “five hundred rupees” (w.e.f. 1-12-1987).
  • 8. Ins. by s. 34, ibid. (w.e.f. 1-12-1987).
  • 9. Subs. by s. 35, ibid., for “twenty rupees” (w.e.f. 1-12-1987).10. Subs. by s. 36, ibid., for “one month” (w.e.f. 1-12-1987).11. Subs. by s. 36, ibid., for “fifty rupees” (w.e.f. 1-12-1987).

Page 50

  • 1. Subs. by Act 20 of 1987, s. 37, for “fifty rupees” (w.e.f. 1-12-1987).

Page 51

  • 1. Ins. by Act 20 of 1987, s. 39 (w.e.f. 1-12-1987).
  • 2. Ins. by Act 94 of 1976, s. 43 (w.e.f. 26-10-1976).

Page 52

  • 1. Ins. by Act 20 of 1987, s. 40 (w.e.f. 1-12-1987).

Page 53

  • 1. Ins. by Act 20 of 1987, s. 41 (w.e.f. 1-12-1987).
  • 2. Section 115 renumbered as sub-section (1) thereof by, s. 42, ibid., (w.e.f. 1-12-1987).
  • 3. Subs. by s. 42, ibid., for “three months” (w.e.f. 1-12-1987).
  • 4. Ins. by s. 42, ibid. (w.e.f. 1-12-1987).
  • 5. Ins. by s. 43, ibid. (w.e.f. 1-12-1987).

Page 54

  • 1. Ins. by Act 94 of 1976, s. 44 (w.e.f. 26-10-1976).
  • 2. Ins. by Act 20 of 1987, s. 44 (w.e.f. 1-12-1987).

Page 55

  • 1. Ins. by Act 20 of 1987, s. 45 (w.e.f. 1-12-1987).

Page 62

  • 1. The existing Schedule renumbered as the Third Schedule by Act 20 of 1987, s. 46 (w.e.f. 1-12-1987).
  • 2. Ins. by Act 94 of 1976, s. 45 (w.e.f. 26-10-1976).
  • 3. Ins. by Act 20 of 1987, s. 46 (w.e.f. 1-12-1987).