THE REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE FACTORIES ACT (CHAPTER 104) Act 6 of 1973 Amended by 19 of 1978 27 of 1979 5 of 1984 2 of 1986 S 235/75 S158/76 S125/79 S54/80 S228/85 REVISED EDITION 1985 CHAPTER 104 Factories Act ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS PART I SHORT TITLE AND APPLICATION Section 1. Short title. 2. General applications of this Act. 3. Application to factories belonging to the Government. 5. Power to exempt. PART II INTERPRETATION 6. Interpretation of "factory". 7. General Interpretation. PART III REGISTRATION OF FACTORIES 8. Register of factories. 9. Registration of factories. 10. Notification by inspector of defects in factory. 11. Interpretation. PART IV HEALTH (GENERAL PROVISIONS) 12. Cleanliness. 13. Overcrowding. 14. Ventilation. 15. Lighting. 16. Drainage of floors. 17. Sanitary conveniences. PART V SAFETY (GENERAL PROVISIONS) 18. Prime movers. 19. Electric generators and motors. 20. Electrical installations and equipment. 21. Transmission machinery. 22. Other machinery. 23. Provisions as to unfenced machinery. 24. Construction and maintenance. 25. Construction and disposal of new machinery. 26. Dangerous substances. 27. Self-acting machines. 28. Training and supervision of inexperienced workers. 29. Hoists and lifts. 30. Lifitng gear. 31. Lifting appliances and lifting machines. 32. Register of lifting gear, etc. 33. Safe means of access and safe place of employment. 34. Dangerous fumes and lack of oxygen. 35. Precautions with regard to explosive or inflammable dust, gas, vapour or substance. 36. Steam boilers. 37. Steam receivers and steam containers. 38. Cast-iron underfired vulcanisers. 39. Air receivers. 40. Refrigerating plant pressure receivers. 41. Pressure vessels containing corrosive, toxic, explosive or inflammable substance. 42. Pipelines and equipment containing certain substances. 43. Exemptions from sections 36, 37, 38, 39 and 40. 44. Gas plants. 45. Repair of pressure vessel. 46. Prevention of fire. 47. Safety provisions in case of fire. 48. Power of Chief Inspector to make orders. 49. Power to prohibit work or processes in certain circumstances. 50. Appeal from order made by Chief Inspector. 51. Notfication of accidents and dangerous occurrences. 52. Investigation into accidents and dangerous occurrences. 53. Alteration or addition to machinery, equipment, etc. 54. Minister may direct inquiry to be held into accident and dangerous occurrences. PART VI WELFARE (GENERAL PROVISIONS) 55. Supply of drinking water. 56. Washing facilities and accommodation for clothing. 57. Exemption as to washing facilities. 58. First-aid. PART VII HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELFARE (SPECIAL PROVISIONS AND REGULATIONS) Section 59. Removal of dust or fumes. 60. Poisonous substances. 61. Meals in certain dangerous trades. 62. Protective clothing and appliances. 63. Protection of eyes in certain processes. 64. Reduction of noise or vibration. 65. Protection against harmful processes or substances. 66. Power of Chief Inspector to require separate changing and washing facilities. 67. Notification of industrial diseases. 68. Power to make regulations. 69. Medical supervision. 70. Power to take samples. 71. Safety officers. 72. Safety committees. PART VIII SPECIAL APPLICATIONS AND EXTENSIONS 73. Premises where part of building is separate factory. 74. Docks, etc. 75. Ships. 76. Premises in which steam boilers and air receivers are used. 77. Regulations in respect of building operations, etc. PART IX MISCELLANEOUS 78. Periodical examinations when a boiler inspector or an approved person not available. 79. Factory records. 80. Duties of persons employed. 81. Persons employed not to cause danger. 82. Prohibition of deductions from wages. PART X ADMINISTRATION 83. Administration of this Act. 84. Appointment of inspectors. 85. Powers of inspectors. 86. Power of inspector to conduct proceedings before a Magistrate's Court or District Court. 87. Persons not to reveal secrets. PART XI OFFENCES, PENALTIES AND LEGAL PROCEEDINGS 88. Offences. 89. Penalty for offences for which no express penalty is provided. 90. Power of court to order cause of contravention to be remedied. 91. Forgery of certificates, false entries and false declarations. 92. Penalty on persons actually committing offence for which other person is liable. 93. Power of person primarily liable to exempt himself from liability. 94. Proceedings against persons not primarily liable. 95. Owner of machine liable in certain cases instead of occupier. 96. Prosecution of offences. 97. Power to compound offences. 98. Special provisions as to evidence. 99. Service and sending of documents, etc. 100. Power to modify agreements. 101. Power to apportion expenses. PART XII GENERAL 102. Regulations. 103. Advisory Council for industrial health and safety. 104. Power of Minister to amend Schedules. 105. Saving. 106. Transitional provisions. The Schedules. ___________________ An Act relating to the health, safety and welfare of persons employed in factories and other work places. [1st April 1973] PART I SHORT TITLE AND APPLICATION 1. This Act may be cited as the Factories Act. 2. Except as in this Act otherwise expressly provided, the provisions of this Act shall apply only to factories as defined by this Act, but shall, except where the contrary intention appears, apply to all such factories. 3. This Act applies to factories belonging to or in the occupation of the Government and to premises in which building operations and works of engineering construction are carried on by or on behalf of the Government. 4. In the case of any public emergency or whenever the interests of public security or the security of the Singapore Armed Forces require, the President may, by order to be published in the Gazette, to the extent and during the period named in the order, exempt from this Act either factories generally or any class or description of factories. 5. The Minister may by order to be published in the Gazette exempt any class or description of factory from any of the provisions of Parts IV, V, VI and VII. PART II INTERPRETATION 6.----- (1) Subject to this section, "factory" means any premises in which, or within the close or curtilage or precincts of which, persons are employed in manual labour in any process for or incidnetal to any of the following purposes: (a) the making of any article or of part of any article; (b) the altering, repairing, ornamenting, finishing, cleaning, or washing, or the breaking up or demolition of any article; or (c) the adapting for sale of any article, being premises in which, or within the close or curtilage or precincts of which, the work is carried on by way of trade or for purposes of gain and to or over which the employer of the persons employed therein has the right of access or control. (2) Whether or not premises are factories by reason of the foregoing definition, "factory" also includes the following premises in which persons are employed in manual labour: (a) any yard or dry dock (including the precincts thereof) in which ships are constructed, reconstructed, repaired, refitted, finished or broken up; (b) any premises in which the business of sorting articles is carried on as a preliminary to the work carried on in any factory or incidentally to the purposes of any factory; (c) any premises in which the business of washing or filling bottles or containers or packing articles is carried on incidentally to the purposes of any factory; (d) any premises in which the business of hooking, plaiting, lapping, making up or packing of yarn or cloth is carried on; (e) any laundry carried on as ancillary to another business or incidentally to the purposes of any public institution; (f) any premises in which the construction, reconstruction or repair of locomotives, aircraft, vehicles or other plant for use for transport purposes is carried on as ancillary to a transport undertaking or other industrial or commercial undertaking, not being any premises used for the purpose of housing locomotives, aircraft or vehicles where only cleaning, washing, running repairs or minor adjustments are carried out; (g) any premises in which printing by letter press, lithography, photogavure, or other similar process, or bookbinding is carried on by way of trade or for purposes of gain or incidentally to another business so carried on; (h) any premises in which the making, adaptation or repair of dresses, scenery or properties is carried on incidentally to the production, exhibition or presentation by way of trade or for purposes of gain of cinematograph films or theatrical performances, not being a stage or dressing- room of a theatre in which only occasional adaptations or repairs are made; (i) any premises in which the business of making or mending nets is carried on incidentally to the fishing industry; (j) any premises in which mechanical power is used in connection with the making or repair of any article incidentally to any business carried on by way of trade or for purposes of gain; (k) any premises in which the production of cinematograph films is carried on by way of trade or for purposes of gain, so however that the employment at any such premises of theatrical performers and of attendants on such theatrical performers shall not be deemed to be employment in a factory; (l) any premises in which articles are made or prepared incidentally to the carrying on of building operations or works of engineering construction, not being premises in which such operations or works are being carried on; (m) any premises used for the storage of gas in a gas-holder having a storage capacity of not less than 140 cubic metres; (n) any premises in which persons are employed in or in connection with the generating of electrical energy for supply by way of trade, or for supply for the purposes of any industrial or commercial undertaking or of any public building or public institution, or for supply to streets or other public places; (o) any premises in which mechanical power is used for the purposes of or in connection with a water supply, being premises in which persons are regularly employed; (p) any sewage works in which mechanical powere is used and any pumping station used in connection therewith; (q) any premises in which building operations or works of engineering construction are being carried on. (3) Any line or siding, which is used in connection with and for the purpose of a factory, shall be deemed to be part of the factory; and if any such line or siding is used in connection with more than one factory belonging to different occupiers, the line or siding shall be deemed to be a separate factory. (4) Any workplace in which, with the permission of or under agreement with the owner or occupier, 10 or more persons carry on any work which would constitute the workplace a factory if the persons working therein were in the employment of the owner or occupier of the workplace, shall be deemed to be a factory for the puposes of this Act, and, in the case of any such workplace, the provisions of this Act shall apply as if the owner or occupier of the workplace were the occupier of the factory and the persons working therein were persons employed in the factory. (5) No premises shall be deemed to be a factory in which less than 10 persons are employed and in which - (a) no mechanical power, steam boiler, steam container, steam receiver, cast iron underfired vulcaniser, air receiver, refrigerating plant pressure receiver or gas plant is used; and (b) no highly inflammable or noxious substance is manipulated, used or created. (6) Where a place situated within the close, curtilage or precincts forming a factory is solely used for some purpose other than the processes carried on in the factory, that place shall not be deemed to form part of the factory for the purposes of this Act, but shall, if otherwise it would be a factory, be deemed to be a separate factory. (7) A part of a factory may, with the approval in writing of the Chief Inspector, be deemed to be a separate factory, and two or more factories may, with the approval in writing of the Chief Inspector, be deemed to be a single factory. (8) Premises shall not be excluded from the definition of a factory by reason only that they are open air premises. (9) Any premises belonging to or in the occupation of the Government or of any statutory board or body shall not be deemed not to be factory, and any premises in which building operations or works of engineering construction are carried on by or on behalf of the Government or any such board or body shall not be excluded from the operation of this Act by reason only that the work carried on there is not carried on by way of trade or for purposes of gain. 7. ---- (1) In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires - "air receiver" means - (a) any vessel (other than a pipe or coil or an accessory, fitting or part of a compressor) for containing compressed air and connected with an air compressing plant; (b) any fixed vessel for containing compressed air and used for the purpose of starting an internal combusion engine; (c) any blast air bottle; or (d) any vessel in which any substance in the form of solid or liquid is stored and from which it is forced by compressed air; "approved person" means any person (whether an officer of the Government ornot ) who is approved by the Chief Inspector by a certificate in writing for the purposes of carrying out examinations and tests of hoists and lifts, lifting gear, or lifting appliances and lifting machines, as the case may be, in accordance with and for the pruposes of sections 29, 30 and 31 respectively; "article" includes any solid, liquid or gas, or any combination thereof; "authorised boiler inspector" means any person (whether an officer of the Government or not) who is approved by the Chief Inspector, by notification in the Gazette, for the purpose of carrying out examinations and tests of steam boilers, steam receivers, cast-iron underfired vulcanisers, air receivers or refrigerating plant pressure receivers, as the case may be, in accordance with and for the purposes of sections 36, 37, 38, 39 and 40 respectively. "bodily injury" includes injury to health; "building operation" means the construction, structural alteration, repair or maintenance of a building (including repointing, redecoration and external cleaning of the structure), the demolition of a building, and the preparation for, and laying the foundation of, an intended building, but does not include any operation which is a work of engineering construction within the meaning of this Act; "cast iron underfired vulcaniser" or "vulcaniser" means either a segment or a multisegment vulcaniser in which steam is generated by means of an external fire; "certificated steam boiler attendant" means a person possessing such qualification and holding such certificates of competency as may be prescribed who is duly notified to an authorised boiler inspector as being in control of a particular boiler; "Chief Inspector" means the Chief Inspector appointed under this Act and any other inspector authorised to act on his behalf by the Commissioner; "class or description", in relation to factories, includes a group of factories described by reference to locality; "Commissioner" means the Commissioner for Labour appointed under section3 of the Employment Act; "contravention" includes, in relation to any provision, a failure to comply with that provision, and "contravene" shall be construed accordingly; "dangerous occurrence" means any occurrence in any of the classes listed in the Fourth Schedule; "driving-belt" includes any driving strap, chain or rope; "electrical equipment" means any machine, appliance, apparatus or lighting fitting which consumes or utilizes electricity in its operation or use and includes any cable, wire and other device necessary to enable it to be connected to a source of electricity supply; "electricity installation" means any cable, wire, fitting, accessory, apparatus or other device used for or for purposes incidental to the conveyance, control or use of electricity; "fume" includes gas or vapour; "industrial hygienist" means an industrial hygienist in the employ of theGovernment; "inspector" means an inspector appointed under this Act and includes the Chief Inspector, Deputy Chief Inspector and Senior Inspector; "lifting appliance" includes a pulley block, gin wheel, chain block or set of chain blocks; "lifting gear" includes chains, ropes, chain slings, rope slings, rings, hooks, shackles, swivels or eyebolts; "lifting machine" includes a crane, crab,winch, teagle, runway, transporter, piling frame and any suspended scaffold capable of being raised or lowered by climbers or winches; "machinery" includes all oil engines, gas engines, steam engines, and any other machines in which mechanical movement, either linear or rotated or both, takes place, steam boilers, gas cylinders, air receivers, steam receivers, steam containers, cast-iron underfired vulcanisers, refrigerating plant pressure receivers, all appliances for transmission of power by ropes, belts, chains, driving straps or bands or gearing, electrical generators and electrical motors; but does not include any machinery used for the propulsion of vehicles or office machines; "maintained" means maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair; "Malayan Railway" means the railway administered by the Government ofMalaysia; "maximum permissble working pressure" means, in the case of a new steam boiler, that specified in the certificate referred to in section 36(13) and, in the case of a steam boiler which has been examined in accordance with section 36, that specified in the report of the last examination; "occupier" in relation to a factory, means a person who occupies or uses premises as a factory; "owner" means for the time being receiving the rents or profits of the premises in connection with which the word is used, whether on his own account or as agent or trustee for any other person or who would so receive the rents or profits if the premises were leased; "prescribed" means prescribed by the Minister by order or by regulations made under this Act; "pressure vessel" means any container or vessel used for containing any substance under pressure and includes any steam boiler, steam receiver, steam container, cast-iron underfired vulcaniser, air receiver, refrigerating plant pressure receiver and gas cylinder'; "prime mover" means every engine, motor or other appliance which provides mechanical energy derived from steam, water, wind, electricity, the combustion of fuel or other source; "process" includes the use of any locomotive; "refrigerating plant pressure receiver" means any vessel which containsrefrigerant under pressure; "safe working load" means - (a) the safe working load specified in the certificate of test obtained for the purposes of section 30 (2) or 31 (1); (b) where no such certificate is required the safe working load marked on or exhibited on the lifting gear, lifting appliance or lifting machine, as the case may be, or (c) where there is no such certificate or mark the safe working load as ascertained by an approved person; "safe working pressure" means, in the case of a new steam receiver or air receiver or refrigerating plant pressure receiver, that pressure specified in the certificate referred to section section 37 (7), 39 (7) or 40 (1) and, in the case of a steam receiver or air receiver or refrigerating plant pressure receiver which has been examined in accordance with section 37, 39 or 40, that pressure specified in the report of the last examination; "sanitary conveniences" includes urinals, water-closets, earth-closets, privies, ashpits and any similar convenience; "ship" includes every description of vessel used in navigation, a floating rig, a barge or any platform used in any form of operations at sea; "steam boiler" means any closed vessel in which for any purpose steam is generated under pressure greater than atmospheric pressure, and includes any economiser used to heat water being fed to any such vessel, and any superheater used for heating steam; "steam container" means any vessel (other than a steam pipeor coil) constructed with a permanent outlet into the atmosphere or into a space where the pressure does not exceed atmospheric pressure, and through which steam is passed at atmospheric pressure or at approximately that pressure for the purpose of heating, boiling, drying, evaporating or similar purpose; "steam receiver" means any vessel or apparatus (other than a steam boiler,steam container, steam pipe or coil or a part of a prime mover) used for containing steam under pressure greater than atmospheric pressure; "transmission machinery" means every shaft, wheel, drum, pulley, system of fast and loose pulleys, coupling, clutch, driving-belt or other device by which the motion of a prime mover is transmitted to or received by any machine or appliance; "work of engineering construction" means the construction of any railway line or siding, and the construction, structural alteration or repair (including repointing and repainting) or the demolition of any dock, harbour, inland navigation, tunnel, bridge, viaduct, waterworks, reservoir, pipe-line, aqueduct, sewer, sewerage works or gas-holder, and shall include such other works as may be specified by the Minister by order published in the Gazette. (2) For the purposes of this Act, machinery or plant shall be deemed to have been constructed or reconstructed before 1st June 1960, or the making of the regulations or rules under this Act, and a factory or building shall be deemed to have been constructed, reconstructed or extended, added to or converted for use as a factory before the commencement of this Act, if the construction, reconstruction, extension, addition or conversion was begun before 1st June 1960, or the making of the regulations or rules under this Act, as the case may be. (3) For the purposes of this Act, mechanical power shall not be deemed to be used in a factory by reason only that mechanical power is used for the purpose of heating, ventilating, cooling, airconditioning or lighting the work-rooms or other parts of the factory. (4) For the purposes of this Act, an apprentice shall be deemed to be a person employed. PART III REGISTRATION OF FACTORIES 8.------ (1) The Chief Inspector shall keep a register of factories, in which shall be entered such particulars in relation to every factory required to be registered under the provisions of the Act as the Chief Inspector may consider necessary and desirable. (2) The Chief Inspector may vary or delete an entry in the register of factories in relation to any premises where he is satisfed that such variation or deletion is necessary to maintain the accuracy of the record. 9.----- (1) Any person who occupies or uses any premises as an unregistered factory shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $5,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or to both and, in the case of a continuing offence, to a fine not exceeding $500 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 7 days or to both for every day during which the offence continues after conviction. (2) An application for the registration of a factory shall be in the appropriate form set out in the First Schedule and shall, not less than two months before the operation of the factory, be submitted to the Chief Inspector together with a layout plan of the factory and such other particulars as the Chief Inspector may require. (3) The Chief Inspector shall, upon receipt of such application and on being satisfied that the premises are suitable for use as a factory of the nature stated in the application, cause the factory to be registered and shall, on payment of the prescribed fee, issue to the occupier a certificate of registration in the form set out in the Second Schedule. (4) A certificate of registration shall, unless otherwise stated on the certificate or revoked by the Minister pursuant to this Act, expire at the end of one year from the date of its issue. (5) The Chief Inspector may instead of issuing a certificate of registration under subsection (3) issue to the occupier a permit set out in the Second Schedule in respect of the whole or any specified part of the premises to be valid for a period stated in the permit, and subject to such conditions as the Chief Inspector may specify (6) The Chief Inspector may,on payment of the prescribed fee, renew a certificate of registration or extend the period of a permit. (7) Where the Chief Inspector is satisfied that there has been a contravention of any condition subject to which a permit has been issued in respect of any factory he may, by giving not less than one month's notice in writing to the occupier of the factory, cancel the permit and on the expiration of the notice the permit shall, subject to subsection (8), cease to be in force. (8) An occupier of a factory or proposed factory who is aggrieved by the refusal of the Chief Inspector to register any premises as a factory or to renew the registration of any premises as a factory, or by the cancellation of a permit in respect of a factory, may, within 21 days after the refusal or cancellation is notified to him, appeal to the Minister whose shall be final. (9) Where an appeal under subsection (8) is instituted in respect of a registered factory then pending the determination of the appeal the registration of the factory shall continue to remain in force. (10) Where any person other than the person named in the certificate or permit as the occupier of a factory becomes the occupier thereof the person so named in the certificate or permit shall serve on the Chief Inspector a written notice of the change of occupancy within 14 days after such change and if no such notice is served the person named in the certificate or permit shall be deemed to be the occupier of the factory and shall be subject to all the provisions of this Act. (11) Where in any registered factory there is a change in the nature of the work carried on for which the premises have been registered, or where there is any structural change or any change in the layout of the factory, the occupier shall, not less than one month before the commencement of the change, give written notice thereof to the Chief Inspector and if the occupier fails to do so he shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $3,000. (12) Where it appears to the Minister that, in the case of temporary factories of any class or description, it is unnecessary to apply this section he may, if he thinks fit, by order exempt the temporary factories from this section. 10.-- (1) If, in the opinion of an inspector, any registered factory is by reason of - (a) any change in the nature of the work carried on for which the premises have been registered; (b) any change in the layout of the factory or any structural change; or (c) any fact or circumstance not present when the factory was registered, unfit for occupation as a factory, he shall report accordingly to the Chief Inspector who may by notice in writing direct the occupier of the factory to comply with such requirements as may be specified in the notice. (2) The occupier may, within 7 days of the service of the notice, appeal to the Minister whose decision shall be final. (3) Where requirements have been specified by the Chief Inspector or the Minister pursuant to this section in respect of a factory and the occupier of the factory fails to comply with those requirements, the Minister may revoke the registration of the factory. 11. For the purposes of this Part - "certificate" means a certificate of registration issued under section 9; "permit" means a provisional factory permit issued under section 9; "registered factory" means a factory in respect of which a certificate or permit is for the time being in force; "unregistered factory" means a factory which is not a registered factory. PART IV HEALTH (GENERAL PROVISIONS) 12.--- (1) Every factory shall be kept in a clean state, and free from effluvia arising from any drain, sanitary convenience or other nuisance, and, without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing provision - (a) accumulations of dirt and refuse shall be removed daily by a suitable method from the floors and benches of workrooms, and from the staircases and passages; (b) the floor of every workroom shall be cleaned at least once in every week by washing or, if it is effective and suitable, by sweeping or other method; (c) all inside walls and partitions, and all ceilings or tops of rooms, and all walls, sides and tops of passages and staircases shall - (i) where they have a smooth impervious surface, at least once in every 12 months, be washed with hot water and soap or other suitable detergent or cleaned by such other method as may be approved by the Chief Inspector; (ii) where they are kept painted with oil paint or varnished, be repainted or revarnished at least once in every 7 years, and at least once in every 12 months be washed with hot water and soap or other suitable detergent or cleaned by such other method as may be approved by the Chief Inspector; (iii) in other cases, be kept whitewashed or colour- washed and the whitewashing or colour-washing shall be repeated as least once every 12 months. (2) Where it appears to the Minister that in any class or description of factories or parts thereof, any of the provisions of subsection (1) are not required for the purpose of keeping the factories in a clean state, or are by reason of special circumstances inappropriate or inadequate for such purpose, he may, if he thinks fit, by order to be published in the Gazette direct that those provisions shall not apply to factories, or parts of factories, of that class or description or shall apply as varied by the order. 13.---- (1) A factory shall not, while work is carried on, be so overcrowded as to cause risk of injury to the health of the persons employed therein. (2) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), a factory shall be deemed to be so overcrowded if the number of persons employed at a time in any workroom is such that the amount of cubic space allowed for every person employed in the room is less than 11.5 cubic metres. (3) Evert workroom shall be not less than 3 metres in height measured from the floor to the lowest point of the ceiling or, where there is no ceiling, to the lowest point of the roofing material. (4) If the Chief Inspector is satisfied that owing to the special conditions under which the work is carried on in any workroom the application of subsections (2) and (3) to that workroom would be inappropriate or unnecessary, he may by certificate in writing exempt the workroom from those provisions subject to any conditions specified in the certificate. (5) In calculating for the purposes of this section the amount of cubic space in any room, no space more than 4 metres from the floor shall be taken into account, and where a room contains a gallery, the gallery shall be treated for the purposes of this section as if it were partitioned off from the remainder of the room and formed a separate room. 14.- (1) Effective and suitable provisions shall be made for securing and maintaining by the circulation of fresh air in each workplace, adequate ventilation of the workplace and for rendering harmless, so far as practicable, all such fumes, dust and other impurities generated in the course of any process or work carried out in the factory as may be injurious to health. (2) Subsection (1) shall not apply to any workplace where it is impracticable to make provision for adequate venitlation and where breathing apparatus is used by persons working in the workplace. 15.-- (1) Effective provision shall be made for securing and maintaining sufficient and suitable lighting, whether natural or artificial, in every part of a factory in which persons are working or passing. (2) All glazed windows or skylights used for the lighting of workrooms shall, so far as practicable, be kept clean on both the inner and outer surfaces and free from obstruction but this subsection shall not affect the whitewashing or shading of the windows and skylights for the purpose of mitigating heat or glare. 16. Where any process is carried on which renders the floor liable to be wet to such an extent that the wet is capable of being removed by drainage, effective measures shall be provided and maintained for draining off the wet. 17. Sufficient and suitable sanitary conveniences for the persons employed in the factory shall be provided, maintained and kept clean, and effective provision shall be made for lighting the conveniences and, where persons of both sexes are or are intended to be employed (except in the case of factories where the only persons employed are members of the same family dwelling there), such conveniences shall be reasonably arranged for persons of each sex. PART V SAFETY (GENERAL PROVISIONS) 18. Every fly wheel directly connected to any prime mover and every moving part of any prime mover except such prime movers as are mentioned in section 19, shall be securely fenced, whether the flywheel or prime mover is situated in an engine-house or not. 19. Every part of electric generators, motors and rotary converters, and every flywheel directly connected thereto, shall be securely fenced unless it is in such a position or of such construction as to be safe to every person employed or working on the premises as it would be if securely fenced. 20. -- (1) All electrical installations and equipment shall be of good construction, sound material, free from defects and in accordance with the generally accepted principles of sound and safe practice, and shall be so maintained. (2) All practicable measures shall be taken to protect any person against the risks of electric shock arising from or in connection with the use of any electrical installation or equipment. 21.-- (1) Every part of the transmission machinery shall be securely fenced unless it is in such a position or of such construction as to be as safe to every person employed or working on the premises as it would be if securely fenced. (2) Efficient devices or appliances shall be provided and maintained in every room or place of where work is carried on by which the power can promptly be cut off from the transmission machinery in that room or place. (3) Every machine intended to be driven by mechanical power shall be provided with an efficient starting and stopping appliance, the control of which shall be in such a position as to be readily and conveniently operated by the person operating the machine. (4) No driving-belt when not in use shall be allowed to rest or ride upon a revolving shaft which forms part of the transmission machinery. (5) Suitable striking gear or other efficient mechanical appliances shall be provided and maintained and used to move driving-belts to and from fast and loose pulleys which form part of the transmission machinery and any such gear or appliances shall be so constructed, placed and maintained as to prevent the driving- belt from creeping back on to the fast pulley. (6) The Chief Inspector may by a certificate in writing grant, subject to any conditions specified in the certificate, exemption from compliance with any of the requirements of subsections (2) to (5) in any case where he is satisfied that compliance with the requirement is unnecessary or impracticable. 22. -- (1) Every dangerous part of any machinery, other than prime movers and transmission machinery, shall be securely fenced unless it is in such a position or of such construction as to be safe to every person employed or working on the premises as it would be if securely fenced. (2) Subsection (1) shall not apply where the dangerous part of any machinery is made safe for persons employed or working on the premises by other equally effective means. (3) Any part of a stock-bar which projects beyond the headstock of a lathe shall be securely fenced unless it is in such a position as to be as safe to every person employed or working on the premises as it would be if securely fenced. 23. (1) In determining for the purposes of sections 18 to 22 whether any part of machinery is in such a position or of such construction as to be as safe to every person employed or working on the premises as it would be if securely fenced - (a) no account shall be taken of any person carrying out, while the part of machinery is in motion, an examination thereof or any lubrication or adjustment shown by such examination to be immediately necessary, being an examination, lubrication or adjustment which it is necessary to carry out while the part of machinery is in motion; and (b) in the case of any transmission machinery used in any process in any factory with respect to which the Chief Inspector has declared, by certificate in writing, that he is satisfied that, owing to the continuous nature of such process, the stopping of that part would seriously interfere with the carrying on of the process in such factory, no account shall be taken of any person carrying out in the factory, by such methods and in such circumstances and subject to such conditions as may be specified in the certificate, any such lubrication or any mounting or shifting of belts. (2) Subsection (1) shall only apply where - (a) the examination, lubrication or other operation as aforesaid is carried out by a male person who - (i) has attained the age of 20 years; (ii) has been trained for the purposes of the work entailed by, and is acquained with the dangers of moving machinery arising in connection with, such examination, lubrication or other operation; and (iii) any ladder in use for the carrying out of such examination, lubrication or other operation is securely fixed or lashed, or is firmly held by a person stationed at the foot of the ladder. 24.-- (1) All fencing or other safeguards provided in pursuance of the foregoing provisions of this Part shall be of substantial construction, and constantly maintained and kept in position while the parts required to be fenced or safeguarded are in motion or in use, except when any such parts are necessarily exposed in motion for examination and for any lubrication or adjustment shown by such examination to be immediately necessary, and all the conditions specified in section 23 (2) are complied with. (2) The machinery and plant shall be properly maintained in order to prevent any breakdown which is likely to cause death or bodily injury to any person. 25. -(1) In the case of any machine in a factory being a machine intended to be driven by mechanical power - (a) every set-screw, bolt or key on any revolving shaft, spindle, wheel or pinion shall be so sunk, encased or otherwise effectively guarded as to prevent danger; and (b) all spur and other toothed or friction gearing, which does not require frequent adjustment while in motion, shall be completely encased unless it is so situated as to be as safe as it would be if completely encased. (2) Any person who sells or lets on hire, or as agent of the seller or hirer casues or procures to be sold or let on hire, for use in a factory in Singapore any machine to be driven by mechanical power which does not comply with the requirements of this section shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $5,000. (3) The Minister may by order to be published in the Gazette extend sub-sections (1) and (2) to machinery or plant which does not comply with such requirements of this Act or of any regulations made thereunder as may be specified in the order, and any order made under this subsection may relate to machinery or plant in a specified process. (4) Nothing in this section shall apply to any machine constructed before 1st June 1960. 26.--- (1) Every fixed vessel, structure, sump or pit of which the edge is less than one metre above the highest ground or platform from which a person might fall into it shall, if it contains any scalding, corrosive or poisonous liquid, either be securely covered or be securely fenced to at least one metre above that ground or platform, or where by reason of the nature of the work neither secure covering nor secure fencing to that height is practicable, all practicable steps shall be taken by covering, fencing or other means to prevent any person from falling into the vessel, structure. sumpr ot pit. (2) Where any fixed vessel, structure, sump or pit contains any scalding, corrosive or poisonous liquid but is not securely covered, no ladder, stair or gangway shall be placed above, across or inside it which is not - (a) at least 500 millimetres wide; and (b) securely fenced on both sides to a height of at least one metre and securely fixed. (3) Where any such vessel, structure, sump or pit as is mentioned in subsection (2) adjoins, and the space between them, clear of any surrounding brick or other work, is less than 500 millimetres in width or is not securely fenced on both sides to a height of at least one metre, secure barriers shall be so placed as to prevent passage between them. (4) For the purposes of this section, a ladder, stair or gangway shall not be deemed to be securely fenced unless it is provided either with sheet fencing or with an upper and a lower rail and toe boards. (5) In respect of any such vessel, structure, sump or pit, a warning notice indicating the nature of the danger and in a form readily understood by persons employed in the factory shall be marked on or attached to the vessel, structure, sump or pit, or, if this is not reasonably practicable, be posted nearby. (6) The Chief Inspector may by order published in the Gazette extend any of the provisions of this section so as to make them applicable - (a) to a vessel or structure which is not fixed; or (b) to a vessel, structure, sump or pit containing a substance which is not a liquid, and in relation to any substance which is not a liquid "scalding", in a provision extended under paragraph (b), shall be taken to mean likely to cause burns. (7) The Chief Inspector may by order published in the Gazette exempt from the requirements of this section any class of vessel, structure, sump or pit in the case of which he is satisfied that the requirements are unnecessary or impracticable. 27.-- (1) No traversing part of any self-acting machine and no material carried thereon shall, if the space over which it runs is a space over which any person is liable to pass, whether in the course of his employment or otherwise, be allowed on its outward or inward traverse to run within a distance of 500 millimetres from any fixed structure not being part of the machine. (2) All practicable steps shall be taken by instructions to the person in charge of the machine and otherwise to ensure that no person employed shall be in the space between any traversing part of a self-acting machine and any fixed part of the machine towards which the traversing part moves on the inward run, except when the machine is stopped with the traversing part on the outward run. 28. -- (1) No person shall be employed at any machine or in any process, being a machine or process liable to cause bodily injury, unless he has been fully instructed as to the dangers likely to arise in connection therewith and the precautions to be observed, and - (a) has received a sufficient training in work at the machine or in the process; or (b) is under adequate supervision by a person who has a thorough knowledge and experience of the machine or process. (2) For the purpose of instructing any person employed at any such machine or process on the safety measures to be observed in respect of the safe operation of any such machine or process an employer shall cause to be displayed on such machine or at a place nearest to the process a notice written in languages understood by the persons employed at such machine or in any such process describing those safety measures. 29. -- (1) No hoist or lift shall be used unless - (a) it is of good mechanical construction, sound material and adequate strength, and is properly maintained; (b) in the case of a lift, it has been tested and thoroughly examined before installation by or on behalf of the manufacturer and a certificate of such test and examination, specifying the safe working load and signed by or on behalf of the manufacturer, shall be kept available for inspection; and (c) it has been tested and examined by an approved person after installation and a certificate of such test and examination, specifying the safe working load and signed by the approved person, shall be kept availablefor inspection. (2) Every hoist or lift shall be thoroughly examined at least once in every 6 months by an approved person and a report of the result of very such examination in the prescribed form shall be prepared in duplicate signed by the person making the examination. A copy of the report shall be handed to the occupier of the factory, and the other copy shall within 28 days of the completion of the examination be sent to the Chief Inspector, but where the examination shows that the hoist or lift cannot continue to be used with safety unless certain repairs are carried out immediately or within a specified time, the approved person shall forthwith send a copy of his report to the Chief Inspector. (3) Every hoistway or liftway shall be efficiently protected by a substantial enclosure fitted with gates, being such an enclosure as to prevent, when the gates are shut, any person falling down the way or coming into contact with any moving part of the hoist or lift. (4) Any such gate as aforesaid shall be fitted with efficient interlocking or other devices to secure that the gate cannot be opened except when the cage or platform is at the landing and that the cage or platform cannot be moved away from the landing until the gate is closed. (5) Every hoist or lift and every such enclosure as aforesaid shall be so constructed as to prevent any part of any person or any goods carried in the hoist or lift being trapped between any part of the hoist or lift and any fixed structure or between the counterbalance weight and any other moving part of the hoist or lift. (6) There shall be marked conspicuously on every hoist or lift the maximum working load which it can safely carry, and no load greater than that load shall be carried on any hoist or lift. (7) The following additional requirements shall apply to lifts: (a) efficient automatic devices shall be provided and maintained to prevent the cage or platform over-running;' (b) every cage shall, on each side from which access is afforded to a landing, be fitted with a gate, and in connection with every such gate efficient devices shall be provided to secure that, when persons or goods are in the cage, the cage cannot be raised or lowered unless all the gates are closed, and will come to rest when a gate is opened; (c) in the case of a lift constructed or reconstructed after 1st June 1960 where the platform or cage is suspended by rope or chain, there shall be at least two ropes or chains separately connected with the platform or cage, each rope or chain and its attachments being capable of carrying the whole weight of the platform or cage and its maximum working load, and efficient devices shall be provided and maintained which will support the platform or cage with its maximum working load in the event of a breakage of the rope or chains or any of their attachments. (8) In the case of a hoist or lift not connect with mechanical power - (a) subsection (7) shall not apply; (b) for sub-section (4) the following subsection shall be substituted: "(4) Any such gate as aforesaid shall be kept closed and fastened except when the cage or platform is at rest at the landing."; and (c) in subsection (2), for the reference to 6 months there shall be substituted a reference to 12 months. (9) Every hoistway or liftway inside a building constructed or reconstructed after 1st June 1960 being a hoistway or liftway which passes through two or more floors shall, subject as hereinafter in this subsection provided, be completely enclosed with fire-resisting materials, and all means of access to the hoist or lift shall be fitted with doors or fire-resisting materials except that any such hoistway or liftway shall be enclosed at the top only by some material easily broken in case of fire, or be provided with a vent at the top. (10) For the purposes of this section - (a) no lifting machine or appliance shall be deemed to be a hoist or lift unless it has a platform or cage the direction of movement of which is restricted by a guide or guides; (b) "lift" includes any lifting machine or appliance used for carrying persons, whether together with goods or otherwise. (11) It if is shown to the satisfaction of the Minister that it would be unreasonable in the special circumstances of the case to enforce any requirement of this section in respect of any class or description of hoist, lift, hoistway or liftway, he may by order direct that such requirement shall not apply as respects that class or description. 30. - (1) No lifting gear of whatever material shall be used unless it is of good construction, sound and suitable material, adequate strength, and free from patent defect, and is properly maintained. (2) No lifting gear shall be used unless it has been tested and examined by or on behalf of the manufacturer or by an approved person and a certificate of such test and examination, specifying the safe working load and signed by or on behalf of the manufacturer or by the approved person, has been obtained and is kept available for inspection. (3) Every lifting gear shall be thoroughly examined at least once in every 12 months by an approved person and a report of the result of every such examination in the prescribed form shall be prepared in duplicate and signed by the person making the examination. One copy of such report shall be handed to the occupier of the factory and the other copy shall within 28 days of the completion of the examination be sent to the Chief Inspector. (4) The provision of subsection (2) as to testing and examining shall not apply to fibre ropes or fibre rope slings. (5) Every lifting gear, except a rope or a rope sling, shall, unless of a class or description exempted by the Chief Inspector by notification published in the Gazette, be annealed at least once in every 12 months or, in the case of chains used in connection with molten metal or molten slag, in every 6 months, so however that lifting gear not in regular use need be annealed only when necessary. (6) No lifitng gear shall be loaded beyond its safe working load except by an approved person or an inspector for the purpose of testing such gear. (7) An inspector may at any time test any lifting gear and may prohibit its further use if not satisfied that it is safe for the use to which it is put. (8) Neither the Governement nor any inspector or approved person shall be liable for any damage done to any lifting gear in the course of any test. 31.- (1) No lifting appliance or lifting machine shall be used unless - (a) it and every part of it including all working gear and all plant or gear used for anchoring or fixing the appliance or machine is of good construction, sound material, adequate strength and substance, and free from patent defect; (b) it is properly maintained; and (c) it has been tested and thoroughly examined by or on behalf of the manufacturer or by an approved person and a certificate of such test and examination specifying the safe working load and signed by or on behalf of the manufacturer or by the approved person has been obtained and is kept available for inspection. (2) Every lifting appliance and every lifting machine shall be thoroughly examined at least once in every 12 months by an approved person and a report of the result of such examination in the prescribed form shall be prepared in duplicate and signed by the person making the examination. One copy of such report shall be handed to the occupier of the factory and the other copy shall within 28 days of the completion of the examination be sent to the Chief Inspector, but where the examination shows that the lifting appliance or lifting machine cannot continue to be used with safety unless certain repairs are carried out immediately or within a specified time, the approved person shall forthwith send a copy of his report to the Chief Inspector. (3) Every crane, crab, and winch shall be provided with a readily accessible and efficient brake or other safety device which will prevent the fall of the load when suspended and by which the load can be effectively controlled while being lowered. Every hand will be fitted with an efficient pawl capable of sustaining the safe working load. (4) Every lifting appliance and every lifting machine shall be plainly marked with its safe working load or loads and a distinctive number or other means of identification except that, in the case of a jib crane so constructed that the safe working load may be varied by the raising and lowering of the jib there shall be attached thereto so as to be clearly visible to the driver an accurate indicator showing the radius of the jib at any time and the safe working load corresponding to that radius. (5) No lifting appliance and no lifting machine shall be loaded beyond its safe working load except by an approved person or an inspector for the purpose of testing such appliance or machine. (6) No lifting appliance having a safe working load of more than 150 kilogrammes and no lifting machine shall be used unless it has been thoroughly examined by an approved person within an appropriate period determined by its construction and conditions of service so however that no such period shall exceed 12 months, and the particulars of that examination have been entered in the register kept in pursuance of section 32. (7) Every lifting appliance and every lifting machine shall be adequately and securely supported and every rope, chain or wire and every part of a stage, framework or other structure and every mast, beam, pole or other article of plant supporting any part of a lifting appliance or lifting machine shall be of good construction, sound material and adequate strength having regard to the nature of the lifting appliance, its lifting and reaching capacity and the circumstances of its use. (8) All rails on which a travelling crane moves and every track on which the carriage of a transporter or runway moves shall be of proper size and adequate strength, and have an even running surface; and all such rails or track shall be properly laid, adequately supported or suspended, and properly maintained. (9) If any person is employed or working on or near the wheel tracks of an overhead travelling crane in any place where he would be liable to be struck by the crane, effective measures shall be taken to ensure that the crane does not approach within 6 metres of that place. (10) If any person is employed or working otherwise than mentioned in subsection (9) but in a place above floor level where he would be liable to be struck by an overhead travelling crane, or by any load carried by the crane, effective measures shall be taken to warn him of the approach of the crane, unless his work is so connected with or dependent on the movements of the crane as to make a warning unnecessary. (11) A lifting machine shall not be operated except by a person trained and competent to operate that machine but it shall be permissible for the machine to be operated by a person who is under the direct supervision ofa qualified person for the purpose of training; no person, however, under 18 years of age shall be employed to operate any lifting machine driven by mechanical power or to give signals to the operator of any such machine. (12) An inspector may at any time test any lifting appliance or lifting machine and may prohibit its further use if not satisfied that it is safe for the use to which it is being put. (13) Neither the Government nor any inspector or approved person shall be liable for any damage done to any lifting appliance or lifting machine in the course of any test. 32. A register containing the particulars set out in the Third Schedule shall be kept in the factory with respect to lifting gear, lifting appliances and lifting machines to which sections 30 and 31 apply. 33. -- (1) All places of work, floors, steps, stairs, passages, gangways and means of access shall - (a) be of sound construction and properly maintained; and (b) so far as it is reasonably practicable, be kept free from any obstruction and from any substance likely to cause persons to slip. (2) All openings in floors shall be securely fenced except in so far as the nature of the work renders such fencing impracticable. (3) There shall, so far as is reasonably practicable, be provided and maintained safe means of access to and egress from every place at which any person has at any time to work and every such place shall, so far as is reasonably practicable, be made and kept safe for any person working there. (4) For every staircase in a building or affording a means of exit from a building, a substantial handrail shall be provided and maintained, which, if the staircase has an open side, shall be on that side, and, in the case of a staircase having two open sides, such a handrail shall be provided and maintained on both sides. Any open side of a staircase shall also be guarded by the provision and maintenance of a lower rail or other effective means. (5) All ladderrs shall be - (a) soundly constructed and properly maintained; and (b) securely fixed, or held by a person, to prevent them from slipping. (6) Sufficient clear and unobstructed space shall be maintained at every machine while in motion to enable the work to be carried on without unnecessary risk. (7) Where any person has to work at a place from which he would be liable to fall a distance of more than 3 metres or into any substance which is likely to cause drowning or asphyxiation, a secure foothold and handhold shall be provided so far as practicable at the place for ensuring his safety. (8) Where it is not practicable to provide a secure foothold and handhold as required under subsection (7), other suitable means such as a safety belt and fencing shall be provided for ensuring the safety of every person working at such places. (9) Where a safety belt is provided pursuant to subsection (8), there shall be sufficient and secured anchorage, by means of life line or otherwise for the safety belt, and the anchorage shall not be lower than the level of the working position of the person wearing the safety belt. (10) No person shall require, permit or direct any person to work at a place from which he would be liable to fall a distance of more than 3 metres or into any substance which is likely to cause drowning or asphyxiation unless the requirements of subsection (7) or (8) have been complied with. (11) Every teagle opening or similar doorway used for hoisting or lowering goods or materials, whether by mechanical power or otherwise, shall be securely fenced, and shall be provided with a secure handhold on each side of the opening or doorway. The fencing shall be properly maintained and shall, except when the hoisting or lowering of goods or materials is being carried on at the opening or doorway, be kept in position. (12) All goods, articles and substances which are stored or stacked in a factory shall be stored or stacked - (a) in such a manner as not to interfere with the adequate distribution of natural or artificial light, the proper operation of machines or other equipment, the unobstructed use of passageways or traffic lanes, and the efficient functioning of sprinkler systems or the use of other fire-fighting equipment; (b) on firm foundations not liable to settle and in such manner as not to overload the floors; (c) in such manner as will best ensure stability and prevent any collapse of such goods, articles or substances or their supports, and shall not be stored or stacked against a wall or partition unless the wall or partition is of sufficient strength to withstand the pressure. (13) (a) The foundation and floor of every factory shall be of sufficient strength to sustain the loads for which it is designed and no foundation or floor shall be overloaded. (b) The roof of every factory shall be of sufficient strength to carry necessary suspended loads. (14) Where persons are exposed to the risk of falling into water and of drowning, there shall be provided - (a) equipment and means of rescuing and resuscitating drowning persons; and (b) suitable life jackets and other equipment for keeping such persons afloat in the event that they fall into the water. (15) The equipment referred to in subsection (14) shall be properly maintained and kept free from defects at all times. 34. -- (1) Subsections (2) to (8) shall have effect where work in any factory has to be done inside any chamber, tank, vat, pit, pipe, flue or confined space, in which - (a) dangerous fumes are likely to be present to such an extent as to involve risk of persons being overcome thereby; ot (b) the supply of air is inadequate, or is likely to be reduced to be inadequate, for sustaining life. (2) The confined space shall, unless there is other adequate means of ingress, be provided with a manhole, which may be rectangular, oval or circular in shape, and shall be not less than 457 millimetres long and 406 millimetres wide or (if circular) not less than 457 millimetres in diameter, or in the case of tank wagons and other mobile plant, not less than 406 millimetres long and 355 millimetres wide or (if circular) not less than 406 millimetres in diameter. (3) Subject to subsection (4), no person shall enter or remain and no person shall require, instruct or direct any person to enter or remain in the confined space for any purpose unless the person entering or remaining in the confined space is wearing a suitable breathing apparatus and has been authorised to enter by a competent person, and, where practicable, he is wearing a belt with a rope securely attached and a person keeping watch outside and capable of pulling him out is holding the free end of the rope. (4) Where the confined space has been certified by a competent person as being, for a specified period, safe for entry without breathing apparatus and the period so specified has not expired, subsection (3) shall not apply, but no person shall enter or remain in the space unless he has been warned when that period will expire. (5) A confined space shall not be certified under subsection (4) unless - (a) effective steps have been taken to prevent any ingress of dangerous fumes; (b) any sludge or other deposit liable to give off dangerous fumes has been removed and the space contains no other material liable to give off dangerous fumes; and (c) the space has been adequately ventilated and tested for dangerous fumes and has a supply of air adequate to sustain life, but no account shall be taken for the purposes of paragraph (b) of any deposit or other material liable to give off dangerous fumes in insignificant quantities only. (6) A record shall be kept of every test pursuant to subsection (5) and be kept available for inspection at all times. (7) There shall be provided and kept readily available a sufficient supply of suitable breathing apparatus, of belts and ropes, and of suitable reviving apparatus and oxygen, and the apparatus, belts and ropes shall be maintained and shall be thoroughly examined, at least once a month or at such other intervals as may be prescribed, by a competent person; and a report on every such examination, signed by the person making the examination and containing the prescribed particulars, shall be kept available for inspection. (8) A sufficient number of the persons employed shall be trained and practised in the use of the apparatus mentioned in subsection (7) and in a method of restoring respiration. (9) No person shall enter or remain in, and no person shall require, permit or direct any other person to enter or remain in, any confined space in which the proportion of oxygen in the air is liable to have been substantially reduced unless either (a) he is wearing a suitable breathing apparatus; or (b) the space has been and remains adequately ventilated and a competent person has tested and certified it as containing an adequate supply of oxygen and safe for entry without breathing apparatus. 35. -- (1) Where, in connection with any process giving rise to dust, gas, vapour or substance, there may escape into any workplace dust, gas, vapour or substance, of such a character and to such an extent as to be liable to explode on ignition, all practical steps shall be taken to prevent such an explosion - (a) by enclosure of the plant used in the process; (b) by removal or prevention of accummulation of the dust, gas, vapour or substance; (c) by exclusion or effective enclosure of possible sources of ignition; and (d) by the use of suitable flame-proof equipment. (2) Where there is present in any plant used in any such process as aforesaid dust of such a character and to such an extent as to be liable to explode on ignition, then, unless the plant is so constructed as to withstand the pressure likely to be produced by any such explosion, all practicable steps shall be taken to restrict the spread and effects of such an explosion by the provision, in connection with the plant, of chokes, baffles and vents, or other equally effective appliances. (3) Where any part of a plant contains any explosive or inflammable gas or vapour under pressure greater than atmospheric pressure, that part shall not be opened, except in accordance with the following provisions: (a) before the fastening of any joint of any pipe connected with the part of the plant or the fastening of the cover of any opening into the part is loosened, any flow of the gas or vapour into the part or into such pipe shall be effectively stopped by a stop-valve or otherwise; and (b) before any such fastening is removed, all practicable steps shall be taken to reduce the pressure of the gas or vapour in the pipe or part of the plant to atmospheric pressure, and if any such fastening has been loosened or removed, no explosive or inflammable gas or vapour shall be allowed to enter the pipe of part of the plant until the fastening has been secured or, as the case may be, securely replaced. (4) No plant, tank or vessl which contains or has contained any explosive or inflammable substance shall be subjected - (a) to any welding, brazing or soldering operation; (b) to any cutting operation which involves the application of heat; or (c) to any operation involving the application of heat for the purpose of taking apart or removing the plant, tank or vessel or any part of it, until all practicable steps have been taken to remove the substance and any fumes arising from it, or to render them non-explosive or non-inflammable; and if any plant, tank or vessel has been subjected to any such operation, no explosive or inflammable substance shall be allowed to enter the plant, tank or vessel unril the metal has cooled sufficiently to prevent any risk of igniting the substance. (5) No plant, tank or vessel which contains, or has contained, any explosive or inflammable substance shall be subjected to any of the operations referred to in subsection (4) (a), (b) or (c) unless such plant, tank or vessl has been inspected and certified by a competent person (a) to be free from any explosive or inflammable substance or from any fumes arising from any such substance, or that the substance or any fumes arising from it have been rendered non-explosive or non-inflammable; and (b) that it is safe for any such operations to be carried out. (6) Any certificated issued by a competent person pursuant to subsection (5) shall be kept available at all times for inspection by an inspector. (7) The Chief Inspector may by a certificate in writing grant, subject to any conditions specified in the certificate, exemption from compliance with any of the requirements of subsections (3) and (4) in any case where he is satisfied that compliance with the requirement is unnecessary oe impracticable. (8) In this section "tank" includes any pipe and valve thereof and all its fittings and attachments. 36. -- (1) Every steam boiler and every part thereof and all its fittings and attachments shall be of good construction, sound material, adequate strength and free from patent defect, and shall be properly maintained. (2) Every steam boiler, whether separate or one of a range - (a) shall have attached to it - (i) a suitable safety valve (separate from and incapable of being isolated by any stop-valve), which shall be so adjusted as to prevent the boiler from being worked at a pressure greater than the maximum permissible working pressure and which shall be fixed directly to, or as close as practicable to, the boiler; (ii) a suitable stop-valve connecting the boiler to the steam pipe; (iii) a correct steam pressure gauge, connected to the steam space and easily visible by the boiler attendant, which shall indicate the pressure of steam in the boiler or have marked upon it, in a distinctive colour, the maximum permissible working pressure; (iv) at least one water gauge, of transparent material or other type approved by the Chief Inspector, to show the water level in the boiler, and if the gauge is of the glass tubular type and the working pressure in the boiler normally exceeds 275 kilo- newtons per square metre, the gauge shall be provided with an efficient guard, but not so as to obstruct the reading of the gauge; (v) where it is one of two or more boilers, a plate bearing a distinctive number which shall be easily visible; (b) shall be provided with means for attaching a test pressure gauge; and (c) shall be provided with a suitable fusible plug or an efficient low-water alarm device. (3) Subsection (2) (a) (ii) shall not apply with respect to economisers, and subsections (2) (a) (iii), (iv) and (v) , (2) (b) and (2) (c) shall not apply with respect to either economisers or superheaters. (4) For the purposes of subsection (2) a lever-valve shall not be deemed a suitable safety valve. (5) No steam boiler shall be operated except by or under the control of a person who is the holder of a certificate of competency issued under regulations made under this Act. (6) No person shall enter or be in any steam boiler which is one of a range of two or more steam boilers unless - (a) all inlets through which steam or hot water might otherwise enter the boiler from any other part of the range are disconnected from the part; or (b) all valves or taps controlling such entry are closed and securely locked, and, where the boiler has a blow-off pipe in common with one or more other boilers or delivering into a common blow-off vessel or sump, the blow-off valve or tap on each such boiler is so constructed that it can only be opened by a key which cannot be removed until the valve or tap is closed and is the only key in use for that set of blow-off valves or taps. (7) No work shall be permitted in any boiler-furnace or boiler-flue until it has been sufficiently cooled by ventilation or otherwise to make work safe for the persons employed. (8) Every steam boiler and all its fittings and attachments shall be thoroughly examined by an authorised boiler inspector at least once in every period of 12 months, and also after any extensive repairs except that such authorised boiler inspector may at his discretion arrange to make the examination up to one month after the 12 months have expired. (9) The Chief Inspector may, if he thinks fit, by a certificate in writing authorise, subject to any conditions specified in the certificate, a period exceeding 12 months within which the examination under subsection (8) is to be made. (10) Any examination in accordance with the requirements of subsection (8) shall consist, in the first place, of an examination of the boiler when it is cold and the interior and exterior have been prepared in the prescribed manner, and secondly, except in the case of an economiser or superheater, of an examination when it is under normal steam pressure; the examination under steam pressure shall be made as soon as possible after the examination of the boiler when cold, and the person making the examination shall see that the safety valve is so adjusted as to prevent the boiler from being worked at a pressure greater than the maximum permissible working pressure. (11) A report of the result of every such examination, in the prescribed form and containing the prescribed particulars (including particulars of the maximum permissible working pressure and such other conditions as may be necessary for the safe working of the boiler), shall, as soon as practicable and in any case within 28 days of the completion of the examination, be prepared in duplicate and signed by the person making the examination. A copy of such report shall be handed to the occupier of the factory and the other copy shall be sent to the Chief Inspector. (12) For the purposes of sub-sections (11) to (15) relating to reports of examinations, the examination of a boiler when it is cold and its examination when it is under steam pressure shall be treated as separate examinations. (13) No steam boiler which has previously been used shall be taken into use in any factory for the first time in that factory until it has been examined and reported on in accordance with subsections (8) to (11); and no new steam boiler shall be taken into use unless there has been obtained from the Chief Inspector a certificate specifying the maximum permissible working pressure of the boiler and stating the nature of the tests to which the boiler and fittings have been submitted, and the certificate is kept available for inspection, and the boiler is so marked as to enable it to be identified as the boiler to which the certificate relates. (14) Where the report of any examination under this section specifies conditions for securing the safe working of a steam boiler, the boiler shall not be used except in accordance with those conditions. (15) Any person who for the purposes of this section desires that an examination of a steam boiler should be carried out by, and any person who desires to obtain the certificate referred to in subsection (13) from, any authorised boiler inspector who is an inspector, shall notify the Chief Inspector accordingly and, on payment by that person of the prescribed fee, the Chief Inspector shall instruct such an authorised boiler inspector to carry out the examination or to carry out the necessary tests with a view to the issue of the certificate. (16) This section shall not apply to the boiler or boilers of any locomotive of the property of or used by the Malayan Railway. 37. -- (1) Every steam receiver and every part thereof and all its fittings shall be of good construction, sound material, adequate strength and free from patent defect, and shall be properly maintained. (2) Every steam receiver, not so constructed and maintained as to withstand with safety the maximum permissible working pressure of the boiler or the maximum pressure which can be obtained in the pipe connecting the receiver with any source of supply, shall be fitted with - (a) a suitable reducing valve or other suitable automatic appliance to prevent the safe working pressure of the receiver being exceeded; (b) a suitable safety valve so adjusted as to permit the steam to escape as soon as the safe working pressure is exceeded, or a suitable appliance for cutting off automatically the supply of steam as soon as the safe working pressure is exceeded; (c) a correct steam pressure gauge, which shall indicate the pressure of steam in the receiver; (d) a suitable stop-valve; and (e) except where only one steam receiver is in use, a plate bearing a distinctive number which shall be easily visible, and the safety valve and pressure gauge shall be fitted either on the steam receiver or on the supply pipe between the receiver and the reducing valve or other appliance to prevent the safe working pressure being exceeded. (3) For the purpose of subsection (2), except paragraph (e) thereof, any set of receivers supplied with steam through a single pipe and forming part of a single machine may be treated as one receiver, and for the purpose of that subsection, except paragraphs (d) and (e) thereof, any other set of receivers supplied with steam through a single pipe may be treated as one receiver but this subsection shall not apply to any such set of receivers unless the reducing valve or other appliance to prevent the safe working pressure being exceeded is fitted on that single pipe. (4) Every steam receiver and all its fittings shall be thoroughly examined by an authorised boiler inspector, so far as the construction of the receiver permits, at least once every 24 months. (5) The Chief Inspector may, if he thinks fit, by a certificate in writing authorise, subject to any conditions specified in the certificate, a period of 24 months within which the examination under subsection (4) is to be made. (6) A report of the result of every such examination in the prescribed form and containing the prescribed particulars (including particulars of the safe working pressure), shall be prepared in duplicate and signed by the person making the examination. A copy of such report shall be handed to the occupier of the factory and the other copy shall be sent to the Chief Inspector. (7) No steam receiver which has previously been used shall be taken into use in any factory for the first time in that factory until it has been examined and reported on in accordance with subsections (4) and (6); and no new steam receiver shall be taken into use unless there has been obtained from the Chief Inspector a certificate specifying the safe working pressure of the receiver and stating the nature of the tests to which the receiver and fittings have been submitted, and the certificate is kept available for inspection, and the receiver is so marked as to enable it to be identified as the receiver to which the certificate relates. (8) Any person who for the purposes of this section desires that an examination of a steam receiver should be carried out by, and any person who in order to obtain the certificate referred to in subsection (7) desires that the necessary tests should be carried out by, any authorised boiler inspector who is an inspector, shall notify the Chief Inspector accordingly and, on payment by such person of the prescribed fee, the Chief Inspector shall instruct an authorised boiler inspector to carry out the examination or the tests, as the case may be. (9) Every steam container shall be so maintained as to secure that the outlet is at all times kept open and free from obstruction. 38. -- (1) Every cast-iron underfired vulcaniser and all its fittings and attachments shall be of good construction, sound material, adequate strength and free from patent defects, and shall be properly maintained. (2) Every cast-iron underfired vulcaniser shall have attached to it - (a) a suitable safety valve (separate from and incapable of being isolated by any stop-valve), which shall be so adjusted as to prevent the vulcaniser from being worked at a pressure greater than the maximum permissible working pressure and which shall be fixed directly to or as close as practicable to the vulcaniser; (b) a correct steam pressure gauge connected to the steam space and easily visible, which shall indicate the pressure of steam in the vulcaniser or have marked upon it, in a distinctive colour, the maximum permissible working pressure; (c) a water gauge, of transparent material or other type approved by the Chief Inspector, to show the water level in the vulcaniser, and if the gauge is of the glass tubular type and the working pressure in the vulcaniser normally exceeds 275 kilo-newtons per square metre, the gauge shall be provided with an efficient guard, but not so as to obstruct the reading of the gauge; (d) where there are two or more vulcanisers in use in the same premises, a plate bearing a distinctive number which shall be easily visible. (3) The working pressure of a cast-iron underfired vulcaniser shall not exceed 413 kilo-newtons per equare metre. (4) No cast-iron underfired vulcaniser shall be used to supply steam to another vulcaniser or other receiver external to the vulcaniser. (5) Every cast-iron underfired vulcaniser and all its fittings and attachments shall be thoroughly examined by an authorised boiler inspector at least once in every 12 months, and also after any extensive repairs except that the authorised boiler inspector may, at his discretion, arrange to make the examination up to one month after the 12 months have expired. (6) Any examination in accordance with the requirements of subsection (5) shall consist, in the first place, of an examination of the vulcaniser when it is cold, and secondly, of an examination under normal steam pressure; the examination under normal steam pressure shall be made as soon as possible after the examination of the vulcaniser when cold, and the person making the examination shall see that the safety valve is so adjusted as to prevent the vulcaniser from being worked at a pressure greater than the maximum permissible working pressure. (7) A report of the result of every such examination in the prescribed form shall, as soon as practicable and in any case within 7 days of the completion of the examination, be prepared in duplicate and signed by the person making the examination. One copy of the report shall be handed to the occupier of the factory and the other copy shall be sent to the Chief Inspector. (8) No cast-iron underfired vulcaniser which has previously been used shall be taken into use in any factory for the first time in that factory until it has been examined and reported on in accordance with subsections (5) to (7); and no new cast-iron underfired vulcaniser shall be taken into use unless there has been obtained from the Chief Inspector a certificate specifying the maximum permissible working pressure of the vulcaniser and stating the nature of the tests to which the vulcaniser and fittings have been submitted, and the certificate is kept available for inspection, and the vulcaniser is so marked as to enable it to be identified as the vulcaniser to which the certificate relates. (9) Where the report of any examination under this section specifies conditions for securing the safe working of a cast-iron underfired vulcaniser, the vulcaniser shall not be used except in accordance with those conditions, and in no case shall the maximum permissible working pressure exceed 413 kilo-newtons per square metre. (10) Any person who for the purposes of this section desires that an examination of a cast-iron underfired vulcaniser should be carried out by, and any person who in order to obtain the certificate referred to in subsection (8) desires that the necessary tests should be carried out by, any authorised boiler inspector who is an inspector shall notify the Chief Inspector accordingly and on payment by that person of the prescribed fee, the Chief Inspector shall instruct such an authorised boiler inspector to carry out the examination or the tests, as the case may be. 39. -- (1) Every air receiver and its fittings shall be of sound construction and properly maintained. (2) Every air receiver shall - (a) have marked upon it, so as to be palinly visible, the safe working pressure; (b) in the case of a receiver connected with an air compressing plant, either be so constructed as to withstand with safety the maximum pressure which can be obtained in the compressor, or be fitted with a suitable reducing valve or other suitable appliance to prevent the safe working pressure of the receiver being exceeded; (c) be fitted with a suitable safety valve so adjusted as to permit the air to escape as soon as the safe working pressure is exceeded; (d) be fitted with an accurate pressure gauge indicating the pressure in the receiver; (e) be fitted with a suitable appliance for draining the receiver (except a receiver in which substance in the form of solid or liquid is stored and from which it is forced by compressed air); (f) be provided with a suitable manhole, handhole or other means which will allow the interior to be thoroughly cleaned; and (g) where there is more than one receiver in use in the factory, bear a distinguishing mark which shall be easily visible. (3) For the purpose of subsection (2), relating to safety valves and pressure gauges, any set of air receivers supplied with air through a single pipe may be treated as one receiver but in the case where a suitable reducing valve or other suitable appliance to prevent the safe working pressure being exceeded is reuiqred to be fitted, this subsection shall not apply unless the valve or appliance is fitted on the single pipe. (4) Every air receiver shall be thoroughly cleaned and examined at least once in every 24 months except that in the case of a receiver of solid drawn construction, if it is so constructed that the internal surface cannot be thoroughly examined, a suitable hydraulic test of the receiver shall be carried out in lieu of internal examination. (5) The Chief Inspector may, if he thinks fit, by certificate in writing authorise subject to any conditions specified in the certificate, a period exceeding 24 months within which the examination under subsection (4) is to be made. (6) Every examination and test referred to in subsection (4) shall be carried out by an authorised boiler inspector, and a report of the result of every such examination and test, in the prescribed form and containing the prescribed particulars (including particulars of the safe working pressure), shall be prepared in duplicate and signed by the person making the examination. One copy of the report shall be handed to the occupier of the factory and the other copy shall be sent to the Chief Inspector. (7) No air receiver which has previously been used shall be taken into use in any factory for the first time in that factory until it has been examined and reported on in accordance with subsection (6); and no new air receiver shall be taken into use unless there has been obtained from the Chief Inspector a certificate specifying the safe working pressure of the receiver and stating the nature of the tests to which the receiver and fittings have been submitted, and the certificate is kept available for inspection and the receiver is so marked as to enable it to be identified as the receiver to which the certificate refers. (8) Any occupier of a factory who for the purposes of this section desires that an examination or test of an air receiver should be carried out by an authorised boiler inspector who is an inspector shall notify the Chief Inspector accordingly and, on payment by such occupier of the prescribed fee, the Chief Inspector shall instruct such an authorised boiler inspector to carry out the examination. (9) No air receiver shall be charged from the cylinder of an internal combustion engine. 40. -- (1) No refrigerating plant pressure receiver which has previously been used shall be taken into use in any factory for the first time in that factory until it has been examined and reported on by an authorised boiler inspector; and no new refrigerating plant pressure receiver shall be taken into use unless there has been obtained from the Chief Inspector a certificate specifying the safe working pressure of the receiver and stating the nature of the tests to which the receiver and fittings have been submitted, and the certificate is kept available for inspection and the receiver is so marked as to enable it to be identified as the receiver to which the certificate refers. (2) Any occupier of a factory who for the purposes of this section desires that an examination or test of a refrigerating plant pressure receiver should be carried out by an authorised boiler inspector who is an inspector shall notify the Chief Inspector accordingly and, on payment by such occupier of the prescribed fee, the Chief Inspector shall instruct such an authorised boiler inspector to carry out the examination. 41. Every pressure vessel which contains any corrosive, toxic, explosive or inflammable substances, and every part thereof and all its fittings and attachments, shall be of good construction, sound material, adequate strength, and free from patent defect and shall be properly maintained. 42. Every pipeline, pump, compressor and other equipment which are used to convey steam, air, refrigerant or any corrosive, toxic, explosive or inflammable substance, and every part thereof and all fittings and attachments thereto, shall be of good construction, sound material, adequate strength, and free from patent defect and shall be properly maintained. 43. The Minister may by order to be published in the Gazette exempt from any of the provisions of sections 36, 37, 38, 39 and 40 any class or type of pressure vessel to which he is satisfied that such provision cannot reasonably be applied. Any such exemption may be unqualified or may be subject to such conditions as may be specified in the order. 44. -- (1) All gas plants shall be of sound construction and properly maintained. (2) The Minister may make regulations to be published in the Gazette specifying the nature of any gas plant that may be used, the type of fittings and pipes that may be used in all or any types of gas plant, and may in such regulations make provision for the inspection of gas plants and the prohibition of their use if they contravene or do not comply with any of the provisions of such regulations. (3) Section 102 (2) and (3) shall apply to regulations made under this section. (4) In this section - "gas" includes any gas whether in its gaseous or liquid state; "gas plant" means any plant, apparatus or machine for the manufacture or storage of gas and includes pipes and appliances used in carrying the gas to the place where it is to be used. (5) Every water-sealed gasholder which has a storage capacity of not less than 25 cubic metres shall be thoroughly examined externally by a competent person at least once in every two years and a record containing the prescribed particulars of every such examination shall be entered in or attached to a register. (6) No gasholder shall be repaired or demolished except under the direct supervision of a person who, by his training and experience and his knowledge of the necessary precautions against risks of explosion and of persons being overcome by gas, is competent to supervise such work. (7) No gas filling shall be allowed except under the direct supervision of a person who, by his training and experience and his knowledge of the necessary precautions against any risk, is competent to supervise such work. (8) No gas cylinder for corrosive gases shall be filled unless it has been examined or tested by a competent person at least once within a period of two years and no gas cylinder for other gases shall be filled unless it has been examined or tested by a competent person at least once within a period of 5 years and the result of such examination or test shall be entered into a register and kept for inspection by an inspector. 45. Where the repair of any pressure vessel would if improperly carried out be likely to cause a dangerous occurrence, no repair of the pressure vessel shall be executed without the prior approval of the Chief Inspector given in writing. 46. -- (1) All practical steps shall be taken to keep sources of heat or ignition separate from inflammable materials or any process giving rise to any inflammable gas or vapour. (2) In every factory there shall be provided and maintained, so as to be readily accessible, means of extinguishing fire, which shall be adequate and suitable having regard to the circumstances of each case. (3) The means of extinguishing fire provided in accordance with subsection (2) shall be tested at regular intervals by a competent person. 47.-- (1) Every factory will be provided with such means of escape in case of fire for the persons employed therein as may be reasonably required in the circumstances of each case. (2) All such means of escape as aforesaid shall be properly maintained and kept free from obstruction. (3) The contents of any room in which persons are employed shall be so arranged or disposed that there is a free passageway for all persons employed in a room to a means of escape in case of fire. (4) While any person is within a factory for the purpose of employment, the doors of the factory, and of any room therein in which the person is, and any doors which afford a means of exit for persons employed in the factory from any building or from any enclosure in which the factory is situated, shall not be locked or fastened in such manner that they cannot be easily and immediately opened from the inside. (5) In every factory, all doors affording means of exit from the factory for the persons employed therein shall, except in the case of sliding doors, be constructed to open outwards. (6) Every window, door or other exit affording means of escape in case of fire or giving access thereto, other than the means of exit in ordinary use, shall be distinctively and conspicuously marked by a notice printed in red letters of an adequate size in languages understood by the persons employed in the factory. (7) In every factory effective steps shall be taken to ensure that all the persons are familiar with the means of escape in case of fire and their use, and with the routine to be followed in case of fire. (8) In every factory effective warning devices, capable of being operated without exposing any person to undue risk, shall be provided, maintained and tested at least once every month giving warning in case of fire, which shall be clearly audible throughout the factory. 48. -- (1) If in the opinion of the Chief Inspector the use of any part of the ways, works, machinery or plant in a factory involves imminent liability of a dangerous occurrence, he may serve on the occupier of the factory an order in writing prohibiting the use thereof until such danger is removed to the satisfaction of an inspector. (2) Any person aggrieved by the order of the Chief Inspector under this section may, within 30 days after such order, appeal to the Minister whose decision shall be final. (3) In the event of a failure to comply with an order lawfully given under this section, the occupier of the factory shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction, without prejudice to any other penalty that may have been incurred, to a fine not exceeding $5,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or to both, and if the contravention in respect of which he was so convicted continues after the conviction, he shall be guilty of a further offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $500 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 7 days or to both for every day during which the offence was so continued. 49. -- (1) If the Chief Inspector is satisfied that - (a) any factory or part of a factory is in such condition, or is so placed that any process or work carried on therein cannot be so carried on with due regard to the safety, health and welfare of persons employed; or (b) any process or work is carried on or anything is or has been done in any factory in such manner as to cause risk of bodily injury, he may by order direct the occupier of the factory to take such steps as may be specified in the order, in eliminating the danger complained of, or to cease forthwith the carrying on of any process or work indefinitely or until such steps have been taken as may be specified in the order to enable the process or work to be carried on with due regard to the safety, health and welfare of persons employed. (2) The occupier of a factory who fails to comply with an order under subsection (1) shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $10,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or to both and, in the case of a continuing offence, to a fine not exceeding $1,000 for every day during which the offence continues after conviction. (3) Where the occupier of a factory has failed to comply with any order under subsection (1), the Chief Inspector may at all reasonable times enter upon the premises of the factory and take such measures and do such work as may be necessary to comply with the order and any costs and expenses incurred by the Chief Inspector may be recovered as a debt due to the Government from the occupier of the factory. 50. -- (1) Any person aggrieved by an order made by the Chief Inspector under section 49 may within 14 days of the order appeal to the Minister who may rescind or vary the order. (2) Notwithstanding that an appeal has been made under subsection (1), the aggrieved person shall comply with the order pending the outcome of the appeal and the Chief Inspector may exercise the powers conferred by section 49 (3). 51. -- (1) Where - (a) an accident in a factory - (i) causes loss of life to a person employed in a factory; (ii) disables any such person for more than 3 days from earning full wages at the work at which he was employed; or (iii) causes any injury to any such person which requires such person to be detained in a hospital for at least 24 hours for observation or treatment; or (b) a dangerous occurrence takes place in a factory, written notice thereof in the form set out in the Ninth Schedule shall be sent forthwith to the Chief Inspector by the occupier of the factory. (2) Where a person employed is invovled in an accident or a dangerous occurrence and the occupier of the factory is not the actual employer of the person killed or injured, the actual employer shall, instead of the occupier of the factory, forthwith send a written notice thereof in the form set out in the Ninth Schedule to the Chief Inspector. (3) Where an accident causing incapacity in notified under this section, and after notification thereof the person incapacitated dies, written notice of the dealth shall be sent to the Chief Inspector by the occupier of the factory or the employer of that person, as the case may be, as soon as the death comes to his knowledge. 52. -- (1) Upon receipt of information of an accident, the Chief Inspector may, if he thinks it necessary, instruct an inspector to visit the place where the accident has taken place to make a preliminary investigation of the circumstances and record in writing his findings upon such investigation. (2) Upon receipt of information of a dangerous occurrence, an inspector shall visit the place where the dangerous occurrence has taken place and shall make a preliminary investigation of the circumstances and record in writing his findings upon such investigation. 53. -- (1) No alteration or addtion shall, without the consent of the Chief Inspector, be made to any machinery, equipment, plant or article which may have contributed to cause an accident resulting in the death of any person or a dangerous occurrence, nor shall any alteration or addition be made without such consent to the site of the fatal accident or the dangerous occurrence, except that nothing herein shall operate to interfere with rescue work or work necessary for the general safety of life and property. (2) It shall be presumed, unless it is proved to the contrary, that any alteration or addition as is referred to in subsection (1) has been made by the occupier of the factory, unless the occupier is not the employer of the injured or deceased person. 54. -- (1) If it appears desirable as a result of an investigation held under section 52, the Chief Inspector shall furnish a full report of an accident or a dangerous occurrence to the Minister, and the Minister may where he considers it expedient to do so, direct a Magistrate, with one or more assessors appointed by the Minister, to hold an inquiry into the accident or dangerous occurrence in a factory and of its causes and circumstances and subsections (2) to (7) shall have effect with respect to any such inquiry. (2) The Magistrate and the assessors so appointed shall hold the inquiry in open court in such manner and under such conditions as they think most effectual for ascertaining the causes and circumstances of the accident or the dangerous occurrence, and for enabling them to make the report required by this section. (3) The Magistrate and the assessors shall have for the purposes of the inquiry all the powers of a Magistrate's Court when trying offences under this Act and all the powers of an inspector under this Act, and, in addition, power - (a) to enter and inspect any place or building, the entry or inspection of which appears to them requisite for the purposes of the inquiry; (b) by summons signed by the Magistrate to require attendance of all such persons as the Magistrate and the assessors think fit to call before them and examine and to require answers or returns to such inquiries as they think fit to make; (c) to require the production of all books, papers and documents which the Magistrate and the assessors consider important for the purposes of the inquiry; and (d) to administer oaths and to require any person examined to make and sign a declaration of the truth of the statements made by him in his examination. (4) The Magistrate and the assessors shall make a report to the Minister stating the causes and circumstances of the accident or dangerous occurrence and adding any observations which the Magistrate and the assessors think right to make, and if the Magistrate is of the opinion that criminal proceedings ought to be instituted against any person in connection with the accident or dnagerous occurrence, he shall also forward to the Public Prosecutor a copy of that report. (5) Any person who without reasonable excuse (proof whereof shall lie on him) either fails to comply with any summons, order or requisition of the Magistrate, or prevents or impedes the Magistrate and the assessors in the execution of their duties shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $2,000. (6) The Minister may cause the report of the Magistrate and the assessors to be made public at such time and in such manner as he thinks fit. (7) The Chief Inspector may suspend the certificate of competency of any person pending an inquiry under this section and any criminal proceedings that may ensue, and for the period of suspension the person suspended shall deliver up his certificate of competency to the Chief Inspector and shall not take or be in control of any steam boiler; and any court, or, upon consideration of the finding of an inquiry under this section, the Minister, may suspend for such period as it or he ( as the case may be) thinks fit, or cancel the certificate of competency of any person, and no person whose certificate of competency has been suspended or cancelled under this subsection shall take or be in control of any steam boiler during the period of the suspension or cancellation. PART VI WELFARE (GENERAL PROVISIONS) 55. -- (1) There shall be provided and maintained at suitable points conveniently accessible to all persons employed an adequate supply of wholesome drinking water from a public main. (2) A supply of drinking water which is not laid on shall be contained in suitable vessels and all practical steps shall be taken to preserve the water and vessels from contamination. 56. -- (1) There shall be provided and maintained for the use of employed persons adequate and suitable facilities for washing which shall include a supply of clean water and, in addition, soap and clean towels or other suitable means of cleaning or drying; and the facilities shall be conveniently accessible and shall be kept in a clean, safe and orderly condition. (2) There shall be provided and maintained for the use of employed persons adequate and suitable accommodation for clothing not worn during working hours. 57. The Chief Inspector may by a certificate in writing exempt any factory from section 56. 58. -- (1) There shall be provided and maintained so as to be readily accessible a first-aid box or cupboard of such standard as may be prescribed from time to time. (2) Nothing except appliances or requisites for first-aid shall be kept in a first-aid box or cupboard. (3) Each first-aid box or cupboard shall be placed under the charge of a responsible person who shall, in the case of a factory where more than 25 persons are employed, be trained in first-aid treatment, and the person in charge shall always be readily available during working hours. A notice shall be affixed in every workroom stating the name of the person in charge of the first-aid box or cupboard provided in respect of that room. (4) In every factory, where more than 500 persons are employed there shall be provided and maintained a first-aid room of such standard as may be approved by the Chief Inspector. (5) If a first-aid room is provided at the factory and such arrangements are made as to ensure the immediate treatment there of all injuries occurring in the factory, the Chief Inspector may by a certificate exempt the factory from the requirements of subsections (1),(2) and (3) to such extent and subject to such conditions as he may specify in the certificate. PART VII HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELFARE (SPECIAL PROVISIONS AND REGULATIONS) 59. -- (1) In every factory in which, in connection with any process carried on, there is given off any dust of fume or other impurity of such a character and to such extent as to be likely to be injurious or offensive to the persons employed, or any substantial quantity of dust of any kind, all practicable measures shall be taken to protect the persons employed against inhalation of the dust or fume or other impurity and to prevent its accumulating in any workplace, and in particular, where the nature of the process makes it practicable, exhaust appliances shall be provided and maintained, as near as possible to the point of origin of the dust or fume or other impurity, so as to prevent it entering the air of any workplace. (2) No stationary internal combustion engine shall be used unless provision is made for conducting the exhaust gases from the engine into the open air. (3) The atmosphere of any workplace in which dangerous or obnoxious substances are manufactured, handled or used, shall be tested by a competent person at sufficient intervals to ensure that toxic or irritating dusts, fumes, gases, fibres, mist or vapours are not present in quantities liable to injure health of persons employed. (4) A record of the result of every test carried out under subsection (3) shall be kept available for inspection by an inspector for at least 3 years from the date of the test. (5) The occupier of a factory shall place warning notices in places where there are special risks to which the persons employed are exposed and the precautions to be taken to obviate such risks. (6) The requirements of subsections (1) and (3) shall not apply to any workplace where it is impracticable to comply with such requirements and where breathing apparatus is used by a person working thereat. (7) The Minister may by order published in the Gazette specify the permissible levels of toxic substances in the workplace of a factory. 60. -- (1) Poisonous substances in a factory shall be placed under the control of a competent person who has adequate knowledge of the properties of the poisonous substances and their dangers. (2) Warning notices in languages understood by the persons employed in the factory specifying the nature of the danger of the poisonous substances shall be placed at all entrances to or adjoining the poisonous substances. (3) Persons employed in a factory who are liable to be exposed to poisonous substances shall be warned of the hazards involved and of the safety measures to be observed. (4) Labels easily understood by persons employed in the factory shall be affixed to containers of poisonous substances to warn them of the hazards involved. 61.-- (1) Where in any room any poisonous or otherwise injurious substance is so used as to give rise to any dust or fume, a person shall not be permitted to partake of food or drink in that room or to remain in that room during the intervals allowed to him for meals or rest and no food or drinks shall be kept in or conveyed through that room at any time. (2) Suitable facilities shall be made for enabling the persons employed in such room as is mentioned in subsection (1) to take their meals elsewhere in the factory. 62. -- (1) Where in any factory workers are employed in any process involving exposure to wet or to excessive temperature or noise or to extreme cold or to any injurious or offensive substance, suitable protective clothing and appliances, including where necessary suitable gloves, footwear, goggles, ear mufflers and head coverings, shall be provided and maintained for the use of such workers. (2) Where in any factory persons are employed in any process involving the hazard of flying or falling objects or substances, approved head protection shall be provided and maintained for the use of such persons. (3) Where there is risk of injury from hair entanglement in moving parts of machinery, head covering shall be provided to confine the hair of persons employed who are exposed to such risks. (4) Hand protection shall be provided for persons employed in any factory who regularly expose their hands to cuts or burns. (5) Foot protection shall be provided for persons employed in any factory who are exposed to foot injury from hot, corrosive substances or falling objects. (6) Where persons have to work under water, underwater breathing apparatus, goggles and other necessary protective clothing and appliances shall be provided for their use. (7) The Minister may, by notification in the Gazette, specify the type of approved clothing and appliances for the purpose of this section. 63. -- (1) In the case of any of the processes specified in the Fifth Schedule or any process which involves a special risk of injury to the eyes from particles or fragments thrown off in the course of the process, suitable goggles or effective screens shall be provided to protect the eyes of the persons employed in the process. (2) Where, in any factory, electric arc welding is carried on in such a manner as to involve risk of persons employed (other than persons employed in the welding process) being exposed to the electric arc flash, effective provision shall be made, by screening or otherwise, to prevent such exposure. 64. Where in any factory persons are employed in any process involving exposure to excessive noise or vibration which may constitute a danger to their health, effective means shall, as far as practicable, be provided for the reduction of the noise or vibration. 65. -- (1) The occupier of a factory shall, wherever possible, substitute harmless or less harmful substances, processes or techniques for harmful substances, processes or techniques. (2) Hazardous processes shall be carried out in separate rooms, buildings or premises occupied by a minimum number of workers. (3) Preventive measures shall be taken against the liberation of harmful substances and for the protection of workers from harmful radiation. (4) No person shall enter or remain in, and no person shall require, permit or direct any person to enter, or remain in, any room, building or premises in which any hazardous process is carried out unless he or that person is employed in the process. 66. The Chief Inspector may, if he thinks fit, by order in writing direct the occupier of a factory in which any process involving the manufacture, handling or use of poisonous injurious or offensive substance is carried on to provide within the time specified in the order, separate changing and washing facilities for persons employed in the process. 67. -- (1) Every registered medical practitioner attending on or called in to visit a patient whom he believes to be suffering from any of the diseases specified in the Sixth Schedule and contracted in a factory shall (unless such a notice has been previously sent) forthwith send to the Chief Inspector a notice in the form set out in the Tenth Schedule. (2) If, in contravention of this section, any registered medical practitioner fails to send any notice in accordance with the requirements thereof, he shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $500. (3) Written notice of every case of any of the diseases specified in the Sixth Schedule occurring in a factory shall be sent by the occupier in the form set out in the Eleventh Schedule and accompanied by the prescribed particulars to the Chief Inspector; and section 51 with respect to the notification of dangerous occurrences shall apply to any such case in like manner as to any such dangerous occurrence as is mentioned in those provisions. (4) The Minister may, as regards all factories or any class or description of factory, by order to be published in the Gazette apply this section to any disease other than those specified in the Sixth Schedule. 68. -- (1) Where the Minister is satisfied that any manufacture, machinery, plant, equipment, appliance, process or description of manual labour used in factories is of such a nature as to cause risk of bodily injury to the persons employed or any class of those persons, he may make such regulations as appear to him to be reasonably practicable and to meet the necessity of the case. (2) The regulations so made may, among other things - (a) prohibit the employment of, or modify or limit the hours of employment of, all persons or any class of persons in connection with any manufacture, machinery, plant, process or description of manual labour; (b) prohibit, limit or control the use of any material or process; (c) modify or extend with respect to any class or description of factories any provisions of Part IV, V, VI or this Part, being provisions imposing requirements as to health or safety; and special regulations so made may apply to all factories in which the manufacture, machinery, plant, equipment, appliance, process or description of manual labour is used or to any specified class or description of such factories and may provide for the exemption of any special class or description of factories either absolutely or subject to conditions; (d) prescribe maximum weights which may be lifted, carried or moved by persons employed in factories; and any such regulations may prescribe different weights in different circumstances and may relate either to persons generally or to any class of persons or to persons employed in any class or description of factories or in any process; and (e) prescribe the qualifications of persons who are employed at any machine or plant, or the training in work at the machine or plant to be received by such persons. (3) The regulations so made may impose duties on owners, employed persons and other persons as well as on occupiers. (4) All regulations made under this section shall be pub