Rule 159. Supply of Personal Protective Equipment and Clothing

(1). Save as otherwise expressly provided for in these rules, suitable personal protective equipment and clothing, such as helmets, goggles, respirators, aprons, leggings, boots or other foot-wear, gloves, and clothing shall be supplied to workers engaged in any activity, operation or process during the course of his work in the factory which is likely to be injurious to the health and safety of the workers.

(2) The inspector may have regard to the nature of the hazards involved in work and process being carried out, order the Occupier or the Manager in writing to supply to the workers exposed to particular hazard any personal protective equipment as may be found necessary.

(3) The Personal Protective Equipment provided shall confirm to the relevant National Standard. The occupiers shall require the workers to use such PPEs and same shall be maintained in proper working conditions by the occupier. No charge whatsoever shall be charged by the occupier from the workers for provision of such PPE.

(4) Without prejudice to the generality of the provisions of sub rule (1), the various types of PPEs to which this rule shall extend for use in factories shall be as prescribed below, i. Safety Helmet: All workers who are likely to be exposed to any hazard which may cause head injury shall be provided with safety helmets confirming to relevant National standards. All the workers shall be adequately trained on proper use of such PPEs. When work at height is being carried out such safety helmet shall be provided with nape strap. No safety helmet which has resisted an impact shall be reused, Periodic cleaning and visual inspection to check any deformation in size or shape shall be carried out. ii. Protective Footwear: Protective footwear should be provided to workers who are exposed to hazards which are likely to cause injury to them by way of materials being dropped on their feet or nail or other sharp objects penetrating their sole. The type and nature of footwear to be used at work places shall be decided by the occupier based on nature of work being carried at such work places. Proper disinfection shall be carried out to prevent contagious fungal infection of the skin that causes scaling, flaking and itching of the affected areas. Proper medical care shall be carried out to prevent workers from suffering from ingrown nails, metatarsalgia, heel spur, hammer toes and nerve damage after wearing safety shoe. iii. Safety Googles and Spectacles: The relevant National Standard shall be applicable for eye- protection intended for use in industrial undertakings to provide protection for the eyes of the workers against hazards such as flying particles and fragments, splashing materials and molten metal’s harmful dust, gases or vapours, aerosols and radiations which are likely to impair vision or damage the eyes. Additional eye protection over their prescription lenses shall be used ensuring that the protective eye wear does not disturb the proper positioning of the prescription lenses. iv. Equipment for Eye and Face Protection during Welding: Relevant National Standard shall be followed for the requirements of goggles, hand shield and helmet intended to protect an operator above the shoulder from harmful radiation, spark and particles of hot metal during welding, cutting and similar operations employing agas flame or electric arc. v. Gloves and Protective Clothing: Suitable gloves, leather gauntlets and mittens conforming to relevant National Standard shall be used for protection of hand of the workers from getting injured. Such protective gloves shall be provided where the hand exposed to hazards such as those from skin absorption of harmful substances; severe cuts or lacerations; severe abrasions; punctures; chemical burns; thermal burns; and harmful temperature extremes. Suitable protective clothing as per relevant National Standard available for apron (Rubberized, acid and alkali resistant) shall be used for protection of workers who are likely to be exposed to any hazard which may cause injury to their skin. vi. Ear Protection when exposed to Noise: Protection against the effects of noise exposure shall be provided when the sound levels exceed the prescribed standards. The relevant National Standard shall be followed while selection of suitable ear protection. Periodic disinfection of reusable ear protectors shall be carried out to maintain hygiene. vii. Respiratory Protection: Respiratory Protective equipment based on the nature of hazard as per the relevant National Standard shall be provided by the occupier of the factory to the workers for their respiratory protection against dust fumes, gases, particulates etc. Periodic disinfection of reusable appliances shall be carried out to maintain hygiene viii. Other Protective Equipment: Jackets made with reflective or otherwise conspicuously visible material as per the relevant National Standard shall be provided to the persons employed in the areas where there is regular exposure to danger from moving vehicles in the nights. Rules Under Section 133 (2) (zzq)