Factories Act, 1934 — section 25

25. Precautions in case of fire..—_(1) Every factory shall be provided with such means of escape in case of fire as may be prescribed.

(2)If it appears to the Inspector that any factory is not provided with the means of escape prescribed under sub-section (1), he may serve on the manager of the factory an order in writing specifying the measures which, in his opinion, should be adopted before a date specified in the order.

(3)In every factory the doors affording exit from any room shall not be locked or fastened so that they can be easily and immediately opened from inside while any person is within the room, and all such doors, unless they are of the sliding type, shall be constructed to open outwards or where the door is between two rooms, in the direction of the nearest exit from the building and such door shall not be locked or obstructed while work is being carried on in the room and shall at all times be kept free from any obstruction.

(4)In every factory every window, door, or other exit affording means of escape in case of fire, other than means of exit in ordinary use, shall be distinctively marked in a language understood by the majority of the workers and in red letters of adequate size or by some other effective and clearly understood sign.

(5)In every factory there shall be provided effective and clearly audible means of giving warning in case of fire to every person employed therein.

(6)A free passage-way giving access to each means of escape in case of fire shall be maintained for the use of all workers in every room of the factory.

(7)In every factory wherein more than ten workers are ordinarily employed in any place above the ground floor, or explosive or highly inflammable materials are used or stored, effective measures shall be taken to ensure that all the workers are familiar with the means of escape in case of fire and have been adequately trained in the routine to be followed in such case.

(8)The Provincial Government may make rules prescribing in respect of any factory, or class or description of factories, the means of escape to be provided in case of fire and the nature and amount of fire fighting apparatus to be provided and maintained. 1 Ins. by Act No. XVI of 1973, s. 9.