The Government of Rajasthan has officially notified the Rajasthan Factories (Amendment) Rules, 2025, introducing comprehensive safety reforms under the Factories & Boilers Inspection Department. These amendments, issued through G.S.R. 86, modify several provisions of the Rajasthan Factories Rules, 1951, in exercise of powers under Section 112 of the Factories Act, 1948.
The amendments come after the publication of draft rules on July 29, 2025, and consideration of public objections and suggestions received up to September 13, 2025. The new rules take effect immediately upon publication in the Official Gazette – October 27th 2025.
🔍 Key Highlights of the Amendment:
1. Protection for Women, Pregnant, and Young Workers
Across multiple hazardous process schedules, a uniform clause has been introduced:
- Prohibition on employing pregnant women, lactating mothers, adolescents, and children in hazardous operations.
- Before employing any other women, employers must ensure safety controls such as:
- Enclosed or automated systems
- Local exhaust ventilation
- Specialized Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Limited exposure periods and job rotation schedules
This aims to enhance gender-sensitive occupational safety in industries involving chemicals, metals, heat, lead, and dust.
2. Mandatory Monitoring and Safety Training
Each amended schedule introduces compulsory monitoring and training provisions, including:
- Air quality monitoring
- Heat stress and health checks (like regular blood lead testing)
- Emergency response and safety training
- Regular safety drills for all employees involved in hazardous processes
3. Technological Safety Upgrades
Factories must now implement engineering and automation controls depending on the nature of operations. Examples include:
- Automated handling and enclosed systems for lead and manganese processes
- Remote monitoring and gas detection equipment in high-risk areas
- Dust and heat control systems for processes involving blasting or high-temperature operations
4. Chemical and Material-Specific Rules
- Sand blasting with free silica is now explicitly prohibited.
- Use of lead-free glazes and wet methods is mandated to reduce toxic exposure.
- Factories handling toxic chemicals must display toxicity information and ensure preventive measures are in place.
⚙️ Schedules Impacted
The amendment affects Schedules II, III, IV, VI, VII, VIII, X, XI, XII, XIII, XVIII, XIX, XX, XXI, XXIII, and XXVIII of Rule 100 in the 1951 Rules. Each schedule corresponds to a specific hazardous process or industrial activity.
🏭 Government’s Objective
The move aligns with Rajasthan’s goal to modernize industrial safety standards, protect women and young workers, and bring factories into compliance with evolving national and international safety norms.
🗣️ Conclusion
The Rajasthan Factories (Amendment) Rules, 2025 mark a significant step toward safer and more equitable workplaces. The new mandates on monitoring, training, and engineering controls underscore the state’s commitment to occupational health, industrial modernization, and women’s welfare in hazardous industries.