To obtain my operator's licence I had to satisfy the
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DoE inspectors that I adequate workshop facilities. Does this ,ection also swish, the requirements of Factories Act, if indeed, they apply to k small premises as 1 occapy?
The DoE inspection has no relation' ship with the Factories Act of 1961. ir premises, provided they fall within definition of this Act, are covered by egulations.
'roperties which fall within the Factories include any premises, whether inside the building or not, in which people are employed in manual labour in any process for or incidental to the alteration, repair, finishing, cleaning or washing or the breaking up of any article. This, of course, would include an open yard used for vehicle repairs which would be unlikely to satisfy DoE inspectors.
It is factory inspectors who enforce the law under the Factories Act, the main concern of which is the health, safety and welfare of the employees.
In terms of this Act a general register must be kept in which employers are required to enter details of young persons employed, particulars concerning washing, white-washing or painting of the factory and particulars of certain accidents.
The Factories Act requires that accumulations of dirt and refuse must be removed daily from floors and benches, and floors must be washed or swept at least once a week. Where mechanical power is used and more than 10 people are employed, inside walls, partitions and ceilings, if smooth, must be washed with soap and hot water every 14 months. If they are painted or varnished they have to be repainted or varnished every seven years but still washed every 14 months. In other cases they must be white-washed or colour-washed every 14 months. When this work is carried out it must be entered in the general register.
As with DoE inspectors, Factories Act inspectors must be given access to the premises and the statutory documentation at all reasonable times.