In every factory where in more than two hundred and fifty workers are ordinarily employed:(a)the drinking water supplied to the workers shall from the 1st March to 31st October in every year, be cooled by ice or other effective method:Provided that if ice is placed in the drinking water, the ice shall be clean and wholesome and shall be obtained only from a source approved in writing by the Health Officer:(b)the cooled drinking water shall be supplied in every canteen, lunch-room and rest-room and also at conveniently accessible points throughout the factory which for the purpose of these rules shall be called "Water Centres":(c)the water centres shall be sheltered from the weather and adequately drained:(d)the number of water centres to be provided shall be one 'centre' for every 150 persons employed at any one time in the factory:Provided that in the case of a factory where the number of persons employed exceeds 500 it shall be sufficient if there is one such 'centre' as aforesaid for every 150 persons up to first 500 and one for every 500 persons thereafter:[Provided further that the distance between the place of work of any workers shall not be more than 50 meter from the nearest water centre or any distance as may be specified by the Inspector.] [Added by No. 4, dated 8.1.1991 [25-6-1992]](e)every "water centre" shall be maintained in a clean and orderly condition:[(e-i) The means of supply of cooled drinking water shall be either directly through taps connected to water coolers or any other system for cooling of water, or by means of vessels receptacles or tanks fitted with taps and having dust proof covers and places or raised stands or platforms in shade, and having suitable arrangement of drainage to carry the spilt water. Such vessels, receptacles or tanks shall be kept clean and the water renewed at least once every day."] [New sub-rule without number, added by No. 4, dated 8.1.1991 [25-6-1992].](f)every water centre shall be in charge of a suitable person who shall distribute the water. Such person shall be provided with clean clothes while on duty.Clause (f) shall not apply to any factory in which suitable mechanically operated drinking water refrigerating units are installed to the satisfaction of the Chief Inspector.Rules 40-49 prescribed under sub-section (3) of Section 19
