- In every factory wherein more than 250 workers are ordinarily employed-(a)the drinking water supplied to the workers shall from the ast of March to 30th of November 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 cleaned and wholesome and shall be obtained only from a source approved in writing by the Health Officer;(b)(i)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";(ii)at least one such centre shall be provided on each floor if the factory has more than one floor;(c)the "Water Centres" shall be sheltered from the weather and adequately drained;(d)(i)the number of "Water Centres" to be provided shall be one "Water Centre" for every 150 workers or part thereof employed at any one time in the factory:Provided that in the case of a factory where the number of workers employed exceeds 450, it shall be sufficient if there is one "Water Centre" as aforesaid for every 150 workers up to the first 450 and one for every 450 workers or part thereof thereafter, and in counting the number, account shall be taken of the maximum number of workers working at any time during the day;(ii)where drinking water is provided through taps or through drinking fountains each "Water Centre" shall have at least three such taps or fountains. The taps or fountains shall be at least 60 cms. apart, and shall have a trough to drain away the spilt water. The trough and the walls and platform near the tap shall be laid in glazed tiles:Provided that where mechanical refrigerating units with drinking water fountains distributed throughout the factory, are provided, the number of "Water Centres" may not be according to the standard prescribed under sub-clause (i) above, as long as the total number of fountains provided is in accordance with the prescribed standard if the number of "Water Centres" as prescribed in subclause (i) were provided:(e)(i)every "Water Centre" shall be maintained in clean and orderly condition;(ii)every "Water Centre" shall be in charge of a suitable person who shall distribute the water and who shall be provided with clean clothes while on duty:Provided that in respect of factories where mechanical refrigerating units and taps are provided to the satisfaction of the Chief Inspector, he may exempt such a factory on an application made by the manager from the provisions of sub-clause (ii) on such conditions as he may deem fit.
