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CHAPTER V.—WORKING CONDITIONS IN FACTORIES. 
We discuss in this chapter the remaining questions of import- 
ance in connection with working conditions in perennial factories, 
After dealing with the health, safety and welfare of operatives and the 
protection afforded to them in respect of these matters by official regula- 
tion, we review the general administration of the Factories Act. 
I. HEALTH. 
Dust and Dirt. 
In a number of factories the manufacturing processes dissemi- 
hate large amounts of dust, arrangements for the elimination of which 
are frequently defective. Mechanical systems which result in a constant 
flow of fresh air would add greatly to the comfort of the operative, and 
would in some cases improve his output. More important is the con- 
servation of the workers’ health, for the prevalence of dust may result 
in pulmonary disease. * In certain manufacturing processes, particularly 
connected with cotton, jute and wool, the reduction of dust to a minimum 
should be made obligatory. Section 10 of the Factories Act confers 
ample powers on Inspectors of Factories in this respect and these should 
be more extensively used. More attention should also be paid to the 
general cleanliness of factories. Where quantities of dust and fluff 
are produced, it is important that floors and walls should be regularly 
cleaned. Periodic white-washing of the interior walls and roofs not only 
removes collected dust, but helps to improve the lighting. It is diffi- 
cult to associate efficiency with the grime to be found in some factories. 
We recommend that, where the rules made by the local Government 
under Section 37 of the Act do not require the cleaning of factories 
annually, they should be supplemented in this direction, and that in all 
cases such rules should be strictly enforced. 
Sanitation. 
Under the Factories Act, the provision of sufficient and suitable 
latrine accommodation is compulsory and local Governments have 
drawn up scales for latrines varying with the number of operatives. 
Latrine accommodation is not always adequate, and its quality often 
leaves much to be desired. Tt is commonly asserted that the Indian 
labourer, coming as he often does from g village, is unwilling to use 
sanitary conveniences. Our observations have convinced us that he 
can be brought to use them without serious difficulty, provided that 
they are kept in decent order. He rightly refuses to use a latrine whose 
condition, by the very nature of its construction and supervision, is always 
filthy. The popularity of the efficient septic tanks, which are a feature 
of the Bengal jute mills, is only one item of evidence in this direction, 
This system is to be recommended for areas where the water supply is 
sufficient. Where the supply cannot be made adequate, recourse must 
be had to other methods; but every factory should be compelled to 
maintain separate and sufficient accommodation for males and females, 
and a staff adequate to maintain the latrines in a state of cleanliness 
during working hours.