Can Solar Lighting Replace Traditional Systems in Chemical Industries Under the Factory Act?

Can we replace the electrical cable-based lighting system with a solar-based lighting system for streets, main passages, and remote areas in chemical industries under the Factory Act of 1948? Is it acceptable as per statutory norms and standards? I believe that a solar-based street lighting system is more economical than a conventional power supply system, and this approach can help increase company profits.

Please discuss.

Thank you.

Regards,
Purohit

You can change the electrical power to solar power. There are no legal issues at all. In fact, a few years ago, the government encouraged the use of solar energy. However, you should analyze the entire system. Solar power utilizes PV cells, and its durability needs to be evaluated. While it may appear costly initially, it can provide a payback in less than 18 months.

Thanks & Regards,
Sudhir

Understanding Rules and Acts in Construction

Understand the concept of rules/acts; they all work on the same concept all over the world. For example, a rule/act might state that we need to use Schedule 80 pipe and a 30" depth for road crossings to avoid damage to pipes from vehicle traffic. In some cases, you can't get Schedule 80 and the particular depth due to unforeseen conditions. What will you do in this case? If you don't have SCH 80 pipe but have Schedule 40, what will you do now? Waiting for SCH 80 could delay the project. So, in this case, go ahead with SCH 40 and place concrete encasement. This way, you meet the requirements as per rules/acts. The main purpose of SCH 80 and 30" depth was to avoid damage to the pipe from vehicle traffic, and you meet those requirements by using SCH 40 and placing concrete encasement.

Application to Lighting Systems

Dear Mr. Hemang, the same principle applies to your query. They may specify the need for lights with specific requirements for particular areas, but it depends on us how we are going to get power for the lights, whether it's electrical, solar, UPS, etc. As long as we meet the rules/acts, nobody can raise any questions. That's how all businesses work now. Hope this helps.

Regards, Sudhir

Thank you for the valuable inputs.

Safety Regulations Under the Factories Act 1948

As per the Factories Act 1948 (India), there is no restriction on such lights. The Act only specifies that all safety precautions should be taken to provide a safe workplace.

Today, I discussed with the Inspector of Factories regarding such provisions. Sudhir is correct in mentioning that the government today is encouraging industries to adopt solar-based systems.

Hemang, you raised a crucial point. Please note that in chemical/pharma units, only flame-proof systems should be used.

Thank you.

Regards

Dear Sudhir, Install solar lighting only by an MNRE-approved supplier. You may get some subsidy. If required, I will provide you with details of the supplier. Regards, Hemant

Go ahead... Solar lighting application is okay. Check for life cycle costing as well as payback, and then decide.

Regards,
RAVI

Logically, it is electricity that you will be using—produced from an alternate source. You may check with the provisions in the Electricity Act which may be applicable. The ultimate objective of the law is to provide adequate protection to the people handling it, and if you ensure it, you are not in conflict with the law.