Can a Distance Diploma in Industrial Safety Qualify Me as a Safety Officer in Tamil Nadu?

Dear Experts, Please clarify my query. I have completed my B.Sc. (Chemistry) and MBA (HR) and am currently working in HR. I would like to pursue a Diploma in Industrial Safety at Annamalai University through Distance Mode. Is this course eligible for me to register as a Safety Officer in the Factory Inspectorate of Tamil Nadu through my company? Alternatively, will acquiring this Diploma in Industrial Safety make me eligible to become a Safety Officer, especially if the industry has less than 1000 employees but is classified as a Dangerous operation?

Looking forward to your replies.

Regards, Sakthi Sukumar

Eligibility for Safety Officer Registration

Annamalai University is not eligible as per the Factory Act. RLI or CLI and State Board of Technical Education and Training courses are eligible for registering for a Safety Officer.

Qualification Requirements

1. **Qualification:**
- A person shall not be eligible for appointment as a Safety Officer unless he:
- Possesses a recognized degree in any branch of engineering or technology and has practical experience of working in a factory in a supervisory capacity for a period of not less than 2 years; or
- A recognized degree in physics or chemistry and has practical experience of working in a factory in a supervisory capacity for a period of not less than 5 years; or
- A recognized diploma in any branch of engineering or technology and has practical experience of working in a factory in a supervisory capacity for a period of not less than 5 years.

Regards,
Rajamannar

See your reply itself, there is no section that says that DIP. in Ind. Safety is not eligible if done by distance; it only mentions the Practical training in the factory. Moreover, I have completed my B.Sc in Chemistry, which makes me eligible to pursue the Diploma. I require further clarification on this matter. Experts, please respond.

Clarification on Industrial Safety Diploma Recognition

As per my knowledge, the distance course in industrial safety from Annamalai University is not recognized by the Government.

In Maharashtra, the one-year full-time safety diploma, called the "Advanced Diploma in Occupational Safety, Health, and Environment," is conducted by the Maharashtra State Board of Technical Education (MSBTE), Mumbai. Many people have the wrong impression that CLI and RLIs (Central Labour Institute in Mumbai and the Regional Labour Institutes at Kanpur, Chennai, and Faridabad) award this diploma. CLI and RLIs are merely institutes like many other private institutes in Mumbai and other places, which conduct this Diploma course. In all cases, the syllabus followed is that of MSBTE, and the final exam is also conducted by MSBTE. In the case of RLIs, the exam is conducted by the concerned State Board of Technical Education.

Eligibility for the Diploma Course

The eligibility for admission to this Diploma course is as follows: B.Sc. in Physics/Chemistry/Agriculture/Horticulture/Life Sciences or its equivalent from a recognized University or a Degree/Diploma in Engineering/Technology with 2 years' experience in manufacturing, maintenance, or safety department of a factory OR two years' experience in Research, Training, Education, Consultancy in Safety, OR two years' experience in enforcement of Legislation pertaining to safety. Similar criteria apply in other States also.

After completing this Diploma, you become qualified to become a Safety Officer in the industry. In fact, this Diploma is the essential qualification to work as a Safety Officer in the industry.

I hope this answers your query.

Best wishes.

Regards,
A.K. Gupta (Safety Consultant)
[Phone Number Removed For Privacy Reasons]

Dear AKG ji,

As per your reply, the course is only available in the 4 places mentioned. Many of the private institutions are providing it, but since it is not recognized by a university, I have doubts about whether Annamalai University, a government university in Tamilnadu, offers it in distance mode or if the university needs approval from UGC. Please also provide me with the legal information regarding the qualifications required for the appointment of a Safety Officer.

Regards,
Sakthi Sukumar

Dear Mr. Sakthi Sukumar,

If you still have doubts, please consult the Factory Inspectorate of your State. They should be able to answer your query.

Regards,
A.K. Gupta

Seeking Guidance on Safety Course Requirements

I am a safety officer in a manufacturing company. I have completed a Post Diploma in Health Safety Environment from Annamalai University. Additionally, I have completed the following courses:

- NEBOSH IGC
- IOSH Managing Safety
- OSHAS 18001 Lead Auditor
- Fire Safety Level-02
- Diploma in Industrial Safety from a private institute
- Certified Rescuer for Work at Height/Confined Space

I have also undertaken some HSE training courses.

However, one day, a factory inspector visited my company and asked me about RLI/CLI Safety Courses. Unfortunately, I do not possess any RLI/CLI Safety Courses certification. I reached out to the RLI/CLI Institute for these courses, only to find out that five years of experience with a BSc degree is required for enrollment. I currently have 3.5 years of experience.

I seek your advice on how to proceed with my job. A friend suggested that I pursue an Advanced Safety Diploma from MSBTE Mumbai. This course is claimed to be equivalent to RLI/CLI Safety Courses, and upon completion, I would be recognized as a safety officer as per the Factory Act.

Your help and guidance in this matter are greatly appreciated.

Regards, Neraj from U.K (Rudrapur)

Dear Mr. Neraj,

Any institute (RLI, CLI, or Private Institute) that provides a State Technical Education Board certificate is recognized as a basic qualification for a safety officer. In Maharashtra, it is MSBTE, and in Gujarat, it is called TEB (Technical Education Board). I hope this meets your requirement.

Requirements for Safety Officer Recruitment

As per the Factories Act, a candidate must have a degree in ME-Industrial Safety Engineering from a government-approved institution by the Ministry of Labor and Employment. Additionally, a PG Diploma in Industrial Safety from RLI, Chennai, or CLI, Mumbai, is required.

The above-mentioned criteria will be considered in industries for the recruitment of Safety Officers.

Thank you