Section 19 of the Factories Act 1948 - Latrines and Urinals

Section 19 formed part of Chapter III of the Factories Act, 1948 and prescribed health and sanitation requirements for latrine and urinal accommodation in factories.

Current legal position: The Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 came into force on 21 November 2025 and repealed the Factories Act, 1948. Section 19 is therefore retained on this page for historical reference and for matters in which the repealed Act or saved rules, actions, proceedings or rights remain relevant. Current central-law requirements should be read with the OSH Code, applicable rules, notifications and State requirements.

Meaning and purpose of Section 19

Section 19 required factories to provide sufficient, conveniently situated and accessible latrine and urinal accommodation for workers. It also dealt with separate accommodation for male and female workers, lighting, ventilation, sanitation, cleaning and the State Government's rule-making power regarding the number and standard of facilities.

Text and requirements of Section 19

Section 19 - Latrines and urinals

(1) In every factory:

(a) sufficient latrine and urinal accommodation of prescribed types was required to be provided at convenient locations and remain accessible to workers while they were at the factory;

(b) separate enclosed accommodation was required for male and female workers;

(c) the accommodation was required to be adequately lighted and ventilated. Except where specially exempted in writing by the Chief Inspector, a latrine or urinal could not communicate directly with a workroom except through an intervening open space or ventilated passage;

(d) the accommodation was required to be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition at all times; and

(e) sweepers were required to be employed with the primary duty of keeping latrines, urinals and washing places clean.

(2) In a factory where more than 250 workers were ordinarily employed, the provision imposed additional sanitary requirements, including prescribed sanitary types, smooth and impervious finishes for specified floors and wall surfaces, and periodic washing and cleaning with suitable detergents or disinfectants.

(3) The State Government could prescribe the number of latrines and urinals in proportion to male and female workers ordinarily employed and could prescribe further sanitation requirements considered necessary for workers' health.

Historical amendment note: the expression relating to the height of the internal wall finish was changed from "three feet" to "ninety centimetres" with effect from 1 December 1987.

Current law under the OSH Code 2020

The Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 consolidates central legislation concerning occupational safety, health and working conditions. Under Section 23, the employer is responsible for maintaining prescribed health, safety and working conditions in the establishment.

Section 23(2)(viii) - Latrine and urinal accommodation

Section 23(2)(viii) specifically authorises standards requiring sufficient latrine and urinal accommodation separately for male, female and transgender employees and requiring hygiene to be maintained. This is the current central statutory provision corresponding most directly to the subject previously dealt with by Section 19 of the Factories Act.

Rules and local applicability

The Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (Central) Rules, 2026 contain detailed requirements for latrine and urinal accommodation for establishments for which the Central Government is the appropriate government. For factories governed by a State Government as the appropriate government, the applicable State rules, notifications and saved provisions should also be checked before determining the exact number, construction standard, maintenance requirement or compliance procedure.

Compliance note: Do not rely only on the historical worker thresholds and specifications reproduced from Section 19. For present compliance, identify the appropriate government and verify the OSH Code, the rules applicable to that establishment, and any saved or replacement State rules.

Official legal resources

For authoritative verification, refer to the official India Code portal and the Ministry of Labour and Employment. The Ministry published the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (Central) Rules, 2026 and official material concerning implementation of the Labour Codes.

Frequently asked questions

Is Section 19 of the Factories Act 1948 currently in force?

No. The Factories Act, 1948 was repealed when the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 came into force on 21 November 2025. Section 19 remains relevant as historical law and may remain relevant to saved matters arising under the earlier regime.

Which provision now deals with factory toilets and urinals?

Section 23(2)(viii) of the OSH Code addresses sufficient separate latrine and urinal accommodation for male, female and transgender employees and maintenance of hygiene. Detailed requirements depend on the applicable rules and the appropriate government.

Did old Section 19 require separate facilities?

Yes. Section 19 required separate enclosed accommodation for male and female workers. The current OSH Code expressly refers to separate accommodation for male, female and transgender employees.

Disclaimer: This page is for general legal information. Compliance requirements may vary according to the establishment, appropriate government, State rules, notifications and transitional provisions.