Fire exam prep · Question bank
Factories Act MCQ: 40 questions on the Factories Act, 1948, every answer cited to its section
This bank holds 40 multiple-choice questions on the Factories Act, 1948, in four sets of 10: definitions and scope, fire and safety provisions, safety officers and duties, and penalties with the OSH Code. Every explanation names the section, or the Model Rules rule, that settles it.
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- Topic tests
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- Answers cited
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By Flamekite Editorial Desk · facts checked against official sources on 2026-10-26
Part 1
Study notes
Overview
This bank holds 40 multiple-choice questions on the Factories Act, 1948, in four sets of 10: definitions and scope, fire and safety provisions, safety officers and duties, and penalties with the OSH Code. Every explanation names the section, or the Model Rules rule, that settles it.
The Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 took effect on 21 November 2025 and repealed the Factories Act, 1948 (digest read 25 October 2026). Every question therefore opens with "Under the Factories Act, 1948", so each answer stays true as a statement about that Act. Existing state factory rules continue where a state has no final OSH rules yet.
Learn the numbers by section: worker thresholds, 90 days, 24 volts, 12 months and the penalty bands all move with the section. The traps and checklist below end the page.
Every question rests on the Factories Act, 1948 (DGOSH copy), the DGOSH Model Rules under it, corrected to 15 December 2020, and the OSH Code 2020 as read on 25 October 2026. The questions are Flamekite's own, not past papers. No exam notice read for this site names the Factories Act as a syllabus topic. Nothing here is legal advice, and the Act no longer governs a factory that the Code now covers.
Factories Act MCQ bank at a glance: 8 facts
| What | The rule | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Act tested | The Factories Act, 1948 (Act LXIII of 1948), in force 1 April 1949, extending to all India | DGOSH |
| Status of the Act | Repealed on 21 November 2025 by s.143(1) of the OSH Code 2020; state factory rules continue during the transition | PIB |
| Factory (s.2(m)) | 10 or more workers with power, 20 or more without, on any day of the preceding 12 months | DGOSH |
| Fire (s.38) | Prevent fire and its spread, provide means of escape and extinguishing equipment, train workers | DGOSH |
| Safety officers (s.40B) | 1,000 or more workers, or a hazardous process, where the state notifies | DGOSH |
| Model Rules | DGOSH Model Rules, rule 68 on fire protection and rule 69 on safety officers, a model for states | DGOSH Model Rules |
| Questions | 40 in 4 sets, answer positions mixed | DGOSH |
| Not covered | Welfare and working-hours figures: the digests read hold none, so no question tests them | DGOSH |
Factories Act MCQ numbers to memorise from the 1948 Act
Eight figures that decide most Factories Act questions, each with its section in the answer sets above.
10 workers
with power makes a factory; 20 without, s.2(m) DGOSH
1,000 workers
line for safety officers where the state notifies, s.40B DGOSH
24 volts
most for a portable light in a confined space, s.36A DGOSH
90 days
for the Site Appraisal Committee to recommend, s.41A DGOSH
30 days
notice to the Chief Inspector before a hazardous process, s.41B(5) DGOSH
12 months
longest gap between medical examinations, s.41C DGOSH
3 days
life of a minimum-crew order unless extended, s.87A DGOSH
2 months
longest gap between fire drills, Model Rule 68(12) DGOSH Model Rules
Factories Act MCQ: how Flamekite's exam pages treat the topic
None of the exam notices read for this site names the Factories Act, so this bank is practice for a job, not a paper prediction.
- Telangana Fire Fighter, 2026
- The written tests name only general topics such as English, arithmetic and reasoning. The Factories Act is not named. TSLPRB notice 189/2026
- AAI Junior Assistant (Fire Services)
- The notices print no topic-wise syllabus, number of questions or marks per subject, so the Factories Act cannot be claimed as tested. AAI NR 01/2025
- Safety officer exams
- A safety officer is a job under s.40B and rule 69. The Flamekite safety officer page covers the role; it does not publish an exam syllabus, so check any notice's own list. DGOSH Model Rules
Factories Act MCQ: 6 common traps and the section that settles each
Six mix-ups that cost marks, each answered by one section of the Act or the OSH Code.
You may have read
The Factories Act, 1948 is the law in force today.
Myth
What the sources say
The OSH Code 2020 took effect on 21 November 2025 and repealed it by s.143(1). Existing state factory rules continue under s.143(3) until repealed. PIB
You may have read
A factory is always 20 workers.
Myth
What the sources say
Under s.2(m) of the Act it is 10 with power and 20 without. The OSH Code's s.2(1)(w) uses 20 with power and 40 without. DGOSH
You may have read
Safety officers are compulsory from 1,000 workers.
Myth
What the sources say
Section 40B asks for them only if the state so requires by notification. The OSH Code makes the line 500 workers, or 250 in a hazardous process (s.22(2)). DGOSH
You may have read
Section 38 dates from 1976.
Myth
What the sources say
The present s.38 was substituted by Act 20 of 1987 w.e.f. 1 December 1987. Act 94 of 1976 added ss.36A and 40B. DGOSH
You may have read
The Site Appraisal Committee has 30 days under the Act.
Myth
What the sources say
Section 41A gives 90 days. The 30-day period belongs to s.83 of the OSH Code. DGOSH
You may have read
The Model Rules are binding on every factory.
Myth
What the sources say
The DGOSH Model Rules are a model for states, not law by themselves. Rule 68 on fire protection binds only where a state adopted it. DGOSH Model Rules
Factories Act MCQ: 10-point revision checklist
Ten items to tick before you attempt the 40 questions again.
- Factory: 10 workers with power, 20 without, on any day of the preceding 12 months; hotels and restaurants excluded. DGOSH
- Competent person (s.2(ca)) is recognised by the Chief Inspector; hazardous process (s.2(cb)) is tied to the First Schedule. DGOSH
- Section 38: prevent fire and spread, escape routes, extinguishing equipment, trained workers, Chief Inspector's extra orders. DGOSH
- Confined spaces: 24 volts, flame-proof lamps near inflammable gas, competent person's certificate or breathing apparatus. DGOSH
- Explosion and hot work: chokes, baffles and vents; no welding on a vessel until contents and fumes are removed. DGOSH
- Hazardous process: 90 days for the Site Appraisal Committee, 30 days notice, on-site emergency plan, medical exams within 12 months. DGOSH
- Safety officers: 1,000 workers plus a state notification; Model Rule 69 qualifications and a Chief Safety Officer. DGOSH Model Rules
- Fire drills at least every 2 months under Model Rule 68(12); sprinklers and hydrants are in addition to first-aid equipment. DGOSH Model Rules
- Penalties: s.92 up to 2 years or Rs 1 lakh; s.94 up to 3 years; s.96A up to 7 years; s.97 worker Rs 500. DGOSH
- Status: OSH Code effective 21 November 2025; s.143(3) keeps old rules until repealed; s.38 maps to Second Schedule item (62). OSH Code
Factories Act MCQ: where to read the rule behind each answer
Four Flamekite pages teach the topics in these 40 questions.
Law
Factories Act fire provisions
Sections 36 to 41H, the Model Rules and their OSH Code successors, clause by clause. DGOSH
Law
OSH Code 2020
What replaced the Factories Act, with the safety officer lines and penalties. OSH Code
NOC
Fire NOC for factories
NBC Group G tiers and the state routes for a factory's fire clearance. DGOSH
Career
Fire safety officer career
The role, recruiters and pay for fire safety officers. DGOSH Model Rules
Factories Act MCQ: what is not confirmed
Three points a reader may expect are not settled in the sources read, so no question tests them.
If Welfare and working-hours figures of the Act
The digests read hold none, so none is tested. Read the Act's chapters on welfare and hours before a paper that covers them. DGOSH
If State factory rules on fire, such as Maharashtra's or Tamil Nadu's
No official copy of the fire rule text was found for either state. Gujarat's rule 66-A is the only state text read; none is tested here. DGOSH Model Rules
If Whether the Centre has repealed any saved state factory rule under s.143(3)
Nothing found by 25 October 2026. Check the state's current OSH rules before treating an old rule as in force. OSH Code
Part 2
Free practice and mock test
16 free questions from the 40-question bank. Practise one at a time with the answer and its clause shown as you go, or sit a timed mock and see your score, accuracy and weak topics at the end. Your progress stays in this browser only.
Under the Factories Act, 1948, a premises using power is a factory from how many workers on any day of the preceding 12 months?
Pick an option to see the answer and the clause behind it.
Part 3
16 free questions with cited answers
The free sample on one page, for revision: open “Show answer” under any question.
Factories Act MCQ: definitions and scope (10 questions)
Ten questions on who is a factory, how workers are counted, competent persons, hazardous processes and the Act's dates, from sections 1, 2 and the First Schedule, plus the date the OSH Code took over.
Q1 Under the Factories Act, 1948, a premises using power is a factory from how many workers on any day of the preceding 12 months?
Show answer
B. 10 or more. Section 2(m) sets 10 or more workers where a manufacturing process is carried on with the aid of power. The 20 line applies to premises without power. DGOSH
Q2 Under the Factories Act, 1948, how many workers make a premises a factory where no power is used?
Show answer
C. 20 or more. Section 2(m) counts 20 or more workers on any day of the preceding 12 months for a factory without power. DGOSH
Q3 Under the Factories Act, 1948, over what look-back period is the number of workers tested for the definition of a factory?
Show answer
A. The preceding 12 months. Section 2(m) asks whether the number was reached on any day of the preceding 12 months, so one busy day can bring a premises in. DGOSH
Q4 Which premises does s.2(m) of the Factories Act, 1948 exclude from the meaning of factory?
Show answer
B. A hotel. Section 2(m) excludes mines, mobile units of the armed forces, railway running sheds, hotels, restaurants and eating places. DGOSH
Factories Act MCQ: fire and safety provisions (10 questions)
Ten questions on section 38 precautions in case of fire, confined spaces, explosive dust and gas, the Site Appraisal Committee and the Safety Committee, from sections 36 to 41G of the Act.
Q1 Which pair does s.38(1) of the Factories Act, 1948 ask an occupier to provide and maintain?
Show answer
A. Safe means of escape, and equipment and facilities for extinguishing fire. Section 38(1) requires all practicable measures to prevent fire and its spread, and to provide and maintain safe means of escape and the necessary firefighting equipment and facilities. DGOSH
Q2 What does s.38(2) of the Factories Act, 1948 require of the workers?
Show answer
B. That they be familiar with the means of escape and trained in the routine. Section 38(2) says effective arrangements must ensure workers are familiar with the means of escape and adequately trained in the routine to be followed in a fire. DGOSH
Q3 Under s.38(4) of the Factories Act, 1948, who may order additional fire measures in writing before a set date?
Show answer
A. The Chief Inspector. Section 38(4) lets the Chief Inspector order additional measures for the means of escape or worker training, in writing, by a date he sets. DGOSH
Q4 Which Act substituted the present s.38 of the Factories Act, 1948, with effect from 1 December 1987?
Show answer
B. Act 20 of 1987. The footnote to section 38 in the DGOSH copy records substitution by Act 20 of 1987, w.e.f. 1 December 1987. Do not date it to 1976, the year of Act 94. DGOSH
Factories Act MCQ: safety officers and duties (10 questions)
Ten questions on safety officers under s.40B and Model Rule 69, hazardous-process duties, medical examination, dangerous occurrences and fire drills under the Model Rules.
Q1 Under s.40B of the Factories Act, 1948, a factory with how many workers ordinarily employed may be required to employ safety officers?
Show answer
C. 1,000 or more. Section 40B(1)(i) names 1,000 or more workers. The OSH Code later lowered the line to 500 (s.22(2)). DGOSH
Q2 Under s.40B of the Factories Act, 1948, when must an occupier actually employ safety officers?
Show answer
B. If so required by the state by notification. Section 40B says the occupier employs the number the state specifies if the state so requires by notification. The duty is not automatic. DGOSH
Q3 Under rule 69 of the DGOSH Model Rules under the Factories Act, which route qualifies a safety officer, together with a recognised industrial-safety degree or diploma and the local language?
Show answer
A. A degree in engineering plus 2 years of supervisory experience. Rule 69 lists an engineering degree with 2 years supervisory, a physics or chemistry degree with 5, or a diploma with 5, among other routes. DGOSH Model Rules
Q4 Under rule 69 of the DGOSH Model Rules under the Factories Act, what follows if a factory has more than one safety officer?
Show answer
C. A Chief Safety Officer of senior executive status is named under the chief executive. Rule 69 asks for a Chief Safety Officer with senior executive status, reporting to the chief executive. DGOSH Model Rules
Factories Act MCQ: penalties and the OSH Code (10 questions)
Ten questions on the penalty bands of sections 92 to 97, the owner's liability for leased floors, and how the OSH Code carried the Act's provisions forward.
Q1 Under s.92 of the Factories Act, 1948, the occupier and manager of a factory that breaks the Act face imprisonment of up to what?
Show answer
C. 2 years. Section 92 allows imprisonment up to 2 years, or a fine up to Rs 1 lakh, or both, on each of the occupier and the manager. DGOSH
Q2 Under s.92 of the Factories Act, 1948, how much a day may be added after conviction if the breach continues?
Show answer
B. Rs 1,000. Section 92 allows a further fine up to Rs 1,000 for every day the contravention continues after conviction. DGOSH
Q3 Under the proviso to s.92 of the Factories Act, 1948, a Chapter IV or s.87 breach that causes death carries a fine of not less than what?
Show answer
C. Rs 25,000. The proviso fixes Rs 25,000 as the minimum fine for a death, and Rs 5,000 for serious bodily injury. Rs 35,000 is the s.94 minimum for a repeat offence causing death. DGOSH
Q4 Under s.94 of the Factories Act, 1948, a repeat conviction within 2 years carries imprisonment of up to what?
Show answer
C. 3 years. Section 94 allows up to 3 years and a fine of Rs 10,000 to Rs 2 lakh, and ignores convictions older than 2 years. DGOSH
Part 4
Get the full 40-question bank
The free sample is 16 of 40 questions. The full bank holds every question with its cited answer, set out as papers you can print and sit against the clock.
Questions about Factories Act MCQ
How many questions are in this Factories Act MCQ bank?
- 40, in four sets of 10: definitions and scope, fire and safety provisions, safety officers and duties, and penalties with the OSH Code.
Where do the answers come from?
- Each answer cites a section of the Factories Act, 1948 (DGOSH copy), a rule of the DGOSH Model Rules, or a section of the OSH Code 2020.
Is the Factories Act, 1948 still in force?
- The OSH Code 2020 took effect on 21 November 2025 and repealed it by s.143(1). State factory rules continue during the transition where a state has no final OSH rules.
Are these Factories Act MCQs from past papers?
- No. They are Flamekite's own questions, and no exam notice read for this site lists the Factories Act as a syllabus topic.
What does section 38 of the Factories Act require?
- Measures to prevent fire and its spread, safe means of escape, firefighting equipment and facilities, and workers trained in the escape routine.
When must a factory employ safety officers under the Act?
- Under s.40B, at 1,000 or more workers or in a hazardous process, if the state requires it by notification.
What is the factory definition in s.2(m)?
- 10 or more workers with power, or 20 or more without, on any day of the preceding 12 months.
Keep reading
- Factories Act fire provisionsSections 36 to 41H and Model Rule 68 by clause.
- OSH Code 2020The Code that repealed the Factories Act.
- Fire NOC for factoriesGroup G tiers and state routes for factories.
- Fire safety officer careerThe role, recruiters and official pay.
- Fire jobs in IndiaEvery fire career, its recruiter and official pay.
- NBC fire safety MCQ44 questions on NBC 2016 Part 4, each cited.
Keep exploring
More in Fire Exams in India
Also in Exams & Courses
Sources
Each source was opened and read on the date shown. How Flamekite checks its sources
- Directorate General Occupational Safety and Health (formerly DGFASLI), Ministry of Labour and Employment: The Factories Act, 1948 (as amended): ss.2(m), 38, 40B, 41G, 92 and the First Schedule (opens in a new tab)
- Directorate General Occupational Safety and Health (formerly DGFASLI), Ministry of Labour and Employment: Model Rules under the Factories Act, 1948 (corrected up to 15 December 2020): rule 68 fire protection with Schedules I and II, rule 69 safety officers, rule 82A site appraisal committee, rule 82I emergency plan (opens in a new tab)
- Gazette of India (copy hosted by PRS Legislative Research): Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 (Act 37 of 2020), section 22 (opens in a new tab)
- Press Information Bureau: Four Labour Codes made effective from 21 November 2025, with the transition statement (opens in a new tab)
- Telangana State Level Police Recruitment Board (TSLPRB): Notification Rc No. 189/Rect./Rect-2/2026 dated 29 July 2026: SCT PC (Civil, AR, SAR CPL), SCT Constable SPF, Fire Fighter (post code 26) and Warder; vacancies, eligibility, selection scheme, Annexures I to III; page numbers cited are the notice's own (57 pages) (opens in a new tab)
- Airports Authority of India: Advertisement 01/2025/NR: Junior Assistant (Fire Services), NE-4 (opens in a new tab)