India Enforces New Safety Standards for Products
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is ramping up efforts to enhance product quality and safety across various sectors in India. Recent Quality Control Orders (QCOs) mandate BIS certification for numerous products, ensuring compliance with safety standards. This initiative aims to protect public health and safety while promoting fair trade practices. As of now, 187 QCOs have been issued, covering 769 products that require compulsory certification.
Strengthening Product Safety through BIS Certification
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) plays a crucial role in maintaining the quality of products and services in India. The Indian Standards established by BIS form the backbone of Product Certification Schemes, which provide third-party assurance of product quality to consumers. To bolster the country’s quality ecosystem, the Government of India has implemented various Quality Control Orders (QCOs). These orders require BIS certification for a wide range of products, particularly in the industrial and construction sectors.
Under the BIS Act of 2016, products that require compulsory certification are identified by relevant regulators or line ministries through QCOs. These orders are issued based on several considerations, including public interest, environmental safety, and national security. The QCOs ensure that the notified products meet the relevant Indian Standards, including safety standards, compelling manufacturers to obtain certification from BIS. Currently, 187 QCOs have been issued, encompassing 769 products that must comply with these regulations.
New QCOs Focused on Electrical and Machinery Safety
In addition to the existing QCOs, the Government of India has introduced two new horizontal QCOs aimed specifically at enhancing safety standards for electrical appliances and machinery.
The first is the “Safety of Household, Commercial and Similar Electrical Appliances (Quality Control) Order, 2024,” issued by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade. This order mandates that all electrical appliances intended for household or commercial use, with specified voltage limits, must obtain BIS certification.
The second order, the “Machinery and Electrical Equipment Safety (Omnibus Technical Regulation) Order, 2024,” issued by the Ministry of Heavy Industries, covers 20 categories of machinery and electrical equipment, including their components and sub-assemblies. These new regulations are designed to ensure that products in these categories meet stringent safety standards, thereby protecting consumers and workers alike.
Promoting Workplace Safety through Manak Manthans
To further enhance safety practices in the workplace, BIS has conducted a series of Manak Manthans, or stakeholder discussions, in cities such as Gwalior, Hyderabad, and Chennai. These sessions brought together government bodies, industry representatives, and standard organizations to discuss labor safety and promote the implementation of safety standards.
Workplace safety is essential for protecting employee well-being and reducing the risk of injuries or fatalities. The introduction of newly developed safety standards provides comprehensive guidelines for mitigating workplace hazards. BIS has established various Indian Standards focusing on critical areas such as respiratory protection, fall prevention, and fire safety. These standards aim to create a safer working environment by ensuring that workers have access to high-quality protective equipment and safety measures.
Key Safety Standards for Occupational Health
BIS has developed specific standards to address various safety concerns in the workplace.
1. **Respiratory Protection Standards**: These standards are vital for industries like mining and healthcare, where workers face exposure to harmful airborne contaminants. Key standards include IS 9473:2002 for filtering half masks and IS 14166:1994 for self-contained breathing apparatus.
2. **Fall Prevention Standards**: Falls from height are a leading cause of workplace injuries. The IS 3521 series provides guidelines for personal fall protection systems, including full-body harnesses and lanyards.
3. **Fire Safety Standards**: Fires pose significant risks in workplaces handling flammable materials. The implementation of fire safety standards, such as IS 16890:2024 for firefighter suits and IS 15683:2018 for fire extinguishers, ensures adequate protection against fire-related hazards.
These initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to enhancing occupational health and safety, ultimately fostering a safer working environment for all employees.
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