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The Signs Nobody Thinks About — Until the Inspector Asks

Safety signs get all the attention. But the Factories Act 1948 (Sections 42-50) also mandates welfare facilities — and these facilities need signage too. During inspections, questions about canteen hygiene signs, toilet cleanliness instructions, and drinking water identification are standard. Many factories fail here not because the facilities are absent, but because they are not properly signed.

Canteen and Eating Area Signs

"Wash Hands Before Eating" — with handwashing instruction (Step 1 through Step 6)
"No Work Clothes in Canteen — Change Before Entering" (for chemical/dusty environments)
"Keep Canteen Clean — Dispose Waste in Designated Bins"
"Drinking Water" identification at water coolers/dispensers
"Not Drinking Water" on taps that are not potable (industrial water supply)
Waste segregation bins — wet waste, dry waste, plastic

Toilet and Washroom Signs

"Gents" / "Ladies" identification
"Wash Hands After Use"
"Keep Washroom Clean"
"Report Maintenance Issues to: [name/number]"
Cleaning schedule display board

Drinking Water

"Drinking Water" signs at every potable water point
"Not for Drinking" or "Industrial Water Only" on all non-potable taps, hoses, and outlets
"Water Purifier / RO" identification and last service date display

5S and Housekeeping Signs

For factories following the 5S (Seiri, Seiton, Seiso, Seiketsu, Shitsuke) methodology:

"5S Score Board" — monthly audit scores by zone
"Sort — Set — Shine — Standardise — Sustain" display
"A Place for Everything, Everything in Its Place"
"Red Tag Area" for 5S sorting
Shadow boards for tools with outline markings
"Return Tools to Correct Location After Use"

Smoking Policy Signs

"No Smoking" in all indoor areas (COTPA requirement)
"Designated Smoking Area" — if the factory has one, it must be identified and enclosed
"₹200 Fine for Smoking in Non-Designated Area" (per COTPA)