The State Government of Kerala by way of a Notification dated September 28, 2024, has made the Factories Act, 1948 (‘Factories Act’) applicable to certain establishments in the State performing certain hazardous/non-hazardous manufacturing processes engaging three to 10 workers (if the establishments uses power)/five to 20 workers (if the establishment does not use power). In this context, 74 hazardous processes and 86 non-hazardous manufacturing processes have been notified including various electrochemical, chemical, mechanical, agricultural processes. Accordingly, the relevant provisions and compliances under the Factories Act is to apply to establishments in Kerala employing the specified number of workers and engaging in such hazardous/non-hazardous manufacturing processes. Thus, small scale manual processes such as servicing and repairing of air conditioners, manufacturing of ceramic pottery, processing of metal and stone jewelry, wooden products, mats and carpets, artificial fiber, textile, hats, caps and clothing accessories, bakery products, ayurvedic medicine etc. and manufacturing of electronic products such as printed circuit boards, wires and cables have also been brought within the ambit of the Factories Act.