Section 2 (cb) of Factories Act defines "Hazardous Process" as any process or activity in relation to an industry specified in the First Schedule,, where, unless special care is taken, raw materials used therin or the intermediates or finished products, bye products wastes or effluents thereof would cause material impairment to the health to the persons engaged in or connected, therewith or result in the pollution of the general environment.

The State Government is empowered to amend the First Schedule if it-thinks necessary. See the '29 Hazardous Processes listed in the First Schedule

It is important to note that these industries or processes carried on theirin are hazardous only when they would cause material impairment to the health or pollute the general environment. Only then Chapter IV-A and other relevant provisions or Factories Act may be applicable. If it is so, Chapter IV-A (Sections 41-A to 41-H) must be strictly followed, otherwise dire consequences may by faced, including heavy penalty, prohibition of employment and cancellation of the license under factories Act.