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Water Management Audit in India as per CGWA Guideline

The Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India. It is responsible for the regulation and development of groundwater in India. As part of its mandate, the CGWA has issued guidelines for water management audits for industries.

Who needs to conduct a water audit?

As per the CGWA guidelines, the following industries need to conduct a water audit:

• All industries abstracting groundwater in excess of 100 cubic meters per day (m3/day).
• Specified categories of industries, regardless of the quantity of groundwater abstracted. These categories include:
  • Cement
  • Sugar
  • Distilleries
  • Paper
  • Fertilizers
  • Textiles
  • Thermal power plants

Frequency of water audits:

• Industries abstracting more than 100 m3/day: Annual water audit.
• Specified categories of industries: Biennial (once in two years) water audit.

Who can conduct the water audit?

The water audit must be conducted by a certified water auditor from an agency approved by the CGWA. The approved agencies include:

• Confederation of Indian Industries (CII)
• Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI)
• National Productivity Council (NPC)
• PHD Chamber

What does a water audit involve?

A water audit typically involves the following steps:

1. Data collection: This includes collecting information on groundwater abstraction, water use in different processes, wastewater generation, and water conservation measures implemented.
2. Water balance analysis: This involves comparing the amount of water abstracted with the amount of water used and discharged.
3. Identification of water conservation opportunities: This includes identifying areas where water can be saved, such as through process optimization, leak detection and repair, and rainwater harvesting.
4. Preparation of a water audit report: This report should include the findings of the audit, recommendations for water conservation, and a plan for implementing the recommendations.

Submission of the water audit report:

The water audit report must be submitted to the CGWA within three months of completion of the audit.

Benefits of conducting a water audit:

There are many benefits to conducting a water audit, including:

• Reducing water consumption: This can lead to cost savings and improved environmental performance.
• Identifying and addressing water leaks: This can also lead to cost savings and improved water efficiency.
• Improving water quality: This can benefit both human health and the environment.
• Complying with regulations: Meeting the CGWA's water audit requirements is mandatory for certain industries.

Additional resources:

Additional Information:

• Item Code: 842410
• Production Capacity: 100
• Delivery Time: 24 HOURS
• Packaging Details: STANDARD

Industrial Hygiene refers to conditions and practices that help maintain health and prevent the spread of diseases within a manufacturing plant. Aimed at identifying and rectifying causes leading to occupational diseases, Industrial Hygiene is a concept related to cleanliness, health, and medicine. Industrial Hygiene training helps an organisation prevent the incidence and spread of disease and fulfill the health and safety of ISO 45001:2018 requirements.

SAFETY AUDIT IS 14489 

A safety audit as per Indian Standard (IS) 14489 is a systematic, independent, and documented evaluation of the occupational safety and health (OSH) systems and procedures of an organization. It is a risk management tool that helps organizations to identify and mitigate hazards, and to improve their overall safety performance.

IS 14489 is a comprehensive standard that covers a wide range of OSH topics, including:

• Hazard identification and risk assessment
• Legal and regulatory compliance
• OSH training and awareness
• Emergency preparedness and response
• Accident and incident investigation
• OSH management system

The audit process typically involves the following steps:

1. Planning: The auditor and the auditee organization meet to discuss the scope of the audit, the criteria that will be used, and the timeline.
2. On-site audit: The auditor conducts a physical inspection of the workplace, interviews employees, and reviews documentation.
3. Findings reporting: The auditor prepares a report that summarizes the findings of the audit, including any recommendations for improvement.
4. Corrective action: The auditee organization implements the auditor's recommendations.
5. Follow-up: The auditor conducts a follow-up audit to verify that the auditee organization has implemented the recommendations.

Safety audits can be conducted internally or by an external auditor. It is generally recommended that organizations conduct safety audits on a regular basis, such as annually or biannually.

Here are some of the benefits of conducting a safety audit as per IS 14489:

• Reduced risk of accidents and injuries
• Improved compliance with legal and regulatory requirements
• Increased employee engagement and morale
• Reduced costs associated with accidents and injuries
• Improved overall safety performance

Organizations of all sizes and industries can benefit from conducting safety audits. Safety audits are especially important for organizations that operate in high-risk industries, such as construction, manufacturing, and mining.

 

If you are considering conducting a safety audit, it is important to select an auditor who is qualified and experienced. The auditor should have a good understanding of OSH principles and practices, as well as the specific industry in which your organization operates.

Additional Information:

• Item Code: STANDARD
• Production Capacity: 100
• Delivery Time: SAME DAY
• Packaging Details: EXCELLENT

Safety Perception Survey

Introduction

This survey aims to understand your perceptions of safety in the workplace. Your honest feedback is crucial in helping us identify areas for improvement and ensure a safe working environment for everyone.

Confidentiality

All responses will be kept confidential. Your individual answers will not be linked to your name and will only be used in aggregate for data analysis.

Instructions

Please read each statement carefully and select the answer that best reflects your opinion.

Scale

• Strongly Disagree (1)

• Disagree (2)

• Neutral (3)

• Agree (4)

• Strongly Agree (5)

General Safety

1. I feel safe working in this company.

2. Management is committed to ensuring a safe work environment.

3. I am aware of the safety policies and procedures in place.

4. I am comfortable reporting safety concerns to my supervisor or safety representative.

5. I believe that safety is a top priority in this company.

Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment

1. Potential safety hazards are regularly identified and addressed in my workplace.

2. I am involved in identifying and addressing safety hazards in my work area.

3. I feel comfortable raising concerns about potential safety risks.

4. Management takes appropriate action to address reported safety hazards.

5. I am confident that the risks associated with my job are effectively managed.

Safety Training and Procedures

1. I receive adequate training on the safety procedures relevant to my job.

2. The safety training I receive is clear, understandable, and relevant to my work.

3. I am confident in my ability to follow the safety procedures in place.

4. The safety procedures are regularly reviewed and updated as needed.

5. I have access to the personal protective equipment (PPE) I need to perform my job safely.

Safety Communication

1. I am kept informed about safety issues and incidents in the workplace.

2. Safety communication is clear, concise, and easy to understand.

3. I feel encouraged to ask questions and seek clarification about safety matters.

4. There is a culture of open communication about safety concerns in my workplace.

5. I feel comfortable discussing safety concerns with my colleagues and supervisors.

Incident Reporting

1. I am encouraged to report all safety incidents, near misses, and unsafe work practices.

2. There is no fear of retaliation for reporting safety concerns.

3. Management investigates safety incidents thoroughly and takes appropriate corrective actions.

4. The lessons learned from safety incidents are shared with all employees.

5. I believe that reporting safety incidents helps to improve overall workplace safety.

 

Additional Information:

• Item Code: 6754
• Production Capacity: 100
• Delivery Time: 1 Month
• Packaging Details: Safety Perception Survey Introduction This survey aims to understand your perceptions of safety in the workplace. Your honest feedback is crucial in helping us identify areas for improvement and ensure a safe working environment for everyone. Confidentiality All responses will be kept confidential. Your individual answers will not be linked to your name and will only be used in aggregate for data analysis. Instructions Please read each statement carefully and select the answer that best reflects your opinion. Scale Strongly Disagree (1) Disagree (2) Neutral (3) Agree (4) Strongly Agree (5) General Safety I feel safe working in this company. Management is committed to ensuring a safe work environment. I am aware of the safety policies and procedures in place. I am comfortable reporting safety concerns to my supervisor or safety representative. I believe that safety is a top priority in this company. Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment Potential safety hazards are regularly identified and addressed in my workplace. I am involved in identifying and addressing safety hazards in my work area. I feel comfortable raising concerns about potential safety risks. Management takes appropriate action to address reported safety hazards. I am confident that the risks associated with my job are effectively managed. Safety Training and Procedures I receive adequate training on the safety procedures relevant to my job. The safety training I receive is clear, understandable, and relevant to my work. I am confident in my ability to follow the safety procedures in place. The safety procedures are regularly reviewed and updated as needed. I have access to the personal protective equipment (PPE) I need to perform my job safely. Safety Communication I am kept informed about safety issues and incidents in the workplace. Safety communication is clear, concise, and easy to understand. I feel encouraged to ask questions and seek clarification about safety matters.

A Safety Audit is a comprehensive and methodical examination of workplace practices, systems, and environments to ensure compliance with safety regulations and to identify potential hazards. Its primary aim is to verify that safety procedures are being followed, and that all risks are being adequately controlled. These audits may be conducted internally by a company’s safety team or externally by third-party experts, and typically include reviews of documentation, interviews with staff, and on-site inspections of equipment, processes, and employee behavior.

The process of conducting a safety audit involves evaluating compliance with relevant safety standards, such as the Factories Act, OSHA, ISO 45001, or local legal regulations, depending on the region and industry. The auditor checks for gaps in training, the condition of safety equipment, emergency preparedness, and the overall effectiveness of safety management systems. A detailed report is then prepared, highlighting non-conformities, unsafe practices, and areas for improvement, along with actionable recommendations.

Safety audits are critical for preventing workplace accidents, reducing downtime, and fostering a culture of safety. They also help organizations demonstrate their commitment to employee well-being and legal compliance. Regular audits not only enhance operational efficiency but also reduce liabilities and insurance costs over time. In today’s industrial environment, where safety is paramount, conducting regular safety audits is both a legal necessity and a strategic advantage.

✅ What is a “DISH-approved safety audit”

• Under the Gujarat Factories (Occupational Health & Safety Audit) Rules, 2025 (which builds on existing rules) all factories have to conduct safety audits.
• The audit must be done by an external auditor who is recognised/approved by DISH (i.e., a “DISH-approved auditor”).
• The audit report must be submitted to DISH (via the appropriate channel) together with an Action Taken Report (ATR) by the occupier.
• The frequency depends on the risk category of the factory (Category I / II / III).

📋 Key Requirements You Should Know

Here are several important details:

• Risk categories & audit intervals:
  • Category I (highest risk): external audit every 2 years.
  • Category II: every 3 years.
  • Category III (lowest risk): every 4 years.
• Internal audit vs external auditor: Besides external audits, an internal audit (by trained personnel) is typically expected annually.
• Qualifications of auditor: The approved external auditor must meet strict criteria: engineering/science degree, experience, Diploma in Industrial Safety, etc.
• Conflict of interest: Auditor must not have a direct or indirect interest in the factory being audited.
• Submission timeline: After audit, the report and ATR must be submitted within a stipulated time. If critical hazards are found, they must be immediately reported.
• Penalties / Enforcement: Non-compliance can lead to penalties, restrictions in operation or even shutdown of the factory.

🛠 Steps to Get a DISH-Approved Safety Audit Done (in Gujarat)

Here’s a practical workflow:

1. Determine your factory’s risk category (I / II / III) based on its process, hazardous chemicals, workforce etc.

2. Identify or engage a DISH-recognised external auditor. You’ll want someone listed on DISH’s “Safety Auditor List” for Gujarat.

3. Prepare internal audit (for the year) and ensure everything is ready for external audit: documentation, hazard identification, past audit actions, SOPs etc.

4. The external auditor carries out the audit: site visit, hazard identification, risk assessment, checks on machinery, processes, safety systems.

5. Auditor issues a safety audit report with findings, recommendations, priority classification of hazards.

6. The factory occupier (you) prepares an Action Taken Report (ATR) showing how you addressed the recommendations.

7. Submit both the external audit report + ATR to DISH (within the timeframe specified). If immediate danger is found, alert DISH and take action immediately.

8. Follow-up: Monitor implementation of recommendations, ensure corrective actions are completed and documented.

9. Keep record of when the next audit is due (based on your category) and ensure it’s scheduled in time.

📌 Why This Matters

• It’s statutory: Compliance with the rules is mandatory under the Factories Act + state rules. Non-compliance can attract serious consequences.
• It helps manage risk and liabilitY
• Improves safety culture

 

The legal compliance and safety standards have to be strong and to ensure that a notification has been issued by the Directorate of Industrial Safety and Health, Gujarat.

It includes some strict qualifications for today’s safety auditors in Gujarat. Also, this notification has stated a clear audit procedure for companies, that shall improve their accountability and transparency. Here, we will discuss who needs to follow this new Notification and how factories can implement it effectively to ensure proper Safety Audit, in Gujarat.

1. Background and Legal Importance

Proper safety standards in industrial environments have already been established through The Factories Act of 1948. In Gujarat, DISH is the main regulatory body that leverages this authority. It falls under Sections of 41 and 112 of the Act.

2. Who Needs to Comply?

The rules of this DISH notification are applicable to three unique categories of factories. Those include:

• Category I: Factories that are working with Major Accident Hazard installations. Hazardous chemical handling procedures require following all the regulations with utmost care.
• Category II: This includes the factories that have to operate hazardous procedures. Also, those factories that must handle hazardous chemicals of more than 100 kg or litres. However, the amount remains below some specific threshold limits.
• Category III: Other types of factories that are working with more than 100 employees on a day.
  3. Types and Frequencies of Audit
  
  A. Internal Audits

Require to conduct the internal audit annuallythrough internal well aware staff or may appoint consultant for the same. A register needs to be maintained to include the Non-Compliances (NC) identified during the audit and the action taken.

     B. External Audits

Require to be conducted by External DISH-authorized safety auditors.

Follow the intervals as below:

• Category I: Every 2 years.
• Category II: Every 3 years.
• Category III: Every 4 years.

  C . Timeline for Initial Submission

• Internal Audit: Within 6 months of the commencement of the rules.
• External Audit: Within 1 year of the commencement of the rules.

D . Qualifications and Recognitions of Auditor

DISH mandates certain criteria for auditors. Those help to maintain workplace integrity. Some of those are:

• Engineering Degree: The auditor must have a degree in Mechanical, Chemical, or Electrical engineering. Also, they must have 5 or more years of experience in either manufacturing, maintenance, design, project or safety department in a factory Or Sc. degree in Chemistry or Physics, along with more than 7 years of experience. And in either case, must poses Diploma in Industrial Safety recognized by Government recognized board or Institution.
• The person has to be not more than 62 years.
• Recognition Validity: The DISH approval shall be of 2 years and must be renew at least 3 months before expiry.
• Conflict of Interest: They must not have any indirect or direct interest in audited factories. Must not be partner, director, manager or indirectly related to company or partner, manager or director of company of relative of the owner, must not be employee of the company, nor can be a supplier of the company.
• Auditor must maintain logbook and should be submitted to chief factory inspector as and when required by officers of Chief Inspector.

    E . Procedures and Standards of Audit

All your workplace audits need to align with the Standard Code of Practice of India regarding Occupational Health and Safety Audit. Also, all those must carefully follow the latest norms of safety.

 

Additional Information:

• Item Code: 8424123456
• Minimum Order Quantity: 01 Day
• Production Capacity: 100%
• Delivery Time: 1 week
• Packaging Details: excellent