DISH Approvals for Industrial Units: Plan Approval, Conditional License & Final License Explained

Starting an industrial unit in India requires compliance with multiple safety and legal regulations. One of the most critical approvals is from the Directorate of Industrial Safety and Health (DISH). The DISH approval process ensures that industries operate safely while adhering to statutory norms. The approval process differs for hazardous and non-hazardous industries, covering plan approval, conditional license, and final license. Understanding these steps is essential for worker safety, legal compliance, and smooth operations.

Understanding DISH Approvals

DISH approvals are mandated under the Factories Act, 1948, regulating industrial safety and health standards. The process protects workers, prevents accidents, and ensures compliance with Indian safety laws.

• Non-Hazardous Industries: Only plan approval and a conditional license are required to start operations. And after meeting the conditions mentioned in the Conditional License, the Final License needs to be procured.

• Hazardous Industries: Plan approval is obtained first, followed by a final license after fulfilling all conditions specified during the plan approval stage.

This stepwise framework is designed to maintain high safety standards across all industrial operations.

Plan Approval

Plan approval is the first step for all industries. It involves submitting detailed factory layouts, machinery placement, fire safety measures, and, for hazardous units, hazardous material handling procedures.

DISH reviews plans for:

• Adequate spacing, ventilation, and emergency exits

• Fire exits, firefighting equipment, and emergency access

• Machinery safety and proper storage

• Compliance with occupational health and safety standards

For non-hazardous units, plan approval is straightforward. Once approved, a conditional license is issued, allowing operations to begin immediately.

For hazardous units, the plan approval may include specific conditions such as emergency response planning, safe storage of hazardous substances, and operational safety measures. These must be fulfilled before applying for the final license.

Conditional License for Non-Hazardous Units

Once a non-hazardous unit receives plan approval, a conditional license can be issued almost immediately. This license allows the unit to commence operations while ensuring that basic safety measures are implemented.

DISH may conduct inspections to verify:

• Installation and functionality of firefighting and safety equipment

• Compliance with worker safety regulations

• Proper handling of materials and waste

This simplified process ensures quick operational readiness while maintaining compliance.

Final License for Hazardous Units

For hazardous units, a final license is issued only after the unit fulfills the conditions specified in the plan approval. DISH performs a comprehensive inspection to confirm:

• Operational safety measures are fully implemented

• Emergency preparedness is in place

• Safe storage and handling of hazardous materials

• Worker training and safety protocols are established

After meeting these requirements, the final license is granted, allowing full-scale operations. This ensures maximum safety and minimizes regulatory risks.

Conclusion

DISH approvals are crucial for industrial safety and legal compliance. Non-hazardous industries can start operations after plan approval and conditional license, while hazardous industries must meet plan approval conditions before obtaining the final license. Consulting with experts can streamline the documentation, inspections, and approvals, ensuring smooth and compliant industrial operations.