UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONGLIBRARY

Hong Kong CollectionGift from

Mrs. Anita Tsui

Supplement to

"A Guide to the

Construction Sites (Safety)

Regulations"

(This Booklet is also

A Guide to the Construction Sites (Safety)

(Amendment) Regulations 1983

Labour Department

Hong Kong

1984

CONTENT

Parti

A Guide to the Construction Sites (Safety) (Amendment) Regulations 1983

Page

Introduction 4Definitions 4Scaffolds, Working Platforms and Ladders, etc. 5

(1) General 5(2) Provision of Scaffolds, etc. 5(3) Supervision of Work and Inspection of Material 5(4) Construction and Maintenance of Scaffolds 5(5) Slung Scaffolds 5(6) Cantilever, Jib, Figure and Bracket Scaffolds 6(7) Supports of Scaffolds, etc. 6(8) Suspended Scaffolds (not power-operated) 6(9) Boatswain's Chairs (not power-operated) 7

(10) Trestle Scaffolds 7(11) Inspection of Scaffolds 8(12) Construction of Working Platforms, Gangways, Runs, etc. 8(13) Widths of Working Platforms 9(14) Guard-rails at Working Platforms and Places 9(15) Construction, Maintenance and Use of Ladders and Folding

Step-ladders 9(16) Openings, Corners, Breaks and Edges 10(17) Prevention of Falls and Provision of Safety Nets and Belts 10(18) Duty to Wear Safety Belt 11

Part II

Amendment to "A Guide to The Construction Sites (Safety) Regulations"

Conversion to Metric Equivalents 13Amendment of the Guide Content 14

PARTI

A Guide to the Construction Sites (Safety) (Amendment)Regulations 1983

Introduction

The Construction Sites (Safety) (Amendment) Regulations 1983mainly impose safety requirements on working places and means ofaccess and egress to and from those places in a construction site. Thisguide should therefore be read in conjunction with "A Guide to TheConstruction Sites (Safety) Regulations" issued also by the LabourDepartment.

Definitions

In the amendment regulations, additional terms are defined as follows:

"ladder" does not include a folding step-ladder;

"ladder scaffold" means a scaffold with a working platform which issupported directly on a ladder by means of a crutch or bracket ona rung or rungs of a ladder;

"scaffold" means any temporarily provided structure on or fromwhich persons perform work in connexion with operations orworks to which these regulations apply, and any temporarilyprovided structure which enables persons to obtain access to orwhich enables materials to be taken to any place at which suchwork is performed, and includes any working platform, gangway,run, ladder or step-ladder, (other than an independent ladder orstep-ladder which does not form part of such a structure) togetherwith any guard-rail, toe-board or other safeguards and all fixings,but does not include a lifting appliance or a structure used merelyto support such an appliance or to support other plant orequipment;

"slung scaffold" means a scaffold suspended by means of lifting gear,ropes or chains or rigid members and not provided with means ofraising or lowering by a lifting appliance or similar device;

"suspended scaffold" means a scaffold (not being a slung scaffold)suspended by means of ropes or chains and capable of being raisedor lowered but does not include a boat-swain's chair or similarappliance;

"trestle scaffold" includes a scaffold in which the supports for theplatform are any of the following which are self-supporting that isto say, split heads, folding step-ladders, tripods or movable con-trivances similar to any of the foregoing;

"working platform" includes a working stage.

Scaffolds, Working Platforms and Ladder, etc.

L General

(a) Suitable and sufficient safe means of access and egress shall be R 38Aprovided and maintained to and from every workplace;

(b) Such workplaces shall be made and kept safe for every personworking there.

2. Provision of Scaffolds, etc.

Sufficient and suitable scaffolds, ladders or other means of support R 38Bshall be provided if work cannot be safely done from the ground, partof a building or structure.

3. Supervision of Work and Inspection of Material

Only competent workmen with adequate experience and under the R38Csupervision of a competent person shall erect, alter or dismantlescaffolds.

4. Construction and Maintenance of Scaffolds

(1) All Scaffolds shall be— R38D

(a) of good construction, made of strong and sound materials,and free from patent defects and

(b) properly maintained.

(2) All such scaffolds shall be fixed, secured or placed in such amanner as to prevent accidental displacement.

5. Slung Scaffolds

(a) All Chains, wire ropes, lifting gear, metal tubes and other means of R 38Esuspension used for slung scaffolds shall be—

(i) of adequate strength suitable for their intended uses;(ii) properly and securely fastened to safe anchorage or support-

ing points;(iii) so placed as to ensure stability;(iv) vertical as is reasonably practicable; and(v) kept taut.

(b) Only wire ropes shall be used for the suspension of slung scaffold.

(c) Where chains or wire ropes are used for suspension, steps shall betaken to prevent danger from contact with sharp edges.

(d) All slung scaffolds used as working platforms shall be so securedas to prevent undue horizontal movement.

6. Cantilever, Jib, Figure and Bracket Scaffolds.

R 38F (a) All cantilever and jib scaffolds shall be adequately supported, fixedand anchored, and their outriggers be of adequate length andstrength, and properly strutted or braced to ensure rigidity andstability.

(b) Figure and bracket scaffolds supported or held by dogs, spikes orsimilar fixings shall not be used if they are liable to be pulled out ofthe stone-work, brickwork, or other surface.

7. Support for scaffolds, etc.

R 38G (a) Only those parts of buildings or structures sufficiently strong andstable are allowed to support scaffolds, ladders, folding step-ladders or crawling ladders.

(b) Gutters and over hanging eaves gutters shall not be used assupport unless they are strong enough to do so.

8. Suspended Scaffolds (not power operated)

R 38H All suspended scaffolds (except power-driven) used for raising, lower-ing or carrying persons shall comply with the following:

(a) their outriggers shall be—(i) of adequate length and strength, properly installed and

supported;(ii) firmly anchored at the inner ends;

(iii) securely fastened to any ballast or counterweights; and(iv) installed horizontally;

(b) the points of suspension shall be at adequate horizontal distancesfrom the face of the building or other structure;

(c) only wire ropes or chains shall be used for raising, lowering andsuspension of the suspended scaffold;

(d) all wire ropes and chains shall be securely attached to the outrig-gers or other supports;

(e) adequate arrangements shall be made to prevent the scaffold fromundue tipping, tilting or swinging and while it is being used as aworking platform, it must be secured to prevent undue horizontalmovement;

(/) platforms shall—(i) be closely boarded, planked or plated except for necessary

drainage; and(ii) not be less than 0.45 metres wide;

(g) winches or other lifting appliances shall be—(i) provided with a brake or similar device which comes into

operation when the operating handle or lever is released; and(ii) adequately protected against weather, dust, or accidental

damage; and

(h) suspended scaffolds shall be properly maintained.

9. Boatswain's Chairs (notpower operated)

(1) No Boatswain's chair or similar equipment shall be used unless— R 381

(a) it is of good construction, sound material, adequate strength,and free from patent defect;

(b) the outriggers or other supports are of adequate strength andproperly installed and supported;

(c) the chains, ropes, lifting gear or other means of suspensionare securely attached to the outriggers or other supports andto the chair or similar plant or equipment or any other deviceattached thereto;

(d) suitable means are provided to prevent any occupant fallingout;

(e) it is free of materials or articles liable to endanger or interferewith the occupant's handhold or foothold;

(/) suitable measures are taken to prevent the chair spinning ortipping in a manner dangerous to the occupant;

(g) safety belts attached to independent life lines are provided tothe occupants and each life line must be securely suspended;

(h) its installation and use is supervised by a competent person;and

(/) it is properly maintained.

(2) Boatswain's chairs shall not be used unless the use of a suspendedscaffold is not reasonably practicable or the work is of shortduration.

10. Trestle Scaffolds

(1) All trestles and supports used for the construction of any trestle R 38Jscaffold shall be of good construction, sound material, adequatestrength, free from patent defect and properly maintained.

(2) A trestle scaffold shall not be used if—

(a) it is so situated that a person working on its platform is liableto fall a distance of more than 4.5 metres; or

(b) it is constructed with more than one tier where foldingsupports are used.

(3) A trestle scaffold shall not be erected on a scaffold platformunless—

(a) sufficient space is available for the movement of materialsalong the platform; and

(b) the trestles or supports are firmly braced and attached to theplatform to prevent displacement.

11. Inspection of Scaffolds

R 38K (1) A scaffold shall not be used unless—

(a) it has been inspected by a competent person—(i) within the immediately preceding month;

(ii) after exposure to weather conditions likely to haveaffected its strength or stability or after it has beenaltered; and

(b) the person carrying out the inspection has made a report inthe prescribed form to the effect that the scaffold is in safeworking order.

First (2) A report signed by the person carrying out the inspection shallSchedule, upForm 12 DC

(d) made in the prescribed form and contain the prescribedparticulars; and

(b) delivered forthwith to the contractor concerned.

(3) This regulation shall not apply to a scaffold erected for less than amonth, or any scaffold from which a person is not liable to fall adistance of more than 2 metres.

12. Construction of Working Platforms, Gangways, Runs, etc.

R 38L (a) Every working platform, gangway or run from which a person isliable to fall for more than 2 metres must be closely boarded,planked, plated or of open metal work without any intersticeexceeding 3 800 mm2;

(b) Every board or plank forming the working platform, gangway orrun shall—

(i) be of sound construction, adequate strength and free frompatent defect;

(ii) be of sufficient thickness capable of providing security havingregard to the distance between the supports and shall not beless than 200 mm in width and not less than 25 mm inthickness or not less than 150 mm in width when the board orplank exceeds 50 mm in thickness;

(iii) be resting securely and evenly on its supports.

(c) Overhangs shall not be projected beyond support for more than150 mm unless secured to prevent tipping.

13. Widths of Working Platforms

(1) (a) A working platform from which a person is liable to fall a R38Mdistance of more than 2 metres shall be at least 400 mm wide;

(b) A gangway or run from which a person is liable to fall adistance of more than 2 metres—(i) if it is used for the passage of persons only shall be at

least 400 mm wide;(ii) if it is also used for passage of materials, its width shall

be at least 650 mm or wider when necessary.

14. Guard-rails at Working Platforms and Places

(1) A working platform, working place, gangway, run or stair from R38Nwhich a person is liable to fall for more than 2 metres shall beprovided with guard-rails of adequate strength to a height between900 mm and 1 150mm.

(2) Guard-rails may be removed or remain unerected only for theduration necessary for the access of persons or the movement ofmaterials.

(3) However the above requirements shall not apply—

(a) if the platform of a ladder scaffold is provided with a securehandhold along the full length of the platform;

(b) if the platform of a trestle scaffold is supported on foldingtrestles, split heads or folding step ladders; and

(c) if the platform of a bamboo scaffold is protected by at least 2horizontal bamboo members spaced at intervals between 750mm to 900 mm.

15. Construction, Maintenance and Use of Ladders and Folding Step-ladders

(1) A ladder or a folding step-ladder shall not be used— R 38O

(a) unless it is of good construction, sound materials, adequatestrength, and is properly maintained;

(b) if any of its rung is defective or missing,

(2) When a ladder standing on a base is used, it shall—

(a) be securely fixed to its upper resting place or near its upperend in the case of a vertical ladder and if such fixing isimpracticable, the ladder must be fixed near its lower end;

(b) have a level and firm footing and not standing on loose bricksor other loose packing;

(c) be secured to prevent undue swaying or sagging; and

(d) be evenly and properly supported on each stile or side.

(3) If the requirements in paragraph (2)(a) is impracticable, a personshall be stationed at the foot of the ladder to prevent the ladderfrom slipping.

16. Openings, Corners, Breaks and Edges

R38P (1) Every opening, corner, break, edge or other dangerous placethrough or from which a person is liable to fall for more than 2metres shall be provided with either—

(a) suitable guard-rails of adequate strength to a height ofbetween 900 mm and 1 150 mm; or

(b) a fixed covering to prevent the fall of persons and materialswith clear and bold marking to show its purpose.

(2) Such guard-rails and coverings may be removed or remainunerected—

(a) if this is necessary to proceed with any permanent filling in,covering or enclosure; or

(b) for the time and extend necessary for the access of persons orthe movement of materials or other purpose of the work.

(Cap. 123 However these requirements shall not apply if the opening, corner,Sub. leg.) break or edge is made in the course of demolition operations to which

the Building (Demolition Works) Regulations apply and are not leftunattended.

17. Prevention of Falls and Provision of Safety Nets and Belts

R38Q (1) In places where regulations 38A, 38B, 38L, 38M, 38N or 38Pcannot be complied with because of its special nature and circum-stances, alternate protection to prevent a person from falling shallbe provided. They may either be a properly erected fall-arrestingdevice such as safety net, safety belt or other suitable equipment.

10

If a safety net is used as a fall arrestor, it may be removed orremain unerected for the duration necessary for the access ofpersons or the movement of materials or other purposes of thework but shall be replaced or erected as soon as practicable.

(2) If a safety belt is required as a fall arrestor, each workman workingthere shall be provided with one.

(3) Every safety belt shall be provided with a suitable anchorage andfittings to prevent serious injury in the event of a fall.

(4) All the fall-arresting devices, such as safety nets, safety belts shallbe properly maintained.

(5) All reasonable steps shall be taken to ensure that no workmanremains on any dangerous place without wearing a safety belt.

18. Duty to wear Safety Belt

Whenever the use of a safety belt is necessary, a workman shall wear R 38Rthe safety belt provided and keep it attached to a secure anchorage forhis own or any other person's safety.

11

Name or title of Employer FORM 12or Contractor ^t&H- —f!±)£^?Iiii&^^,^?8 CONSTRUCTIONS SITES (SAFETY) REGULATIONS

SCAFFOLDS

Address of Site REPORTS OF RESULTS OF MONTHLY OR OTHER INSPECTIONS

3t^*«JtiiJik Form prescribed pursuant to regulation 38K(1) of theConstruction Sites (Safety) Regulations

— * —Work commenced Date $£

[reg. 38K(1)J

Description or location.mm

(i)

Date ofinspection

(2)

Result of inspectionState whether the scaifoldis in safe working order

(3)

Signature and designationof person who made

the inspection

(4)

PART II

Amendment to "A Guide to The Construction Sites (Safety)Regulations"

Conversion to Metric EquivalentsWhenever the following Non-Si Units occur in the guide book, substitutethem by Metric-(SI) Units as tabulated below:—

Regulation/page no./para. no.

R. 7(2)/P. 12/9.3R. 31(1)/P. 16/11.1R.40(1)/P. 19/13.2

R. 39(4)/P. 18/13.1

R. 7(2)/P. 12/9.3R.31(1)/P. 16/11.1

R. 7(2)/P. 12/9.3

R. 6(1)/P. 12/9.2

R. 7(2)/P. 12/9.3

R.26/P. 15/9.17

Appendix II/First Schedule/Forms 2, 3, 4, 6 and 9

Appendix Ill/SecondSchedule/page 41

Non-Si Units(deletion)

6 feet 6 inches

4 feet

3 feet

2 feet 3 inches

2 feet

8 inches

one ton

TON

tons

feet

*

PR

51 inches

36 inches

1 ounce

5 yards

1 inch

Metric-(SI) Units(substitution)

2 metres

1.2 metres

900 millimetres

700 millimetres

600 millimetres

200 millimetres

1 tonne

TONNE

tonnes

metres

£«

*1 300 millimetres

900 millimetres

30 grams

4.5 metres

25 millimetres

13

Amendment to a Guide to the Construction Sites (Safety) Regulations

(a) 13.2 Fencing of Excavation, etc. (Page 19)

R. 40 Barriers or coverings shall be provided to excavations, shafts, pitsand openings into which persons can fall a vertical distance ofmore than 2 metres, except during the period necessary for theaccess of persons, movement of plant, equipment and materials orif it is not yet practicable to erect such barriers or coverings.

(b) 8.5 Trained and Competent Workman to Operate MechanicalEquipment (Page 10)

R.45 Only a trained and competent workman over 18 years of age isallowed to operate a mechanical equipment in a construction site.No person under 18 years of age is allowed to give signals to theoperator of the equipment.

(N.B. Mechanical equipment includes any bulldozer, compactor,dumper, excavator, grader, loader, locomotive, lorry,scraper, truck and any mobile machine which is used for thehandling of any material in a construction site.)

(c) 14.1 Keeping of Records (Page 19)

(i) Insert after ". . ." in respect of any test" the following—", inspection";

(ii) Insert after ". . . or examination on any equipment" thefollowing—"scaffold,".

(d) 14.2 Offences and Penalties Relating to Contractors (Page 19)(i) Insert after "(a) . . . 36, 37," the following—"38A to 38J,

38K(1), 38L to 38Q" and delete "45";(ii) Insert after "(6). . . 43, 44," the following—"45,".

(e) 14.4 Offences by Competent Examiners, etc. (Page 20)Insert after "(a) . . . in respect of any test" the following—", inspection".

(/) 14.5 Offences by Other Person (Page 20)Insert after "to enter or leave the cage," the following—"or fails towear a safety belt whenever the use of such a belt is necessary,"

(g) Appendix I Table Showing Frequency of Inspection, Test andExamination (Page 21-22)

(i) Add after the table the following—

Item

Scaffolds

Legalref.

R. 38K

Inspection

monthly or afterexposure to weatherliable to haveaffected stability

Test followedby examination

Examina-tion only

ReportForm

Form 12

14