Revised Code of Practice for Bamboo Scaffolding Safety gazetted
***************************************************************
The Labour Department (LD) published a revised Code of Practice for Bamboo Scaffolding Safety (CoP) in the Gazette today (April 19) to enhance the safety of bamboo scaffolds in the construction industry.
The major revisions of the CoP include the enhancement of technical requirements for the bracing, putlog and access and egress of bamboo scaffolds; the prohibition to unauthorised alteration of bamboo scaffolds including putlog; and further specifying the requirement of supervising work of competent persons to the bamboo scaffolders who perform erection, substantial addition, alteration or dismantling of bamboo scaffolds, and inspection prior to inclement weather.
A spokesperson for the LD said, “The revised CoP requires all trained workers who perform erection, substantial addition, alteration or dismantling of truss-out bamboo scaffolds should hold a valid certificate of ‘Advanced Level Truss-out Scaffolder Safety Training’ or ‘Intermediate Level Truss-out Scaffolder Safety Training’ issued by the Construction Industry Council before performing specified work. Considering the time required for the industry to arrange training to obtain the certificates, there will be a grace period of six months on the effective date of the revised CoP. It will take effect on October 19 to allow the industry to have sufficient time for preparation.”
The spokesperson said that the CoP provides construction contractors with practical guidance to comply with the requirements set out in the occupational safety and health legislation regarding bamboo scaffolding work in order to safeguard workers’ safety.
The spokesperson added, “This CoP has a special legal status. In criminal proceedings, if a relevant person fails to observe any provision of this Code, that failure may be taken by the court as a relevant factor in determining whether or not a person has breached the relevant safety and health legislation.”
The revised CoP can be downloaded from the LD website (www.labour.gov.hk/eng/public/content2_8b.htm). Enquiries about the CoP can be made at 2559 2297.