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A Code of Practice (COP) for Metal Scaffolding Safety has been issued by the Labour Department to further enhance workers' safety and health.

The COP gives a summary of the statutory provisions in relation to metal scaffolding, particularly the responsibilities of both the proprietors and the employees in ensuring safety and health at work.

It advises on actions to be taken to manage safety and health at metal scaffolding work, covering such areas as proper design and planning to minimise work hazards, criteria in selecting subcontractor, site management, monitoring of safety performance and training of metal scaffolders.

Other areas included are technical requirements in constructing metal scaffolds, as well as their inspection, maintenance and dismantling.

Copies of the COP are available free from the department's Occupational Safety and Health Branch offices. Enquiries can be made on 2559 2297.

End/Sunday, August 19, 2001

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