The Labour Department (LD) today (December 17) launched the Guidance Notes on Prevention of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Workplaces to provide practical information for employers, employees and relevant duty holders to prevent workers from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning in workplaces.

     CO is a colourless, odourless and tasteless gas that is highly poisonous. In general, the use of fuel-powered (such as diesel, petrol and town gas) equipment, engines or heating systems in poorly ventilated workplaces may lead to CO poisoning of workers.
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     To enhance duty holders' awareness of CO poisoning prevention, the LD has analysed CO poisoning cases in various workplaces in recent years and collated common causes of the accidents and preventive measures for formulating the Guidance Notes on Prevention of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Workplaces. The guidance notes are comprehensive, covering the sources and hazards of CO at work, preventive measures, as well as safe systems of work including risk assessment, CO monitoring and measurement, emergency procedures, training and more.

     The LD, together with the Occupational Safety and Health Council, will hold an online seminar in January 2026 to introduce the guidance notes to stakeholders in related industries such as construction, catering, property management, logistics and freight transport, and cleaning and environmental hygiene to enhance their awareness of CO poisoning prevention and safeguard the occupational safety and health of employees.

     The Guidance Notes on Prevention of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Workplaces can be downloaded at the LD's webpage (www.labour.gov.hk/common/public/oh/CarbonMonoxide_GN_en.pdf) or by scanning the QR code (see Annex). For enquiries, please call the LD's hotline at 2852 4041 or 2542 2172.

Ends/Wednesday, December 17, 2025
Issued at HKT 12:00

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