The Labour Department (LD) today (July 31) published the addenda to the Code of Practice for Bamboo Scaffolding Safety (Bamboo CoP) and the Code of Practice for Metal Scaffolding Safety (Metal CoP) in the Gazette to take immediate effect to enhance scaffolding safety.

     A spokesperson for the LD said, "The major revisions to the Bamboo CoP and the Metal CoP include: (i) setting out the material requirements for scaffolding toe-boards to ensure that their strength is sufficient to prevent workers and objects from falling from scaffolds, and that the materials used do not increase the fire risk; (ii) requiring that protective screens (including protective nets, tarpaulins, plastic sheeting and canvas) installed on the scaffolding should fulfil the relevant requirements specified in the Practice Note for Registered Contractors 85 issued by the Buildings Department (BD) to ensure they meet the required standard of fire retardant performance; and (iii) requiring that the design and installation of catch-fans should fulfil the relevant requirements specified in the Guidelines on the Design and Construction of Bamboo Scaffolds issued by the BD."

     The spokesperson said that the Bamboo CoP and the Metal CoP provide contractors with practical guidance on how to comply with the requirements set out in the occupational safety and health legislation regarding scaffolding work for safeguarding workers' safety.

     The spokesperson added, "These CoPs have a special legal status. In criminal proceedings, if a relevant person fails to observe any provision of these CoPs, 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 addenda to the CoPs can be downloaded from the LD website (www.labour.gov.hk/eng/public/content2_8b.htm). Enquiries about the CoPs can be made by calling 2559 2297.

Ends/Friday, July 31, 2026
Issued at HKT 9:00

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