Hong Kong Regulations

CHILD CARE SERVICES REGULATIONS - REGULATION 24

Roof playgrounds

(Past version on 09/06/2000).
(Past version on 30/09/1997).
(Past version on 30/06/1997).

(1) Roof playgrounds shall satisfy the following structural requirements-

   (a)  the roof shall be situated on premises constructed of reinforced
        cement concrete;

   (b)  there shall be a minimum of 2 suitable staircases, leading from the
        roof to a satisfactory open air exit at ground level; each staircase
        being of a minimum width of 1.05 m and being fitted with continuous
        handrails on both sides;

   (c)  at the head of each staircase there shall be landings leading to the
        roof; each landing being of width equal to the width of the staircase
        and of a minimum depth of 1.5 m;

   (d)  the external walls surrounding the playground shall be continued
        upwards so as to form a continuous parapet wall around the playground
        of a height of not less than 1.1 m. Above such parapet wall there
        shall be a continuous chain link or similar metal fence fixed to the
        inner vertical side, or to the innermost edge of the upper surface, of
        the parapet wall. The total height of the parapet wall and the metal
        fence shall be not less than 2.5 m, and the metal fence shall be so
        installed as to provide ready access to the playground by the Fire
        Services, in emergency. (L.N. 61 of 1977)

(2) No roof, verandah or balcony of a centre shall be used as a playground
unless a certificate of stability has been given by an authorized person or
the person specified for the purpose of regulation 23 that the roof, verandah
or balcony is suitable for such use; and such certificate shall specify the
maximum number of children who may be allowed to use the playground at any one
time. (L.N. 90 of 1980; L.N. 272 of 1997; 15 of 2005 s. 15)

(3) A certificate given under paragraph (2) shall be displayed in a
conspicuous place at the centre in respect of which it is given.