Hong Kong Regulations

SHIPPING AND PORT CONTROL (WORKS) REGULATION - SECT 4

Safe means of access to vessels from land, etc.

PART 2

SAFE MEANS OF ACCESS AND SAFE WORKPLACES

(1) If a vessel is lying at a wharf, quay or mid-stream for the purposes of
any works, there shall be provided safe means of access for use by a person
employed when that person has to pass—

   (a)  from the vessel to the shore or a place on land; or

   (b)  from the shore or a place on land to the vessel.

(2) Safe means of access is taken to have been provided—

   (a)  if the vessel is equipped with an accommodation ladder or a similar
        construction, of which one side is properly protected by the
        vessel’s side, and the ladder or the construction is—

        (i)    not less than 550 mm wide;

        (ii)   properly secured to prevent its displacement;

        (iii)  constructed of materials of good quality and in good condition;

        (iv)   securely fenced, throughout on the other side that is not so
               protected, to a clear height of not less than 820 mm, either by
               means of upper and lower rails, taut ropes or chains or by
               other equally safe means; and

        (v)    of adequate length;

   (b)  if the vessel is equipped with an accommodation ladder or a similar
        construction, of which neither side is properly protected by the
        vessel’s side, and the ladder or the construction is—

        (i)    not less than 550 mm wide;

        (ii)   properly secured to prevent its displacement;

        (iii)  constructed of materials of good quality and in good condition;

        (iv)   securely fenced, throughout on each side, to a clear height of
               not less than 820 mm, either by means of upper and lower rails,
               taut ropes or chains or by other equally safe means; and

        (v)    of adequate length; or

   (c)  if the vessel is equipped with a gangway or a similar construction,
        and the gangway or the construction is—

        (i)    not less than 550 mm wide;

        (ii)   properly secured to prevent its displacement;

        (iii)  constructed of materials of good quality and in good condition;

        (iv)   securely fenced, throughout on each side, to a clear height of
               not less than 820 mm, either by means of upper and lower rails,
               taut ropes or chains or by other equally safe means; and

        (v)    of adequate length.

(3) Where it is not reasonably practicable for a vessel to be equipped with an
accommodation ladder or gangway, or any other construction similar to an
accommodation ladder or gangway, safe means of access is taken to have been
provided under subsection (1) if the vessel is equipped with a ladder which
is—

   (a)  of sound material and adequate length; and

   (b)  properly secured to prevent its displacement.

(4) If there is a contravention of subsection (1), the person in charge of
works commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine at level 3.

(5) Where the employer is not the person in charge of works, if there is a
contravention of subsection (1), the employer shall provide safe means of
access required by that subsection as soon as reasonably practicable after the
contravention occurs.

(6) An employer who fails to comply with subsection (5) commits an offence and
is liable on conviction to a fine at level 3.