Hong Kong Regulations

CONSTRUCTION SITES (SAFETY) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 38

Loads to be safely secured

(Past version on 30/06/1997).

(1) The contractor responsible for a hoist and any contractor who has
direct control over any construction work which involves the use of the hoist
shall, before it is used, ensure that every part of any load to be raised or
lowered by the hoist is- (L.N. 258 of 2003)

   (a)  securely suspended or supported when being raised or lowered; and

   (b)  adequately secured so as to prevent danger arising to persons or
        property as a result of the slipping or displacement of any part of
        the load.

(2) Where, by reason of the nature or position of the operation the load is
liable, while being moved on a hoist or on lifting gear, to come into contact
with any object so that the object may become displaced, the contractors shall
take all reasonable steps as will ensure that no person lawfully on or near
the construction sites where the hoist or gear is being used is endangered by
the displacement of the object. (71 of 1989 s. 13)

(3) Where, in connexion with the hoist, or lifting gear a receptacle is used
for raising or lowering stone, bricks, tiles, slates, or other objects, the
contractors shall cause the receptacle to be enclosed, or to be constructed or
designed so as to prevent the accidental fall of any of such objects.

(4) Paragraph (3) shall not apply to a grab, shovel, or similar excavating
receptacle if the contractors take effective steps to prevent persons being
endangered by a fall of objects therefrom.

(5) The contractor responsible for a hoist and any contractor who has
direct control over any construction work which involves the use of the hoist
shall ensure that neither loose material nor goods are carried on the platform
of the hoist unless the platform is enclosed or other effective precautions
have been taken to prevent the material or goods from falling from the
platform.

(6) The contractor responsible for any hoist which is used for raising or
lowering loads and any contractor who has direct control over any construction
work which involves the use of the hoist shall ensure that no load is left
suspended from the hoist unless a competent person is present to supervise the
use of the hoist. (L.N. 285 of 1993; L.N. 258 of 2003)