Hong Kong Regulations

CONSTRUCTION SITES (SAFETY) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 38O

Construction maintenance and use of ladders and folding step-ladders

Caution: This is a past version. See the current version here.

(1) The contractor responsible for a construction site shall ensure that a
ladder or a folding step-ladder is not used-

   (a)  unless it is of good construction, of suitable and sound material and
        of adequate strength for the purpose for which it is used and is
        properly maintained; and

   (b)  if any rung thereof is missing or defective.

(2) The contractor for a construction site shall ensure that no ladder
standing on a base is used unless-

   (a)  it is securely fixed to its upper resting place, or, in the case of a
        vertical ladder near to its upper end: Provided that where such a
        fixing is impracticable the ladder shall be securely fixed at or near
        its lower end;

   (b)  it has a level and firm footing and is not standing on loose bricks or
        other loose packing;

   (c)  it is secured where necessary to prevent undue swaying or sagging; and

   (d)  it is equally and properly supported on each stile or side.

(3) Where it is impracticable in the case of a ladder standing on a base to
comply with either of the requirements in paragraph (2)(a), the contractor
shall cause a person to be stationed at the foot of the ladder when in use to
prevent it slipping.