Hong Kong Regulations

FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (LIFTING APPLIANCES AND LIFTING GEAR) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 9

Platforms for crane drivers and signallers

(1) Where a crane has a platform for the use of the person driving or
operating the crane, or for any signaller (where good safe working practice
requires a signaller in connexion with the use of the crane), the owner shall
ensure that it is not used unless the platform is-

   (a)  of sufficient area for the persons employed on it;

   (b)  either close planked or plated; and

   (c)  provided with a safe means of access.

(2) If any such platform has a side from which a person may fall a distance of
more than 2 metres, the owner shall ensure that the crane is not used unless-

   (a)  there is affixed to the platform a suitable guard rail of adequate
        strength to a height of not less than 900 millimetres above the
        platform and above any raised standing place therein;

   (b)  the side is provided with one or more toe boards placed-

        (i)    at a height not less than 200 millimetres above the level of
               the platform and any raised standing place on it; and

        (ii)   in a position that will prevent as far as possible the fall of
               persons, materials, and tools, from the platform; and

   (c)  the space between any toe board on the platform and the lowest guard
        rail above it does not exceed 700 millimetres. (L.N. 238 of 1984)

(3) Notwithstanding anything in this regulation, a guard rail or toe board
required under this regulation may be removed or remain unerected for such
period and to such extent as is necessary for any person to gain access to and
egress from the platform or for materials to be removed to it or from it.