Occupational Safety and Health

Useful guidance for selection of approved respirators for asbestos work can be found in the Appendix VI - Selection guide to approved respiratory protective equipment (RPE) for protection against asbestos dust) (57 KB) (PDF) of the Code of Practice - Safety and Health at Work with Asbestos.

The Commissioner for Labour has approved a list of breathing apparatuses (260 KB) (PDF) for use in confined spaces under Section 12 of Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Confined Spaces) Regulation, Chapter 59AE. Please refer to the list of approved breathing apparatuses (260 KB) (PDF) for details.

The approved Breathing Apparatus must be used as the configuration listed in the gazette, which is also covered in the list of approved breathing apparatus above. Moreover, the air quality supplied by approved Breathing Apparatus and air supply device should comply with the most up-to-date and recognised international or national standard, e.g. BS EN 12021, GB/T 31975 or equivalent.

When the optional use of an additional air supply device is specified in the gazette of the approved Breathing Apparatus, the relevant requirements of the configuration approved shall also be followed. The duty holders must ensure that the selection and use of air supply devices conform to the Breathing Apparatus manufacturer’s instructions, including (but not limited to) the required supplying air flowrate and pressure according to the number of users and the length of hose to the users. Moreover, duty holders should select suitable electric air compressors to avoid air supplied by the compressors being contaminated.
 
In case of doubt, duty holders should seek professional advice from the Breathing Apparatus manufacturer.

Attention: You are reminded to use any cylinder approved by the Director of Fire Services pursuant to Section 145(1) of the Dangerous Goods (Control) Regulation, Cap. 295G.  For details, please visit the following website of the Fire Services Department: https://es.hkfsd.gov.hk/dg/en/pressure_receptacle/legal_liability/ 

According to regulation 3 of the Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Blasting by Abrasives) Special Regulations, Chapter 59C, protective helmets used/ to be used for a blasting process shall be a type approved by the Commissioner for Labour or any officer authorized in writing by him. If a proprietor wants to submit an application for approval of protective helmet, please submit a duly completed Application Form (AF-HELMET) (871 KB) (PDF) to the Labour Department together with the associated documents. Applicants shall read the Information sheet – Application for approval of protective helmet (IS-HELMET) (343 KB) (PDF) to understand the procedures and follow the instructions.

According to regulations 17 and 18 of the Quarries (Safety) Regulations, Chapter 59F, the proprietor of every quarry shall provide for every person who works on any top, face or floor in the quarry an approved type of safety helmet, safety rope and safety harness. Since 1 March 1991, the statutory powers for the administration of the Regulations have been transferred to the Director of Civil Engineering and Development. For details of the approved types of safety helmet, safety rope and safety harness, please contact the Civil Engineering and Development Department.

If a manufacturer or an authorized representative wants to submit an application for approval of the three types of personal protective equipment, please complete and submit the Application Form (AF-PPE) (4.1 MB) (PDF) to the Labour Department together with the associated documents. Applicants must read the Information sheet for submission of equipment for approval (IS-PPE) (201 KB) (PDF) to understand the procedures and follow the instructions.