Safety hints about fall arresting systems for work of truss-out bamboo scaffolds

Serious accidents involving the erection or dismantling of truss-out scaffolds happen from time to time. Some of the accidents even involve the use of belay devices for mountaineering. The Labour Department appeals to stakeholders to pay attention to the following:

• Workers erecting, dismantling or altering truss-out scaffolds shall use full-body harnesses with anchorage systems (such as lanyards, independent lifelines, fall arrestors, etc.) in conformity with the standards. For details, please refer to《Guide on Construction and Work Safety of Truss-out Bamboo Scaffolds》;

Standard full-body safety harness and anchorage system

• Relevant workers must not use belay devices for mountaineering since their designs, constructions and applications are used for mountaineering. Their functions and specifications are not suitable for industrial purpose and use as fall arresting equipment; and
• Belay devices for mountaineering are similar to roping equipment / abseiling equipment which is prohibited under the Construction Sites (Safety) Regulations. Using related equipment at a construction site is a violation of the law.

Belay device for mountaineering