Code Of Practice 2
To be continued:
CODE OF PRACTICE FOR METAL SCAFFOLDING SAFETY
1
1. Introduction
1.1 This Code of Practice for Metal Scaffolding Safety is issued by the Commissioner for
Labour under Section 7A of the Factories and Industrial Undertakings Ordinance,
Chapter 59. It provides practical guidance for the compliance of the requirements set
out in Sections 6A & 6B of the Factories and Industrial Undertakings Ordinance and
the requirements of the Construction Sites (Safety) Regulations regarding the safety
in metal scaffolding. In this Code, metal scaffolding refers to scaffolding with metal
components as structural skeleton. The advice contained in this Code should not be
regarded as exhausting those matters that need to be covered by the relevant safety
legislation. Compliance with this Code of Practice does not confer immunity from
relevant legal requirements.
1.2 This Code of Practice has a special legal status. Although failure to observe any
provision of this Code is not itself an offence, that failure may be taken by a court in
criminal proceedings as a relevant factor in determining whether or not a person has
breached the relevant safety and health legislation under the Factories and Industrial
Undertakings Ordinance.
1.3 Metal scaffolding can be used for different purposes in different construction activities.
In Hong Kong, it is commonly used as the supporting scaffolding in a falsework system.
Collapse of falsework due to reasons such as insufficient strength to carry the
imposed loads or inadequacy in design and construction frequently occurs and has
inflicted heavy casualties to workers working on it. In order to prevent collapse of
falsework on construction sites, this Code of Practice also highlights good practices
that have frequently been overlooked.
1.4 Section 5 of this Code of Practice has given technical guidance that should be
followed in respect of metal scaffolding safety. If in any special situation where such
requirements need to be modified, the stability and strength of the scaffolds should be
justified by recognized engineering principles and national/international standards or
provisions so that equal or even higher safety standards can be achieved.
1.5 The statutory provisions summarized or referred to in this Code of Practice are the
provisions in force on 22 June 2001.
CODE OF PRACTICE FOR METAL SCAFFOLDING SAFETY