XN000022-1973-04-27 — Page 8

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Friday, April 27, 1973

NEW REGULATIONS TO ENSURE GREATER SAFETY

For Workers In Confined Spaces

Details of new regulations to ensure greater safety for those required

to work in confined spaces were published in the Gazette today following

approval by the Legislative Council on Wednesday.

The regulations, entitled the Factories and Industrial Undertakings

(Confined Spaces) Regulations 1973, prescribe certain safety measures to be

observed by both proprietors and workers.

The Assistant Commissioner of Labour, Mr. David Lin, said that

working in confined spaces such as wells, pits, and tunnels was hazardous

because workers were known to have been overcome by dangerous fumes in such

places.

He said that during the period from January 1968 to February 1973,

officers of the Labour Department had investigated 16 such accidents in

which 14 workers were killed.

"Had sufficient precautionary measures been taken, such as those

prescribed in the present regulations, the number of such sad accidents might

have been reduced, if not totally avoided," he said.

Under the regulations, every confined space in an industrial undertaking,

unless there are other exits, must be provided with a manhole of adequate size.

Anyone entering a confined space must be authorised by the proprietor

and must wear an approved breathing apparatus. Where practicable, he should

also wear a belt with a rope securely attached.

These