XN000022-1995-05-18 — Page 17

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Noting that confined spaces include sewers, caissons, manholes, tanks, wells and tunnels, Mr Tse said working in confined spaces required careful planning beforehand and every step must be taken to ensure the safety of workers when work was in progress.

He reiterated that the following measures are essential to safeguard workers:

the confined space must be cleaned and purged to remove dangerous fumes;

a confined space must be adequately ventilated and tested for dangerous fumes and must have a supply of air suitable for breathing;

adequate steps must be taken to ensure that there is no ingress of dangerous fumes, harmful gases, or oxygen deficiency in the confined space while the worker stays there;

no worker should enter into confined spaces unless so authorised by the proprietor:

any worker in a confined space must wear approved, suitable breathing apparatus unless the space has been certified to be safe for entry:

the worker should wear a safety belt attached to a suitable lifeline which will enable a fellow worker standing by to pull him out of the confined space in case of emergency:

the proprictor must provide sufficient, approved breathing apparatus, suitable reviving equipment, safety belts and ropes; and

the proprietor must ensure a sufficient number of persons in his employ who are competent in the use of the approved breathing apparatus. reviving apparatus and other safety equipment.

"Employers who fail to comply with the safety provisions are liable to a maximum fine of $200,000 and 12 months' imprisonment while the maximum penalty for an offending employee is a fine of $50.000," Mr Tse said.

He said the Labour Department had published two booklets. Safety Guide to Working in Confined Spaces and A Guide to the Factory and Industrial Undertakings (Confined Spaces) Regulations for free distribution to employers and workers.