Code of Practice for

Safety and Health at Work

in Confined Spaces
This Code of Practice is published by the
Occupational Safety and Health Branch
Labour Department

First edition June 2000

Second edition May 2024

This Code of Practice is issued free of charge and can be obtained from offices of the
Occupational Safety and Health Branch or downloaded from the Labour Department’s
website at https://www.labour.gov.hk/eng/public/content2_8.htm. For enquiries on addresses
and telephone numbers of the offices, please visit the Labour Department’s website at
https://www.labour.gov.hk/eng/tele/osh.htm or call 2559 2297.

Publications and Media- Addresses and Telephone

Occupational Safety Numbers of the Offices

This Code of Practice may be freely reproduced except for advertising, endorsement or commercial
purposes. For extracts of information, please acknowledge the source as “Code of Practice for Safety
and Health at Work in Confined Spaces” published by the Labour Department.
Contents

1. Introduction 4

2. Interpretation 5

3. Responsibilities 9

4. Certified Worker and Competent Person 11

5. Risk Assessment Report and Recommendations 12

6. Compliance with Risk Assessment Report and Issuance of Certificate 17

7. Safety Precautions Before Work Begins 19

8. Safety Precautions When Work Is Being Undertaken 25

9. Use of Personal Protective Equipment 27

10. Emergency Procedures 30

11. Provision of Information, Instructions, Training, etc. 33

12. Safe System of Work 35

Appendix I Risk Assessment Form for Confined Spaces 37

Appendix II Permit-to-work Certificate 43

Appendix III Setting Up Air Monitoring Alarm 51

List of References 55

Enquiries and Complaints 57

 1. Introduction
1.1 This Code of Practice is issued by the Commissioner for Labour (hereinafter called “the
Commissioner”) under section 7A of the Factories and Industrial Undertakings Ordinance
(Cap. 59) for the purpose of providing practical guidance in respect of the provisions
of sections 6A & 6B of the Factories and Industrial Undertakings Ordinance and the
requirements set out in the Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Confined Spaces)
Regulation (hereinafter called “the Confined Spaces Regulation”) regarding the safety and
health at work in confined spaces.

1.2 This Code of Practice has a special legal status. Although failure to observe any provision
of the Code of Practice 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 This Code of Practice aims at providing practical guidance and technical information for
proprietors, contractors and the persons of any industrial undertakings so as to ensure
the safety and health of all persons who would enter or work in confined spaces. The
advice and safety practices mentioned in this Code of Practice should not be considered
as exhaustive to cover all legal requirements under the relevant safety and health
regulations for the operation in confined spaces, nor it is intended to relieve the persons
concerned with confined space work of their statutory responsibilities.

1.4 In addition to the Confined Spaces Regulation, the Occupational Safety and Health
Ordinance (Cap. 509) and the Factories and Industrial Undertakings Ordinance (Cap.
59), along with their subsidiary regulations, including (but not limited to) the Construction
Sites (Safety) Regulations, the Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Lifting Appliances
and Lifting Gear) Regulations, the Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Loadshifting
Machinery) Regulation, the Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Protection of Eyes)
Regulations, the Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Noise at Work) Regulation,
the Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Electricity) Regulations, and other relevant
legislation are applicable to work in confined spaces. The provisions of the legislation
can be referred to the relevant guides to legislation, codes of practice, and guidelines
published by the Labour Department.

1.5 The statutory provisions cited in this Code of Practice are those in force on 30 November
2024.

4 Code of Practice for Safety and Health at Work in Confined Spaces

2. Interpretation
2.1 The Confined Spaces Regulation applies to all work that takes place within a confined
space in an industrial undertaking; and work that takes place within the immediate vicinity
of, and is associated with work occurring within, a confined space [Section 3 of the
Confined Spaces Regulation].

2.2 For the interpretations of “industrial undertaking”, “proprietor” and “contractor”, please
refer to the Factories and Industrial Undertakings Ordinance.

2.3 Under the Confined Spaces Regulation, a “confined space” means any place in which,
by virtue of its enclosed nature, there arises a reasonably foreseeable specified risk, and
without limiting the generality of the foregoing, includes any chamber, tank, vat, pit, well,
sewer, tunnel, pipe, flue, boiler, pressure receiver, hatch, caisson, shaft or silo in which
such risk arises [Section 2 of the Confined Spaces Regulation].

2.4 Under the Confined Spaces Regulation, “specified risk” means a risk of─

(a) serious injury to any person at work arising from a fire or explosion;

(b) the loss of consciousness of any person at work arising from an increase in body
temperature;

(c) the loss of consciousness or asphyxiation of any person at work arising from gas,
fume, vapour or the lack of oxygen;

(d) the drowning of any person at work arising from an increase in the level of liquid; or

(e) the asphyxiation of any person at work arising from a free flowing solid or the inability
to reach a respirable environment due to entrapment by a free flowing solid [Section 2
of the Confined Spaces Regulation].

2.5 Places having an enclosed nature and their compartments can give rise to specified
risks due to their structure, location or contents. Common examples include ducts,
vessels, culverts, boreholes, bored piles, manholes, excavations, sumps, inspection pits,
cofferdams, freight containers, ship cargo holds/tanks, ballast tanks, double bottoms,
ships’ engine rooms, building voids, some enclosed rooms (particularly plant rooms/
mechanical rooms), some cellars and interiors of machines/ plant/vehicles, open-topped
tanks and vats, wells, hatches, caissons, shafts, closed and unventilated or inadequately
ventilated rooms, or constructions during their manufacture, etc.

Code of Practice for Safety and Health at Work in Confined Spaces 5

 2.6 Some places with enclosed nature can give rise to a specified risk due to the work to be
undertaken, the material to be used, a change in the condition inside the space or the
degree of enclosure/confinement. Typical examples include using volatile chemicals for
waterproofing works in water tanks which can lead to the accumulation of chemicals
and cause workers to lose consciousness, or using gasoline or diesel-powered engine
equipment in poorly ventilated areas which can generate and accumulate carbon
monoxide causing workers to asphyxiate.

2.7 “Approved breathing apparatus” means a breathing apparatus of a type approved by

the Commissioner under section 12 of the Confined Spaces Regulation [Section 2 of the
Confined Spaces Regulation]. The announcement of approved breathing apparatus will
be published in Government Gazette and the list of approved breathing apparatus can be
found on the Labour Department’s website.

2.8 For the purpose of this Code of Practice,

● “hazard” (危害) is something with the potential to cause harm (this includes any
atmospheric hazards, hazards from in-rush of mud or water, hazards from machines,
substances or job methods, and other aspects of work in a confined space).

● “risk” (危險) expresses the likelihood that the harm from a particular hazard is realised
and the severity of the harm.

● “atmospheric hazard” (空氣危害) refers to the presence of gases, vapours, dusts,

fumes, smoke or oxygen-deficient air in a confined space, which potentially causes
harm to the safety and health of persons staying in the confined space.

2.9 The major hazards associated with entry into or working in confined spaces arise through
the combination of the confined nature of the place of work and the possible presence of
substances or conditions which, taken together, could lead to the specified risks which
threaten the safety and health of workers entering or staying in the confined space. The
major hazards in a confined space include the following situations:

(a) flammable, explosive or oxygen enriched atmosphere;

(b) excessive environmental heat;

(c) toxic/harmful gases or oxygen deficient atmosphere;

(d) in-rush of liquid; or

(e) in-rush of free flowing solids.

6 Code of Practice for Safety and Health at Work in Confined Spaces

 The threats against the safety and health of workers include:

(a) serious injury arising from a fire or explosion;

(b) heat illnesses arising from an increase in body temperature;

(c) loss of consciousness or asphyxiation arising from atmospheric hazard;

(d) drowning arising from an increase in the level of liquid; or

(e) asphyxiation arising from a free flowing solid or the inability to reach a respirable
environment due to entrapment by a free flowing solid.

2.10 When assessing whether a particular job constitutes “underground pipework” under
section 9(b) of the Confined Spaces Regulation, the following determining factors should
be considered:

(a) whether the work is performed within a confined space as interpreted under section 2
of the Confined Spaces Regulation;

(b) whether the aforementioned confined space is located underground; and

(c) whether the work involves any pipework which would have specified risk associated
with atmospheric hazard.

2.11 “Competent person” means a person—

(a) who has attained the age of 18 years;

(b) who is either—

(i) a safety officer with registration under the Factories and Industrial Undertakings
(Safety Officers and Safety Supervisors) Regulations; or

(ii) a person who holds a certificate issued by a person whom the Commissioner
has authorised to certify persons as being competent to prepare risk assessment
reports; and
(c) who has at least one year’s relevant experience, after obtaining the registration or
certification referred to in paragraph (b)(i) or (ii), in assessing risk to the safety and
health of workers working in confined spaces [Section 2 of the Confined Spaces
Regulation].

2.12 “Certified worker” means a person—

(a) who has attained the age of 18 years; and

(b) who holds a certificate issued by a person whom the Commissioner has authorised
to certify workers as being competent to work in a confined space [Section 2 of the
Confined Spaces Regulation].

Code of Practice for Safety and Health at Work in Confined Spaces 7

 2.13 “Standby person” means when a certified worker works in the confined space, another
person, namely the “standby person”, shall be assigned in accordance with section 8(b)
of the Confined Spaces Regulation to be stationed outside the confined space to
maintain communication with the worker inside the confined space and be responsible
for contacting the emergency rescue team when necessary. The “standby person” shall
have sufficient physical strength to be capable of pulling workers out of the confined
space. The “standby person” may use mechanical devices to assist him when he is
pulling the worker out of the confined space. [Sections 9(a)(ii) and 9(b)(ii) of the Confined
Spaces Regulation].

2.14 “Risk assessment report” refers to a written report with the assessment and
recommendations prepared by a competent person in accordance with section 5 of the
Confined Spaces Regulation. This Code of Practice provides a template of the “Risk
Assessment Form for Confined Spaces “ in Appendix I that competent persons should
make reference to in order to ensure that the risk assessment report complies with all the
elements stipulated in the Regulation.

2.15 “Permit-to-work Certificate” refers to a certificate for entering a confined space issued
by the proprietor or contractor responsible for the confined space work before a worker
enters the confined space for the first time after receiving a risk assessment report
completed by a competent person and verifying that the risk assessment report covers
all the matters specified in section 5(2) of the Confined Spaces Regulation and all
necessary safety precautions have been taken. This Code of Practice provides a template
of “Permit-to-work Certificate” in Appendix II that the responsible proprietor or contractor
should make reference to in order to ensure that the “Permit-to-work Certificate”
complies with all the elements stipulated in the Regulation.

8 Code of Practice for Safety and Health at Work in Confined Spaces

3. Responsibilities
3.1 To secure safety and health at work in a confined space requires the full commitment
and cooperation of every party concerned. The proprietor or contractor responsible
shall ensure that every operation in the confined space is safe and without risk to the
personnel working inside or in the vicinity. On the other hand, every person employed
for the confined space work must cooperate with the proprietor or contractor to take
reasonable care for the safety and health of not only himself but also other persons who
may be affected by his acts or omissions at work.

3.2 The proprietor or contractor responsible for the work in confined space shall ensure the
effective implementation of (but not limited to) the following:

• to appoint a competent person to carry out a risk assessment for the working
environment in the confined space and make recommendations on the safety
precautions to ensure the safety and health of workers while working in the confined
space [Section 5(1) of the Confined Spaces Regulation];

• to ensure that all safety precautions as required under section 7 of the Confined
Spaces Regulation have been carried out before the work commences [Section 7 of
the Confined Spaces Regulation];

• to issue a certificate before a worker enters a confined space stating that all
necessary safety precautions required in the risk assessment report have been taken
and specifying the period during which workers may remain safe in the confined
space [Section 6(1)(a)(iii) of the Confined Spaces Regulation];

• to ensure that no workers other than certified workers enter or work in the confined
space [Section 8(a) of the Confined Spaces Regulation];

• to ensure that a standby person is stationed outside the confined space to maintain
communication with the workers inside [Section 8(b) of the Confined Spaces
Regulation];

• to confirm whether the work conducted in the confined space falls under
underground pipework. If underground pipework is involved, the necessary safety
precautions shall be implemented as required [Section 9(b) of the Confined Spaces
Regulation]. If needed, seek advice and/or assistance from occupational safety and
health professionals. Ensure that workers in the confined space comply with the
recommendations in the risk assessment report or when performing underground
pipework, use approved breathing apparatus and other necessary personal protective
equipment properly [Section 9 of the Confined Spaces Regulation];

• to formulate and implement appropriate procedures to deal with any serious and
imminent danger to workers inside the confined space [Section 10(1) of the Confined
Spaces Regulation]; and

• to provide necessary instructions, training and advice to all workers working within
a confined space and those (including standby persons) assisting in such work
from immediately outside the confined space [Section 11(1) of the Confined Spaces
Regulation].

Code of Practice for Safety and Health at Work in Confined Spaces 9

 3.3 The workers working in a confined space shall:

• observe the emergency procedures as may be implemented by the proprietor or

contractor [Section 13(a) of the Confined Spaces Regulation];

• observe the instructions and advice and attend the training as may be provided by
the proprietor or contractor [Section 13(b) of the Confined Spaces Regulation]; and

• make full and proper use of, and forthwith report to the proprietor or contractor any
fault or defect in, any safety equipment or emergency facilities provided under the
Confined Spaces Regulation [Section 13(c) of the Confined Spaces Regulation].

10 Code of Practice for Safety and Health at Work in Confined Spaces

4. Certified Worker and Competent Person
4.1 To be competent to work safely in confined spaces, adequate training and experience in
the work involved is essential. Training standards should be appropriate to the task and
the individual’s roles and responsibilities so that work can be carried out safely.

4.2 Before a person is allowed to work in a confined space as a certified worker, he is

required to attend an approved safety training course in connection with confined space
work and holds a valid certificate [Sections 8(a) and 2 of the Confined Spaces Regulation].

4.3 Before a person is allowed to carry out the duties as a competent person, he is required
to attend an approved safety training course in connection with confined space work and
holds a valid certificate [Section 2 of the Confined Spaces Regulation].

4.4 The Commissioner will approve suitable training course providers to offer such training
courses and will authorise them to issue the relevant certificates for certified workers
and competent persons. Guidelines for application for approval in respect of the training
courses can be obtained from the Occupational Safety and Health Training Centre of
the Labour Department. An up-to-date list of the approved training course providers is
available at the Occupational Safety and Health Training Centre.

4.5 A proprietor or contractor can organise training courses for his staff to become
competent persons and certified workers, as long as the courses have been approved by
the Commissioner.

4.6 The training course provider shall not issue a certificate for certified workers unless the
worker has successfully completed a course that has been approved by the Commissioner
in respect of safety and health while working in a confined space [Section 4(1)
of the Confined Spaces Regulation].

4.7 The training course provider shall not issue a certificate for competent persons unless
the person has successfully completed a course that has been approved by the
Commissioner in respect of preparing risk assessment reports [Section 4(2) of the
Confined Spaces Regulation].

Code of Practice for Safety and Health at Work in Confined Spaces 11

 5. Risk Assessment Report and
Recommendations
5.1 The proprietor or contractor shall, as far as reasonably practicable, take alternative
measures that can be substituted for workers from entering confined spaces for work.
With the advancement in science and technology, there are many ways to conduct
various works within the confined spaces without man-entry e.g. inspecting the internal
part of a sewer by remote control monitoring, using suitable equipment and tools to
perform sampling and cleaning work from outside of the confined space without requiring
workers to enter the confined spaces, etc.

5.2 If it is not reasonably practicable to avoid workers entering a confined space for work, the
proprietor or contractor responsible for the work undertaken in the confined space shall
appoint a competent person to conduct a risk assessment before allowing workers to
enter. The assessment shall identify the hazards likely to be present in the confined space
and recommend necessary precautions to be taken to ensure the safety and health of
workers [Section 5(1) of the Confined Spaces Regulation].

5.3 The risk assessment shall identify the hazards to workers entering and working in the
confined space and the potential impacts on workers in the vicinity due to such work.
When identifying hazards, it is crucial to consider not only the materials and substances
present within the confined space but also past and future work activities and potential
hazards arising from nearby industrial installations, processes, and operations.

5.4 The risk assessment should encompass a comprehensive and systematic examination of
all work activities in the confined space. This examination should include (but not limited
to) the substances previously present in the confined space, upcoming work activities,
work methods, materials to be used, potential hazards associated with working in the
confined space, and potential hazards related to the design or structure of the confined
space (including layout and location).

5.5 Before carrying out the risk assessment, all information about the confined space and the
work to be done in it should be gathered. For example, there may be information from
the engineering drawings, working plans, figures, photos or reports about relevant soil or
geological conditions. The appointed competent person should conduct site investigation
to have a more thorough knowledge of the location, nature and circumstances of the
confined space, particularly its effect on safety and health matters.

12 Code of Practice for Safety and Health at Work in Confined Spaces

5.6 For identifying all the possible hazards which may be present in the confined space and
evaluating fully the extent of all those associated risks, the risk assessment report prepared
by the appointed competent person shall cover the following aspects [Section 5(2)(a)
of the Confined Spaces Regulation]:

(a) the work method to be used and the plant and materials to be used in work activities;

(b) whether or not there is any hazardous gas, vapour, dust or fume present;

(c) whether or not there is any deficiency of oxygen in air;

(d) the possibility of ingress of hazardous gas, vapour, dust or fume;

(e) the possibility of sludge or other deposits being present that are liable to give off
hazardous gas, vapour, dust or fume;

(f) the possibility of in-rush of free flowing solid or liquid;

(g) the possibility of fire or explosion in the confined space; and

(h) the possibility of loss of consciousness of a worker arising from an increase in body
temperature.

5.7 The risk assessment report shall also cover the following:

(a) the recommendations on the measures required, including whether or not the use
of approved breathing apparatus is necessary, having regard to the nature and
duration of the work to be performed therein [Section 5(2)(b) of the Confined Spaces
Regulation]; and

(b) the period during which workers may remain safely in the confined space [Section 5(2)(c)
of the Confined Spaces Regulation].

5.8 Where sludge or other deposits are present, and a competent person considers that
there is a possibility that they will give off hazardous gas, vapour, dust or fume, he shall
recommend the use of an approved breathing apparatus [Sections 5(2)(b) & 5(3) of the
Confined Spaces Regulation]. It should be noted that if there are sludge or other deposits
present, it is generally very likely for the trapped or dissolved gases such as, hydrogen
sulphide, to be released during confined space work, especially drainage works.

5.9 A competent person, in evaluating the extent of the risks in a confined space, shall
recommend the use of suitable monitoring equipment and specify how the equipment
shall be used if he deems that there is a substantial likelihood of environmental changes
occurring in the confined space during work that would increase the risks associated
with the hazards described in paragraph 5.6 [Sections 5(2) & 5(4) of the Confined Spaces
Regulation].

Code of Practice for Safety and Health at Work in Confined Spaces 13

 5.10 The size and number of access and egress points of a confined space should be
assessed individually, taking into the account of the activities to be carried out and the
number of people involved. Due consideration should be given to the possible difficulties
for access to and rescue from the confined space when determining the locations of
manholes or openings to vessels, tanks, etc. There may be occasions when access and
egress are so tortuous that temporary openings are needed. Different criteria should
be applied when determining manhole dimensions for a confined space that extends
over a significant length or height (such as sewers, pipes, culverts, small tunnels or
shafts). Measures to improve access pathways, such as structural alterations to the
confined space, could be considered. If the distance between manholes on drainages
is considerably long, it may affect the degree of natural ventilation and the efficiency of
rescue operations.

5.11 The recommendations on the necessary safety measures must include whether the use
of approved breathing apparatus is necessary so that the workers can safely stay inside
the confined space [Section 5(2)(b) of the Confined Spaces Regulation]. When there is
any doubt about atmospheric hazards, suitable and approved breathing apparatus must
be used, and the other necessary safety precautions must be taken accordingly. For the
provisions regarding the use of breathing apparatus, please refer to Chapter 9 of this
Code of Practice.

5.12 When workers enter a confined space to carry out underground pipework, there may be
additional hazards, particularly atmospheric hazards. Therefore, a proprietor or contractor
and a competent person should determine whether the work involving entry into the
confined space relates to underground pipework. If underground pipework is involved,
the workers must properly wear an approved breathing apparatus and use a suitable
safety harness connected to a lifeline in accordance with section 9 of the Confined
Spaces Regulation.

5.13 When making recommendations regarding confined space work, an important

consideration is how the worker can be safely rescued from the confined space in case
of an emergency.

5.14 During the risk assessment, if the competent person considers that the working
environment may change adversely, he must recommend continuous monitoring or
periodic monitoring of the working environment. The purpose of air monitoring is to
ensure that the ventilation is adequate and that the atmospheric hazards inside the
confined space are within an acceptable safety level. The requirements for testing,
retesting and monitoring shall be determined by the competent person [Section 5(4) of
the Confined Spaces Regulation].

14 Code of Practice for Safety and Health at Work in Confined Spaces

5.15 For precautions on air testing and monitoring and exposure limits for air impurities, please
refer to paragraph 7.4 of this Code of Practice and the “Code of Practice on Control
of Air Impurities (Chemical Substances) in the Workplace” and “Air Monitoring in the
Workplace” published by the Labour Department.

5.16 When there is any circumstance indicating that the risk assessment is no longer valid or
work arrangement has significantly changed, the work must be stopped. All workers must
be evacuated immediately and the risk assessment should be reviewed. Workers must
not enter the relevant confined space unless the work environment is confirmed to be
safe.

5.17 The proprietor or contractor shall appoint a competent person to carry out a fresh risk
assessment and make recommendations whenever there has been a significant change in
the conditions of the confined space or of the work activities therein to which the previous
assessment relates, or there is reason to suspect that such change may occur, and that
the change is likely to affect the safety and health of the workers therein [Section 5(5)
of the Confined Spaces Regulation].

5.18 The conditions of a confined space or the work conducted within it are likely to change.
For example, the increase in the water level of drainages due to sudden rainfall, the
increase in tide level, the release of toxic gas due to disturbance of sludge or deposits in
the confined space, etc. If there is any reason to suspect that the previous assessment is
no longer valid, a fresh risk assessment shall be conducted.

5.19 The risk assessment and related work arrangements should be reviewed regularly and in
a timely manner. When carrying out long-term projects inside confined space, even in the
absence of significant changes, as stated in paragraph 5.17, the proprietor or contractor
should conduct regular reviews (e.g. at least once a month) of the work environment and
processes to ensure that the risk assessment and recommendations remain valid.

5.20 A competent person shall record all significant assessment results in the risk assessment
report, which includes (but not limited to) the hazards identified, the necessary safety
precautions to be taken, the period during which workers may remain safely in the
confined space and the relevant personal particulars of the competent person who was
responsible for carrying out the risk assessment.

5.21 The competent person shall make available the risk assessment reports and
recommendations to the proprietor or contractor within a reasonable time after the
request for the reports and recommendations was made by the proprietor or contractor
[Section 5(6) of the Confined Spaces Regulation]. The proprietor or contractor should
record the date and time of receiving the risk assessment report.

Code of Practice for Safety and Health at Work in Confined Spaces 15

 5.22 Competent persons should make reference to the template of the “Risk Assessment
Form for Confined Spaces” provided in Appendix I of this Code of Practice to ensure
that the risk assessments and related reports cover all the requirements specified in the
Confined Spaces Regulation. The proprietor or contractor should also make reference
to the template to verify that the received risk assessment report covers all the aspects
mentioned in section 5(2) of the Confined Spaces Regulation.

5.23 The completed risk assessment report for confined space work shall be submitted to the
proprietor or contractor of the industrial undertaking for his consideration for the issue of
a certificate before the confined space work is carried out. Provisions regarding the issue
of the certificate by the proprietor or contractor are set out in Chapter 6 of this Code of
Practice.

5.24 There may be other work-related hazards involved while working in confined spaces, for
example, electricity, welding, dangerous substances, noise and dust, etc. The competent
person should refer to other relevant Codes of Practice and guidelines and provide
corresponding recommendations for safety precautions for work to be carried out in a
confined space.

16 Code of Practice for Safety and Health at Work in Confined Spaces

6. Compliance with Risk Assessment Report
and Issuance of Certificate
6.1 Worker’s entry into a confined space for work shall be permitted only after the issue
of a valid certificate (“Permit-to-work Certificate”) by the proprietor or contractor of
the industrial undertaking within which the confined space work is carried out. Before
commencing work, the proprietor or contractor should use the “permit-to-work” system
to conduct an inspection to confirm the full implementation of the items in the risk
assessment report.

6.2 The proprietor or contractor of the confined space work shall ensure all matters
mentioned in section 5(2) of the Confined Spaces Regulation are covered after receiving
a risk assessment report completed by the competent person and should assess
whether underground pipework is involved. All necessary precautions shall be effectively
implemented before considering issuing a certificate [Section 6(1)(a)(ii) of the Confined
Spaces Regulation]. Such certificate shall specify the location and types of work to be
done and shall state:

(a) that all necessary safety precautions in relation to the hazards identified in the risk
assessment report have been taken [Section 6(1)(a)(iii)(A) of the Confined Spaces
Regulation]; and

(b) the period during which workers may remain safely in the confined space
[Section 6(1)(a)(iii)(B) of the Confined Spaces Regulation].

6.3 To facilitate the implementation of the recommended safety precautions in the risk
assessment report, the proprietor or contractor should list out the work to be done and
items to be checked before allowing the workers to enter a confined space and the
necessary precautions to be taken in the “Permit-to-work Certificate” to ensure safety
and health of workers in confined space. It reminds the proprietor or contractor to ensure
that all foreseeable hazards and associated risks have been considered in advance
and that all the necessary safety precautions are clearly defined and effectively taken.
A template of a “Permit-to-work Certificate” is provided in Appendix II of this Code of
Practice for reference.

6.4 The proprietor or contractor should take suitable and sufficient steps to ensure that the
safety precautions for entering the confined space have been continuously and effectively
implemented. During the period when the workers temporarily left the confined space for
lunch, tea breaks, etc., subject to paragraph 6.5, the certificate would still remain valid,
and a fresh assessment would not be required after such short break. However, apart
from these intermittent rest periods, a fresh assessment and certificate issuance must be
required before allowing the workers to re-enter the confined space.

Code of Practice for Safety and Health at Work in Confined Spaces 17

 6.5 Notwithstanding paragraph 6.4, the proprietor or contractor must be aware that a fresh
assessment shall be required from time to time would there be a significant change
of conditions likely to affect the safety and health of workers in the confined space.
Furthermore, after receiving the fresh assessment report, the proprietor or contractor
must verify the given risk assessment report as described in paragraph 6.2. A certificate
shall be issued before allowing the workers to enter the confined space.

6.6 The proprietor, contractor or his authorised person should sign the “Permit-to-work
Certificate” to confirm that all safety precautions indicated on the certificate have been
implemented effectively. If the proprietor or contractor authorises a person to issue a
“Permit-to-work Certificate”, the person should have sufficient knowledge of working in
confined spaces and the safety precautions to be taken. In general, the authorised person
should be a competent person as interpreted under the Confined Spaces Regulation.
Since the person issuing the “Permit-to-work Certificate” needs to verify the contents of
the risk assessment report as mentioned above, the person being authorised to issue the
“Permit-to-work Certificate” should not be the competent person who completed the risk
assessment report. Moreover, the person issuing the “Permit-to-work Certificate” should
also clearly explain the content of the “Permit-to-work Certificate” to all workers and
relevant persons involved in the confined space.

6.7 The records of all certificates should be adequately maintained. The items in the
certificates should be written or printed in permanent ink or otherwise so as to be
indelible.

6.8 The risk assessment report and certificate mentioned above shall be kept for one year
after the work in the confined space has been completed and be made available for
inspection at all reasonable times [Section 6(2) of the Confined Spaces Regulation].

18 Code of Practice for Safety and Health at Work in Confined Spaces

7. Safety Precautions Before Work Begins
7.1 A proprietor or contractor shall ensure that no worker enters a confined space for work
unless safety precautions, including (but not limited to) isolation, purging, air testing and
ventilation, have been taken before the work begins [Section 7 of the Confined Spaces
Regulation].

7.2 Isolation

7.2.1 The proprietor or contractor shall, before allowing workers to enter a confined space,
ensure that the confined space has been securely and completely isolated and separated
from all the other connecting parts so as to prevent any materials which are liable to
create a hazard from entering the confined space.

7.2.2 All isolation points should remain fully secure to ensure that the dangerous materials will
not go into the confined space whilst the workers are working inside.

7.2.3 The confined space should be isolated from all unnecessary sources of power, e.g.
electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, etc., by having them securely locked off,
isolated and properly labelled as appropriate to avoid accidental switching of power back
to the confined space.

7.2.4 All pipelines connected to a confined space should be completely shut off or blanked
off as appropriate. All connected valves should be fully closed, locked off and properly
labelled as appropriate to prevent from being opened without authorisation or
accidentally.

7.2.5 Ends of service pipes which are still connected to sources of hazardous gas must be
properly sealed (e.g. by means of a metal blank or end-cap) [Section 7(b) and 7(f)(i) of the
Confined Spaces Regulation].

7.2.6 Any activities outside and in the vicinity of the confined space which may jeopardise the
safety or health of workers inside a confined space should not be permitted. Barriers
should be erected outside access openings of the confined space, with suitable warning
signs and notices displayed.

7.2.7 The confined space should be isolated from all non-essential sources of heat.

Code of Practice for Safety and Health at Work in Confined Spaces 19

 7.2.8 Effective steps shall be taken to prevent ingress to the confined space of hazardous gas,
vapour, dust or fume, or in-rush of mud, water or other free-flowing liquids and solids
[Section 7(f) of the Confined Spaces Regulation]. Openings in a confined space (e.g. drain
holes) shall be sealed off if there is any possibility of atmospheric hazards to flow back
into the confined space from another area and contaminate it. Regarding the in-rush of
water, particular attention should be given to the possible sudden changes in water level
in drainage facilities due to rainfall in the catchment area, changes in tide levels, sudden
discharge of floodwater into the drainage culverts, etc.

7.3 Purging

With regard to the circumstances of a particular confined space, before the proprietor or
contractor allows workers to enter the confined space for work, the confined space shall
be adequately purged by a suitable method, such as steam cleaning, inert gas purging,
forced ventilation, etc. to remove all the hazardous substances contained in the confined
space [Section 7(d) of the Confined Spaces Regulation].

7.3.1 Steam cleaning

7.3.1.1 Steam-volatile substances in confined spaces could be removed by steam

cleaning.

7.3.1.2 For removal of corrosive substances, or substances which are not readily
volatile, preliminary treatment by repeated washing with water, other suitable
solvents, or appropriate neutralising agent should be applied prior to steaming.

7.3.1.3 The period of steaming should be adequate to remove all the hazardous
substances from the confined space thoroughly. The required period should be
decided and checked by the person who has been appointed by the proprietor
of the industrial undertaking for the steaming work.

7.3.1.4 It should be necessary to re-steam where the confined space has been left for
more than a few hours after steaming.

7.3.1.5 During steaming, adequate outlets for steam and condensate should be provided
so that no dangerous pressure should be built up inside the confined space.

7.3.1.6 After steaming, adequate air inlets should be provided so that there would not be
any vacuum being formed in the confined space by cooling and condensation.
To prevent any heat stress problem, sufficient cooling of the confined space to
room temperature is essential before allowing workers to enter the space.

20 Code of Practice for Safety and Health at Work in Confined Spaces

 7.3.1.7 After purging, all liquid remaining in the confined space should be drained away
or pumped out as appropriate, and sufficient ventilation should be provided to
the confined space.

7.3.1.8 Consideration should be given to the potential exposure of workers outside

the confined space to hazardous substances carried out by steam cleaning,
and effective safety measures should be adopted to prevent workers outside
the confined space and nearby workers from coming into contact with these
hazardous substances.

7.3.2 Inert gas purging

7.3.2.1 To avoid the formation of an explosive mixture with air when a confined space
containing flammable gas or vapour is opened up, the confined space may be
purged by an inert gas (e.g. nitrogen, carbon dioxide).

7.3.2.2 If persons have to enter or approach a confined space in which an inert gas has
been purged, the confined space shall be purged again by fresh air so as to
provide adequate oxygen into the confined space to support life. Thereafter, all
parts of the air-purged confined space shall then be thoroughly tested against
the deficiency of oxygen to make sure that there is adequate oxygen to support
life.

7.3.2.3 Consideration should be given to the potential exposure of workers outside the
confined space to hazardous substances carried out by inert gas purging, and
effective safety measures should be adopted to prevent workers outside the
confined space and nearby workers from inhaling these hazardous substances.

7.4 Air testing

7.4.1 Appropriate air testing of a confined space shall be carried out to ensure the absence of
any hazardous gas and no deficiency of oxygen before it is certified to be safe to enter
[Section 7(c) of the Confined Spaces Regulation].

7.4.2 Air testing of a confined space should be conducted to decide and specify the related
safety precautions necessary to be taken upon entry into such confined space.

7.4.3 A proprietor or contractor shall prohibit a worker from entering any confined space until
initial air testing of the confined space has been properly done from outside, with the test
results showing that the environment inside the confined space is safe for entry.

Code of Practice for Safety and Health at Work in Confined Spaces 21

 7.4.4 The air testing should include the testing of the oxygen content and the presence of
flammable, toxic or harmful gases, fumes or vapours. Appendix III provides information
on common atmospheric hazards in confined spaces.

7.4.5 In selecting appropriate air monitoring equipment for air testing, the types and
concentration ranges of atmospheric hazards, as well as parameters such as instrument
type, detection range, error, accuracy, resolution, response time, and applicable
environment should be considered. It is also essential to consider whether interference
could reduce or compromise its detection capabilities.

7.4.6 All air monitoring equipment should be used in accordance with the operation manual
from the manufacturer. All air monitoring equipment should be suitably calibrated and
properly maintained as per the recommendations of the manufacturers, with records
properly kept.

7.4.7 All air testing should be carried out with the correct testing methods. For instance, air at
different levels and locations inside a confined space should be tested since hazardous
gases with different densities relative to air may accumulate at different levels and
locations of the confined space.

7.4.8 Air testing should be carried out outside the confined space, with air samples being
drawn out from the confined space by suitable sample probes. It is crucial to ensure that
the sampling probe and tubing are not blocked or kinked, and sufficient sampling time
should be allowed for testing.

7.4.9 In case flammable or explosive gases or vapours may be present in the confined space,
the air monitoring equipment should be of the explosion-proof type. It should have both
audio and visual alarms so that it can quickly alert workers if a hazardous situation exists
or is developing in the confined space.

7.4.10 In general, testing for oxygen should be performed first because most combustible gas
testing meters are oxygen-dependent and do not provide reliable readings in an oxygen-
deficient atmosphere.

7.4.11 In a confined space, the percentage of oxygen in air should not be less than 19.5% by
volume nor greater than 22% by volume at normal atmospheric pressure.

22 Code of Practice for Safety and Health at Work in Confined Spaces

7.4.12 The exposure limits for various gases, vapours, dust, or fumes in the air can be
referenced from the “Occupational Exposure Limits” listed in the “Code of Practice on
Control of Air Impurities (Chemical Substances) in the Workplace” published by the
Labour Department. For chemicals that do not have established “Occupational Exposure
Limits”, the exposure limits should be referred to relevant international or national
standard, or databases from reliable chemical manufacturers or recognised occupational
safety and health professional organisations.

7.5 Ventilation

7.5.1 Adequate supply of respirable air and effective forced ventilation shall be provided inside
the confined space [Section 7(e) of the Confined Spaces Regulation]. It includes the use
of mechanical ventilation to supply an adequate fresh air to workers inside the confined
space and prevent atmospheric hazards. In deciding the design and installation of a
ventilation system, the following factors should be considered:

• Foreseeable atmospheric hazards and their risks that may be present or generated;

• Processes and equipment being used;

• Potential need to control environmental temperature and/or humidity; and

• Number of workers and their work locations, and whether ventilation requirements
may need to be modified or impose limitations while work is in progress.

7.5.2 When supplying fresh air, the blower should be carefully positioned to avoid introducing
contaminated air into the confined space.

7.5.3 The provision of ventilation to a confined space should not be considered as an

alternative to the use of approved breathing apparatus where the atmosphere inside is
likely to cause safety or health hazards to the workers therein.

7.5.4 Before entering the confined space, it shall be thoroughly purged by means of ventilation.
As some hazardous gases (e.g. hydrogen sulphide, etc.) are heavier than air, the air hoses
or ducts of fresh air should be directed or extended deep into the confined space. The
atmosphere shall be confirmed safe by air testing. When working in confined space, the
outlets of the fresh air hoses or ducts should be placed near the work locations of the
workers to ensure adequate fresh air. In addition, the removal of air impurities can be
facilitated by placing the inlets of the extraction air hoses or ducts near the source of air
impurities. Additionally, exhaust device can be installed at the exit or ventilation openings
of the confined space to aid in removing impurities and facilitating air exchange. However,
it is crucial to consider the positioning of ventilation equipment to avoid short-circuiting
and maintain effective air circulation within the confined space.

Code of Practice for Safety and Health at Work in Confined Spaces 23

 7.5.5 Certain processes and equipment, such as welding or the use of petrol/diesel-powered
devices, can consume oxygen, release atmospheric hazards, and generate heat.
Therefore, performing such process or using such equipment in confined space should
be avoided if possible. Whenever performing such processes or using such equipment
in confined space is unavoidable, adequate forced fresh air should be supplied at the
worksite. Exhaust device and hoses or ducts should also be installed near the working
location to remove air impurities and hot air effectively. For performing such processes or
using such equipment outside the confined space, ingress of the atmospheric hazards or
heat in confined space should be avoided.

7.5.6 Under no circumstances should oxygen be introduced into a confined space, which
would create a danger of oxygen enrichment in the air.

7.6 Notwithstanding the above, a proprietor or contractor shall also take effective steps to
prevent ingress to the confined space of hazardous gas, vapour, dust or fume and an in-
rush into the confined space of free-flowing solid or liquid [Section 7(f) of the Confined
Spaces Regulation]. In that respect, particular attention should be paid to any possible
ingress, in-rush, spillage or leakage of the substances through the ingress, egress or
openings of the confined space from areas or places surrounded.

24 Code of Practice for Safety and Health at Work in Confined Spaces

8. Safety Precautions When Work Is Being
Undertaken
8.1 A proprietor or contractor shall ensure that all workers who enter or work in a confined
space are certified workers [Section 8(a) of the Confined Spaces Regulation]. When
allocating work to confined space workers, every step should be taken to ensure that the
demands of the work activities do not exceed the workers’ skills and abilities to carry out
the work without risks to themselves or others.

8.2 A proprietor or contractor shall provide all necessary equipment to ensure the safety and
health of workers in a confined space [Section 11(2) of the Confined Spaces Regulation].
The equipment should be appropriately selected in respect of their types, purposes,
functions and applications. The equipment should also be suitably calibrated, regularly
checked and properly maintained, and records kept.

8.3 When work is being carried out in a confined space by a certified worker, the proprietor
or contractor shall ensure that the relevant risk assessment report, with all its significant
findings, is displayed in a conspicuous place at the entrance of the confined space. The
related certificate shall also be displayed in a conspicuous place at the entrance of the
confined space [Section 8(c) of the Confined Spaces Regulation].

8.4 When work is being carried out in a confined space by a certified worker, a standby
person must be assigned to station outside the confined space throughout the time of
operation to maintain communication with the worker inside [Section 8(b) of the Confined
Spaces Regulation].

8.5 The standby person shall be trained on how to maintain communication with those
workers inside the confined space, including the use of new technology to maintain
effective communication with those workers inside the confined space. Additionally, a
proprietor or contractor shall provide, to all workers working within a confined space or
assisting with such work from immediately outside the confined space, such instructions,
training and advice as are necessary to ensure the safety and health of all workers in the
confined space [Section 11(1) of the Confined Spaces Regulation].

8.6 The standby person shall keep the workers inside the confined space informed of
any change in environmental conditions that would adversely affect their safety in the
confined space (e.g. heavy rain leading to flooding, emergencies such as fires, spillage of
toxic, corrosive or flammable liquids, releasing of hazardous gases, power supply failure,
failure of the forced ventilation system, etc.).

8.7 On the other hand, the workers inside a confined space shall keep communicating with
the standby person, who can quickly summon assistance in the event of a hazardous
situation inside the confined space.

Code of Practice for Safety and Health at Work in Confined Spaces 25

 8.8 If significant changes or abnormal conditions are observed in the working environment,
particularly in air quality, soil conditions, or groundwater levels, or if adverse weather
conditions that may pose potential risks to the safety and health of workers are known,
work must be immediately suspended, and all workers must be evacuated. Subsequently,
a thorough review of risk assessment and related work arrangements must be conducted.
Work shall not be resumed unless the site environment is confirmed to be safe.

8.9 A proprietor or contractor shall ensure that the safety precautions, which are taken before
work begins in the confined space, continue to be effective whilst the workers remain in
the confined space [Section 8(d) of the Confined Spaces Regulation].

8.10 During the continuous or periodic monitoring of the working environment as

recommended by the risk assessment, air monitoring equipment should have two levels
of alarm systems to alert workers to take appropriate action. Where applicable, workers
should wear continuous air monitoring equipment that provides audio and visual alarms
to enable workers and standby personnel to be immediately aware of the danger,
evacuate the site as quickly as possible, and arrange rescue. Information on alarm
settings for air monitoring in confined spaces is provided in Appendix III.

8.11 Unless alternative suitable arrangements are made, the standby person shall have
sufficient physical strength to be capable of pulling workers out from outside the confined
space. The standby person may use mechanical devices to assist him when he is pulling
the worker out of the confined space. The standby person should be responsible for
contacting emergency rescue teams when necessary. A standby person should be a
certified worker or competent person as defined by the Confined Spaces Regulation.

26 Code of Practice for Safety and Health at Work in Confined Spaces

9. Use of Personal Protective Equipment
9.1 Whenever workers need to perform underground pipework in a confined space or where
the use of approved breathing apparatus is recommended in the relevant risk assessment
report, the proprietor or the contractor shall ensure that the following safety precautions,
in addition to those mentioned in Chapters 7 and 8 of this Code of Practice, are taken:

(a) a person entering or remaining in a confined space is properly wearing an approved

breathing apparatus of a type that gives appropriate protection given the nature of
the confined space [Sections 9(a)(i) and 9(b)(i) of the Confined Spaces Regulation];
and

(b) the person shall be wearing a suitable safety harness connected to a lifeline that
is strong enough to enable him to be pulled out, and that the free end is held by a
person outside the confined space who has sufficient physical strength to be capable
of pulling the person out of the confined space [Sections 9(a)(ii) and 9(b)(ii) of the
Confined Spaces Regulation].

9.2 When workers enter a confined space to carry out underground pipework, there may
be additional hazards, in particular atmospheric hazards. Therefore, a proprietor or
contractor shall ensure that additional safety precautions set out in paragraph 9.1 are
taken. Specifically, whenever workers need to enter a confined space for underground
pipework, they must comply with the section 9 of the Confined Spaces Regulation, i.e.
wearing approved breathing apparatus properly and a suitable safety harness connected
with a lifeline. This legal requirement for underground pipework will not be exempted
even though safety precautions listed in sections 7 and 8 of the Confined Spaces
Regulation have been taken (e.g. every pipe or supply line has been properly blanked off,
the confined space has been adequately purged and sufficiently cooled and ventilated, an
adequate supply of respirable air and an effective forced ventilation have been provided,
etc.).

9.3 A proprietor or contractor shall ensure that only approved breathing apparatus shall
be used in connection with confined space work [Section 12 of the Confined Spaces
Regulation]. The name or description of the type of breathing apparatus which has been
approved by the Commissioner will be published in the Gazette.

9.4 When selecting a suitable approved breathing apparatus, it should be based on the
conditions, hazards, air testing results of the confined space, and the work activities to be
done inside the confined space.

Code of Practice for Safety and Health at Work in Confined Spaces 27

 9.5 All approved breathing apparatus to be used for entry and work inside a confined space
should well fit the worker’s face and be worn appropriately.

9.6 It is strongly recommended that a proprietor or contractor should only allow those who
are medically fit to use breathing apparatus to enter and work in a confined space with a
breathing apparatus.

9.7 The service time of a self-contained type of approved breathing apparatus should be
estimated with regard to the entry time, the consumption rate, the maximum working
period, the estimated escape time required and other relevant factors.

9.8 All breathing apparatus for use in confined spaces should be properly maintained in clean
and good working conditions. Never use defective breathing apparatus. All defective
devices should be clearly marked as “defective” and removed from site.

9.9 The air quality supplied by approved breathing apparatus and air supply device should
comply with the most up-to-date recognised international or national standard, e.g. BS
EN 12021, GB/T 31975 or equivalent.

9.10 The person using the approved breathing apparatus should have received appropriate
training in using that particular type or model of breathing apparatus. Before each use,
the breathing apparatus should be:

(a) connected to air cylinder or other appropriate air supply device for providing
respirable air;

(b) properly inspected for any physical damage on all parts and accessories; and

(c) functionally checked according to the user manual. Check items include “high
pressure leak test”, “positive pressure test”, “cylinder pressure test”, “whistle warning
unit test”, etc.

9.11 For an air-line type of breathing apparatus, the air supply rate should be so adjusted that
a positive pressure is always maintained inside the face-piece.

28 Code of Practice for Safety and Health at Work in Confined Spaces

9.12 To avoid air to be contaminated, the following precautions should be taken when using
air-line type breathing apparatuses:

(a) The air supply equipment should be maintained according to manufacturer’s

instructions.

(b) The air intake should be properly located to avoid sucking-in of contaminated air
such as engine exhaust.

(c) The air supply equipment used should be designed for supplying breathing air. Those
designed for industrial purposes are not allowed.

(d) Air hose which may be oil impregnated or otherwise contaminated should not be
used.

9.13 The proprietor or contractor should ensure that a sufficient number of persons are
available outside the confined space for holding the free ends of the lifelines and, as
far as practicable, make available suitable and sufficient mechanical aids for lifting and
rescue.

9.14 The harness and lifeline should both be of sound construction and be made of suitable
materials so that they will be able to withstand the strain imposed on them during rescue
operations in emergencies.

9.15 Reference should be made to the latest and recognised international or national standard,
such as BS EN 1496 and BS EN 1497 or equivalent, when selecting rescue equipment,
such as rescue harnesses and rescue lifting devices, for use in connection with confined
space work.

9.16 The safety harness and rescue lifeline should be so adjusted and worn that the wearer
could be drawn up with his head first through any manhole or opening of the confined
space.

9.17 A proprietor or contractor should take steps to ensure that the rescue lifelines in use are
free from any possible entanglement with, or damaged by, any pipes, fittings, protruding
parts, sharp edges or other obstacles inside the confined space.

Code of Practice for Safety and Health at Work in Confined Spaces 29

 10. Emergency Procedures
10.1 A proprietor or contractor shall formulate and implement appropriate procedures to deal
with any serious and imminent danger to workers inside a confined space [Section 10(1)
of the Confined Spaces Regulation].

10.2 The emergency procedures should include situations that trigger evacuation, such as
fire, adverse weather conditions (such as heavy rain), in-rush of large amounts of mud
or water, undesirable changes to atmospheric hazards, failure of ventilation or fresh air
supply system, and failure of emergency response equipment (such as communication
devices, respirators, etc.).

10.3 Typical air monitoring equipment can set different levels of alarms according to the
level of atmospheric hazards to remind workers and standby persons whether there are
adverse changes in the confined space, so as to determine the corresponding actions
that should be taken, including evacuation or arranging rescue. Technical details and
recommendations for setting air monitoring alarms are provided in Appendix III.

10.4 A proprietor or contractor should set up arrangements to rescue workers working in a

confined space promptly in case of an emergency. Arrangements for emergency rescue
will depend on the nature of the confined space, the risks identified and the likely nature
of an emergency rescue. Account has to be taken not only of accidents arising from a
specified risk but also of any other accident, for example, incapacitation caused by a fall.

10.5 A rescue team consisting of a sufficient number of trained persons should be readily
available. They should readily reach the confined space in time and be able to get the
persons inside the confined space out in case of emergency. In general, sufficient rescue
personnel and equipment should be arranged on the same worksite or near the confined
space.

10.6 As to the number of trained persons required in a rescue team, the factors to be
considered depend on the circumstances of the case, including the nature of the work,
the hazards inherent in the confined space in relation to the work and the work methods
proposed. In devising an emergency plan, a proprietor or contractor should assess the
above factors against the knowledge and experience of the rescue team in such work
and recommend the most suitable number of rescue persons required.

10.7 All members of the rescue team shall have been properly and adequately trained in the
related emergency rescue procedures, including the detailed particulars of an emergency
rescue plan and full knowledge of how to properly use all the rescue equipment specified
in section 10(2) of the Confined Spaces Regulation.

30 Code of Practice for Safety and Health at Work in Confined Spaces

10.8 The proprietor or contractor may, where reasonably practicable, provide video
surveillance or body-worn video cameras to workers who need to enter confined spaces.
It allows the standby person outside the confined space to monitor the workers’ work in
real-time and promptly call for rescue when necessary.

10.9 Constant communication between the workers inside a confined space and the standby
person shall be maintained throughout the period when the workers are working inside
the confined space. An audio and visual alarm system shall be provided for the workers
inside the confined space to alert the standby person, and vice versa, in case of
emergency.

10.10 Each worker should be equipped with a personal motion-sensing alarm device which can
emit audio and visual alarm so that the standby person outside is immediately alerted to
arrange for rescue in case the worker inside confined space is unconscious.

10.11 Even in an emergency, the standby person should not enter the confined space. He
should remain stationed outside the confined space and summon assistance from
the rescue team and public emergency services (i.e. Hong Kong Police Force and
Fire Services Department). He should brief the rescue personnel on the relevant
circumstances of the incident upon their arrival.

10.12 Suitable and sufficient rescue equipment, including the standby approved breathing
apparatus, safety harness, lifelines, reviving apparatus and emergency lighting, and
properly trained rescue personnel shall be readily available for rescue purposes at all
times when workers are working inside a confined space. Rescue equipment provided
shall be appropriate in view of the likely emergencies identified in the risk assessment and
be properly maintained. The resuscitation equipment should comply with the latest and
recognised international or national standard, such as BS EN ISO 10651-4 or equivalent.

10.13 Where practicable, appropriate lifting equipment, e.g. rescue hoist or winch, split-leg
tripod with a frame-mounted hoist and one-man access cradle, should be available for
rescue purposes.

10.14 Fire-fighting equipment suitable for use in confined spaces (such as water and foam type
extinguishers) shall be provided, never use carbon dioxide gas or dry powder type fire
extinguishers in confined spaces.

Code of Practice for Safety and Health at Work in Confined Spaces 31

 10.15 A proprietor or contractor shall devise a set of evacuation procedures for prompt
evacuation of the workers from the confined space in case of a sudden change in the
working or the environmental condition that may cause imminent danger to them.

10.16 If the risk assessment report does not recommend the use of an approved breathing
apparatus to work in confined spaces and underground pipework is not involved, the
proprietor or contractor should consider providing workers with emergency escape
breathing apparatus based on the working environment of the confined space to allow
workers to escape safely in emergencies. However, it should be noted that an emergency
escape breathing apparatus is not a substitute for an approved breathing apparatus.

10.17 An emergency response plan should be properly formulated, including all the suitable
rescue arrangements and the appropriate emergency procedures, as stated in paragraphs
10.1 to 10.16, and adopted for each entry into a confined space.

10.18 Drills for the rescue and emergency procedures should be conducted periodically for
testing of the emergency response plan, and for practising the procedures and use of
rescue equipment.

32 Code of Practice for Safety and Health at Work in Confined Spaces

11. Provision of Information, Instructions,
Training, etc.
11.1 A proprietor or contractor shall provide adequate and suitable information, instructions,
training and supervision to all persons involved, directly or indirectly, in confined space
work, including workers working in a confined space, safety supervisory personnel,
management staff, standby persons, all members of the rescue team and other workers
assisting with such work in the immediate vicinity of the confined space, so as to ensure
the safety and health of all the persons involved in the confined space work activities.

11.2 All the workers involved in confined space work should be provided with adequate and
suitable safety and health information, instructions and training:

(a) when they are recruited by a proprietor or contractor of an industrial undertaking; and

(b) when they are required to be exposed to new or increased risks due to a change of
responsibilities, using new work equipment or a new system of work.

11.3 The safety and health information, instructions and training provided by a proprietor or
contractor to confined space workers should include (but not limited to) the following:

(a) Induction safety training for all new employees to ensure a thorough safety
orientation. Sufficient information about the confined space should be given to
the employees, e.g. the nature of the work to be done, hazards involved and
precautionary measures required;

(b) On-the-job safety training for those who have received induction safety training.
On-the-job safety training should include observation of and participation in the
actual work practices or in some simulated working conditions whilst under close
supervision; and

(c) Refresher safety training, which should be conducted periodically and as frequently
as needed. Re-training should also be provided to workers whose safety performance
in work in confined spaces is found to be unsatisfactory.

11.4 The relevant information and instructions related to confined space work should be
provided at suitable locations, taking into account the knowledge and experience of
workers or other relevant personnel so that the workers can understand clearly. Such
information or instructions could be in written form, symbols, diagrams, notices or any
other appropriate forms that are relevant to the concerned confined space work and
clearly understandable by the workers.

11.5 Training for confined space work should involve demonstrations and practical exercises.
It is particularly important that workers are familiar with both the equipment and the
procedures in the confined space work.

Code of Practice for Safety and Health at Work in Confined Spaces 33

 11.6 The standby persons, as mentioned in paragraph 8.4 of this Code of Practice, shall be
trained on how to maintain communication with the workers inside the confined space
(such as the use of new technology) and to call for support in case of emergency.

11.7 Members of the rescue team should be adequately and properly trained in rescue
arrangements, emergency procedures, associated risks and correct use of all rescue
equipment. They should also be instructed that oxygen should not be used to improve
oxygen content in air inside a confined space in all situations. It is recommended
that some members of the rescue team be provided with first-aid training, including
cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

11.8 The proprietor or contractor shall provide all necessary equipment to ensure the safety
and health of workers in a confined space [Section 11(2) of the Confined Spaces
Regulation].

11.9 When continuous monitoring or periodic monitoring of the working environment due to
adverse changes in the conditions of a confined space or the work conducted within
it is recommended in the risk assessment report, the proprietor or contractor should
provide every worker entering the confined space to work such as hand-dug tunnelling
or drainage work with a set of emergency escape breathing apparatus and ensure
workers to bring with them, unless the worker is using an approved breathing apparatus
therein. The proprietor or contractor should ensure adequate supply of respirable air
from the emergency escape breathing apparatus to allow workers to escape safely in
emergencies. The emergency escape breathing apparatus should comply with the most
up-to-date recognised international or national standard, e.g. BS EN 1146, GB 38451 or
equivalent.

11.10 The proprietor or contractor should provide adequate information, instructions, training
and supervision to the workers to ensure their proper use and wearing of the emergency
escape breathing apparatus. The proprietor or contractor should take appropriate steps
to ensure the proper functioning of the emergency escape breathing apparatus, such as
suitable storage, proper maintenance and regular inspection.

34 Code of Practice for Safety and Health at Work in Confined Spaces

12. Safe System of Work
12.1 According to section 6A of the Factories and Industrial Undertakings Ordinance, it
shall be the duty of every proprietor of an industrial undertaking to ensure, so far as is
reasonably practicable, the health and safety at work of all persons employed by him at
the industrial undertaking, including the followings:

(a) the provision and maintenance of plant and systems of work that are, so far as is
reasonably practicable, safe and without risks to health;

(b) arrangements for ensuring, so far as is reasonably practicable, safety and absence of
risks to health in connection with the use, handling, storage and transport of articles
and substances;

(c) the provision of such information, instruction, training and supervision as is necessary
to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety at work of all
persons employed by him at the industrial undertaking;

(d) so far as is reasonably practicable as regards any part of the industrial undertaking
under the proprietor’s control, the maintenance of it in a condition that is safe and
without risks to health and the provision and maintenance of means of access to and
egress from it that are safe and without such risks; and

(e) the provision and maintenance of a working environment for all persons employed by
him at the industrial undertaking that is, so far as is reasonably practicable, safe, and
without risks to health.

12.2 According to section 6B of the Factories and Industrial Undertakings Ordinance, it shall
be the duty of every person employed at an industrial undertaking while at work-

(a) to take reasonable care for the health and safety of the person and of other persons
who may be affected by the person’s acts or omissions at work; and

(b) as regards any duty or requirement imposed on a proprietor of the industrial

undertaking or on any other person by this Ordinance for securing the health and
safety of persons employed at the industrial undertaking, to co-operate with the
proprietor or other person so far as is necessary to enable that duty or requirement to
be performed or complied with.

12.3 In order to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the establishment of a safe system
of work for working in confined spaces, in addition to complying with the provisions of
this Code of Practice, it is also necessary to follow the “Guidance Notes on Safety and
Health of Hand-Dug Tunnelling Work” published by the Labour Department when carrying
out hand-dug tunnel works, and the recommendations outlined in the “Guidance Notes
on Safety and Health for Prevention of Gas Poisoning in Drainage Works” published by
the Labour Department when carrying out drainage works within confined spaces.

Code of Practice for Safety and Health at Work in Confined Spaces 35

 12.4 Even if workers are in the immediate vicinity of the confined space and perform
associated work in that confined space, the proprietor or contractor shall appoint a
competent person to assess the reasonably foreseeable risk arising from the work (e.g.
releasing of hazardous gases or falling from height, etc.) and make recommendations on
measures necessary to ensure the safety and health of workers.

12.5 The proprietor, contractor and occupier of the workplace should take adequate steps to
ensure the confined space within the workplace is well-segregated to avoid trespassing,
for example, the confined space should be locked up when left vacant, all entrances
of the confined space should be securely controlled, and entry and exit log should be
recorded and kept.

12.6 The proprietor or contractor should have a system for access control on the confined
space work, recording the workers entering and leaving the confined space and ensuring
only relevant workers are allowed to enter the confined space. Common practices include
setting up a “tag in/tag out” notice at the entrance of a confined space so that people
outside the confined space can easily be aware of workers’ details and the time of
entering the confined space. This provides crucial information for the safety supervisory
personnel, standby person and rescue team. It helps to check the compliance of the
safety requirements and ensures the effective execution of the contingency plan in case
of emergency situations.

12.7 The proprietor or contractor shall exercise sufficient supervision over confined space
work, including recording videos 1 at the entrance and exit of the confined space
throughout the entire work period to monitor that relevant personnel have complied with
the safety precautions. The video records shall be kept for one year after the work is
completed and made available for inspection within a reasonable timeframe.

12.8 The proprietor or contractor should establish and implement an effective system to
ensure that all individuals who enter and stay or work inside a confined space have exited
the confined space within a specified timeframe.

1
The proprietor or contractor shall record the video and handle the data collected in accordance with the Personal Data (Privacy)
Ordinance (Cap. 486). For details, please refer to the Ordinance, relevant code of practice and publications, e.g. “Guidance on
CCTV Surveillance and Use of Drones”, etc.

36 Code of Practice for Safety and Health at Work in Confined Spaces

Appendix I Risk Assessment Form for
Confined Spaces
Location of work :
Description of work :
Main Contractor/Proprietor :
Subcontractor (if applicable) :
Name of Competent Person :
Certificate No. : Validity Period : (Year) (Month) (Day)

Add a ✓ to appropriate boxes

1. Contents of Risk Assessment

1.1 □ This work falls under the provisions of section 3 of the Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Confined
Spaces) Regulation, as it involves work performed within a confined space or in close proximity to a
confined space, and is related to work conducted within a confined space.
Work methods to be adopted in the confined space works1 :
Plant to be used in the confined space works1 :
Materials to be used in the confined space works1 :
(If the work does not involve any worker entering the confined space 1, the following measures shall be
taken to ensure that no workers enter the confined space :
)
Assessment Items Result(s) Safety Precautions Required
1.2 Is the confined space □ Yes □ Ensure that any person entering or remaining
works an underground in that particular confined space is properly
pipework as described (i) wearing a suitable approved breathing
in section 9(b) of the apparatus; and (ii) wearing a suitable safety
Factories and Industrial harness connected to a lifeline.
Undertakings (Confined □ Monitor the air in the confined space
Spaces) Regulation? continuously until everyone has left the
confined space.
□ No (Reasons provided as
follows :

)
1.3 Is there any hazardous □ Yes □ Ensure that any person entering or remaining
gas, vapour, dust or in that particular confined space is properly
fume, or deficiency of (i) wearing a suitable approved breathing
oxygen present in the apparatus; and (ii) wearing a suitable safety
confined space? harness connected to a lifeline.
□ Monitor the air in the confined space
continuously until everyone has left the
confined space.
□ No (Reasons provided as
follows :

1
The Competent Person should obtain information of work methods, plant and materials to be used for the particular confined
space works from the Main Contractor/ Subcontractor/ Proprietor in order to complete the risk assessment. The Main Contractor/
Subcontractor / Proprietor shall ensure the risk assessment report is displayed in a conspicuous place at the entrance of the
confined space.

Code of Practice for Safety and Health at Work in Confined Spaces 37

 Assessment Items Consequence 2 Likelihood 2 Risk 2 Safety Precautions Required
1.4 Ingress of hazardous gas, □ Very Serious (3) □ Very likely (3) □ High risk
vapour, dust or fume to □ Serious (2) □ Possible (2) (>=6)
the confined space
□ Unlikely (1)

□ Moderate
risk (3-4)

□ Low risk
(<=2)

1.5 Are there any sludge or □ High risk □ Ensure that any person
other deposits being (>=6) entering or remaining in that
present that are liable to particular confined space
give off hazardous gas, is properly (i) wearing a
vapour, dust or fume in suitable approved breathing
the confined space? apparatus; and (ii) wearing
□ Yes, sludge or other □ Very Serious (3) □ Very likely (3) a suitable safety harness
deposits are present □ Serious (2) connected to a lifeline.
□ Possible (2)
in the confined space. □ Monitor the air in the
□ Unlikely (1)
confined space continuously
until everyone has left the
Unless the sludge and
confined space.
other deposits are
□ Moderate
completely removed
risk (3-4)
and purged, otherwise
if there are sludge or
other deposits present,
it is generally very
likely for the trapped or
dissolved gases such
as hydrogen sulphide
to be released in
confined space work,
in particular drainage
works.
□ Low risk
(<=2)

□ No, sludge or other (Reasons provided as follows :

deposits are not
present in the confined
space.
)

2
Regarding the definitions of ‘severity of consequences’, ‘likelihood of occurrence’ and ‘risk rating’ please refer to the risk rating
table in the final section of this assessment form.

38 Code of Practice for Safety and Health at Work in Confined Spaces

 Assessment Items Consequence 2 Likelihood 2 Risk 2 Safety Precautions Required
1.6 In-rush into the confined □ Very Serious (3) □ Very likely (3) □ High risk
space of free flowing solid □ Serious (2) □ Possible (2) (>=6)
or liquid
□ Mild (1) □ Unlikely (1)

□ Moderate
risk (3-4)

□ Low risk
(<=2)

1.7 A fire or explosion in the □ Very Serious (3) □ Very likely (3) □ High risk
confined space □ Serious (2) □ Possible (2) (>=6)
□ Mild (1) □ Unlikely (1)

□ Moderate
risk (3-4)

□ Low risk
(<=2)

1.8 The ambient temperature □ Very Serious (3) □ Very likely (3) □ High risk
in the confined space □ Serious (2) □ Possible (2) (>=6)
that may lead to loss
□ Mild (1) □ Unlikely (1)
of consciousness of a
certified worker arising □ Moderate
from an increase in body risk (3-4)
temperature

□ Low risk
(<=2)

1.9 Change in the environment □ Very Serious (3) □ Very likely (3) □ High risk
leading to an increased □ Serious (2) □ Possible (2) (>=6)
risk of the above hazards
□ Mild (1) □ Unlikely (1)
during the course of the
work in the confined □ Moderate
space risk (3-4)

□ Low risk
(<=2)

2
Regarding the definitions of ‘severity of consequences’, ‘likelihood of occurrence’ and ‘risk rating’ please refer to the risk rating
table in the final section of this assessment form.

Code of Practice for Safety and Health at Work in Confined Spaces 39

 Assessment Items Consequence 2 Likelihood 2 Risk 2 Safety Precautions Required
1.10 Risk of worker falling □ Very Serious (3) □ Very likely (3) □ High risk
from height during the □ Serious (2) □ Possible (2) (>=6)
course of the work in
□ Mild (1) □ Unlikely (1)
the confined space or its
proximity □ Moderate
risk (3-4)

□ Low risk
(<=2)

1.11 Others (please specify: □ Very Serious (3) □ Very likely (3) □ High risk
□ Serious (2) □ Possible (2) (>=6)
) □ Mild (1) □ Unlikely (1)

□ Moderate
risk (3-4)

□ Low risk
(<=2)

1.12 Others (please specify: □ Very Serious (3) □ Very likely (3) □ High risk
□ Serious (2) □ Possible (2) (>=6)
) □ Mild (1) □ Unlikely (1)

□ Moderate
risk (3-4)

□ Low risk
(<=2)

1.13 Period during which certified workers may remain safely in the confined space: hour(s)

2
Regarding the definitions of ‘severity of consequences’, ‘likelihood of occurrence’ and ‘risk rating’ please refer to the risk rating
table in the final section of this assessment form.

40 Code of Practice for Safety and Health at Work in Confined Spaces

2 Safety precautions must be taken when entering and working into the confined space
── Apart from the aforementioned safety precautions required with respect to the risk assessment, the
proprietor or contractor must ensure that all the following safety precautions are taken before allowing certified
workers to work in confined spaces:
□ Every piece of mechanical equipment in the confined space, which is liable to cause danger, has been
disconnected from its power source, with warning notice displayed and its power source locked out;
□ Every pipe or supply line whose contents are liable to create a hazard has been properly blanked off;
□ The confined space has been tested to ensure the absence of any hazardous gas and no deficiency of
oxygen;
□ The confined space has been adequately purged and sufficiently cooled and ventilated, having regard to
the circumstances of the particular confined space, to ensure that it is a safe workplace;
□ An adequate supply of respirable air and an effective forced ventilation have been provided inside the
confined space;
□ Effective steps have been taken to prevent - (i) an ingress to the confined space of hazardous gas, vapour,
dust or fume; and (ii) an in-rush into the confined space of free flowing solid or liquid;
□ Before entering and working in the confined space, the following air testing of the confined space has
been conducted with appropriate air monitoring equipment of explosion-proof design:
□ Oxygen □ LEL □ Hydrogen sulphide □ Carbon monoxide □ Others : ;
□ Continuous air monitoring has to be conducted until everyone has left the confined space;
□ Formulated appropriate emergency procedures to deal with any serious and imminent danger to workers
inside the confined space, including the provision of a sufficient supply of the following items in a
satisfactory condition (and keeping them readily available)
(a) approved breathing apparatus;
(b) suitable apparatus for reviving an unconscious worker;
(c) vessels containing oxygen or air;
(d) safety harnesses and ropes; and
(e) an audio and visual alarm by which the workers inside the confined space can alert those outside;
□ The emergency rescue team is composed of a sufficient number of trained personnel who are ready to
carry out emergency procedures in case of accident. All members of the emergency rescue team have
been properly and adequately trained in the related emergency rescue procedures, including the details of
the emergency rescue plan and full knowledge on how to properly use all the rescue equipment;
□ Instructions, training and advice are provided to all workers within a confined space or assisting with such
work from immediately outside the confined space to ensure the safety and health of all workers, including
posting up or displaying a clearly visible warning sign in a conspicuous place at the entrance to the
confined space, indicating the specified hazards and safety precautions taken in the confined space;
□ All necessary equipment is provided to ensure the safety and health of workers in the confined space,
including the provision of suitable air monitoring equipment of explosion-proof design for continuous air
monitoring if necessary;
□ Only certified workers are allowed to enter or work in the confined space;
□ At least one “Standby Person” is stationed outside the confined space to maintain communication with the
workers inside the confined space;
□ The risk assessment report and the Permit-to-work Certificate shall be displayed in a conspicuous place at
the entrance of the confined space; and
□ The safety precautions listed above are effective continuously while the workers remain in the confined
space.
□ Other safety precautions:

Code of Practice for Safety and Health at Work in Confined Spaces 41

 I confirmed that I have at least one year of relevant experience, after obtaining registration as Safety Officer or the
certificate as Competent Person, in assessing risk to the safety and health of workers working in confined spaces, and
have been appointed by the above-mentioned Main Contractor/ Subcontractor/Proprietor to be the competent person
to carry out an assessment in the aforesaid confined space works in accordance with section 5(1) of the Factories and
Industrial Undertakings (Confined Spaces) Regulation.

I confirmed that, the true to the best of my knowledge and belief, the risk of the working condition in the confined
space was assessed according to the requirements of section 5(6) of the Factories and Industrial Undertakings
(Confined Spaces) Regulation, and recommendations of control measures were made under the section with respect
to the safety and health of workers working in the confined space.

Signature of the Competent Person

conducted the above risk assessment :
Name :
Date and time :

Receipt of the risk assessment report

Recipient signature :4
Name :4
Post :4
Date and time :4

Risk Assessment Table

Likelihood Unlikely (1) Possible (2) Very likely (3)
(Rather remote, though (Event to be expected) (Occurs repeatedly)
Consequence conceivable)

Very serious (3)

Accident causing immediate danger to life or (3) (6) (9)
serious bodily injury (Example: gas poisoning, Moderate Risk High Risk High Risk
hypoxia, drowning)

Serious (2)
(2) (4) (6)
Accident causing moderate bodily injury
Low Risk Moderate Risk High Risk
(Example: fracture, skin ulcer, etc.)

Mild (1)
(1) (2) (3)
Accident resulting in mild bodily injury
Low Risk Low Risk Moderate Risk
(Example: eye irritation from dust, cough)

High Risk
Moderate Risk
Low Risk

42 Code of Practice for Safety and Health at Work in Confined Spaces

Appendix II Permit-to-work Certificate
1. A permit-to-work system is a means to ensure the safety and health of the workers who enter
and work in a confined space. The following paragraphs give a brief framework of the system. A
template of the Permit-to-work Certificate is included.

2. A proprietor or contractor of a confined space shall issue the workers a Permit-to-work Certificate
before allowing them to enter or work in the confined space.

3. The Permit-to-work Certificate should record the following:

(a) the findings in the risk assessment report completed by the competent person;
(b) the effectiveness of the isolation and withdrawal from service;
(c) the amount of sludge or other deposits remaining (if any) after cleaning;
(d) the results of the air testing;
(e) the nature of work to be done;
(f) the conditions and features of the confined space; and
(g) the period during which workers may remain safely in the confined space.

4. After receiving a risk assessment report completed by a competent person, the proprietor or
contractor of the confined space work shall confirm that all necessary safety precautions have
been implemented effectively and should assess whether underground pipework is involved
before issuing a Permit-to-work Certificate.

5. The Permit-to-work Certificate should be properly signed for confirmation by the proprietor or
contractor or persons authorised by him (e.g. safety supervisory personnel of confined space
work). The items in the certificate should be written or printed in permanent ink or otherwise so
as to be indelible.

6. The contents of the Permit-to-work Certificate shall be clearly explained to all the workers and
persons involved in the confined space work.

7. All the safety requirements, necessary precautions and relevant conditions or limitations stated
in the Permit-to-work Certificate should be strictly observed and followed by all the workers and
persons involved in the confined space work.

8. The Permit-to-work Certificate shall be displayed conspicuously at the entrance of the confined
space.

9. A Permit-to-work Certificate should be cancelled when the work activities in the confined space
to which it refers have been completed, and the confined space is clear of workers, equipment
and spare material.

10. When work in the confined space is completed, the Permit-to-work Certificate should be returned
to the proprietor or contractor by the person to whom it was issued. This person should sign
a declaration that all personnel and equipment have been removed from the site and that all
personnel have been warned that the confined space is no longer safe for entry.

Code of Practice for Safety and Health at Work in Confined Spaces 43

 11. A proprietor or contractor should confirm that the work covered by the Permit-to-work Certificate
has been properly completed. He should then sign a final confirmation of cancellation of the
Permit-to-work Certificate to confirm that the work activities in the confined space have been
completed and that another Permit-to-work Certificate will be required for entering the confined
space again. Additionally, effective measures should be taken to ensure that no worker enters
the confined space during the period when the completed Permit-to-work Certificate is being
delivered to the proprietor or contractor for proper cancellation.

12. The proprietor or contractor shall ensure no worker stays in the confined space when the Permit-
to-work Certificate expires. The proprietor or contractor should ensure all workers leave the
confined space by the expiry of the Permit-to-work Certificate. If the work has not yet been
completed by the expiry of the Permit-to-work Certificate, the proprietor or contractor shall
cancel the expired Permit-to-work Certificate and confirm that all necessary safety precautions
have been implemented effectively before issuing another Permit-to-work Certificate to allow
workers entering the confined space to continue their work.

13. The records of all Permit-to-work Certificates should be properly maintained for one year after the
certificates have been cancelled and be available for inspection.

44 Code of Practice for Safety and Health at Work in Confined Spaces

 A Template of “Permit-to-work Certificate” for Entry into Confined Space

Location of work :
Description of work :
Main Contractor/Proprietor :
Name of the Competent Person appointed :
Date and time of risk assessment :

Date & time for entry to the confined space : (Year) (Month) (Day) from *am/pm (Time)
This permit-to-work certificate is valid until : (Year) (Month) (Day) *am/pm (Time)

* Please delete if not applicable

Workers
Certified Worker
Maximum duration that certified workers are allowed to stay in the confined space : Hour(s)
Reference No. of
Name Validity Period Signature
Certificate

Standby Person
Name Date of training Responsibility Signature
✓ Maintain communication with the
workers inside the confined space, and
call for support in case of emergency;
✓ Brief the rescue personnel of the
relevant circumstances of the incident
upon their arrival in case of emergency;
✓ Even in case of emergency, the standby
person should not enter the confined
space.
Onsite Rescue Personnel
Date received training
Name Responsibility Signature
for rescue in emergency
✓ Familiar with the details of the
emergency rescue plan;
✓ Know how to properly operate all
rescue equipment provided.

Code of Practice for Safety and Health at Work in Confined Spaces 45

 Add a ✓ to appropriate boxes □

Underground Pipework
□ This confined space work is underground pipework as described in section 9(b) of the Factories and Industrial
Undertakings (Confined Spaces) Regulation, and therefore contractor / proprietor has to
□ Ensure that any person entering or remaining in that particular confined space is properly
i. wearing a suitable approved breathing apparatus; and
ii. wearing a suitable safety harness connected to a lifeline.
□ Use appropriate air monitoring equipment of explosion-proof design to monitor the air in the confined space
continuously until everyone has left the confined space; and

□ This confined space work is NOT underground pipework as described in section 9(b) of the Factories and
Industrial Undertakings (Confined Spaces) Regulation with the reason(s) stated as follows:

Remarks : Must choose one out of the two options above

Isolation Measures
Signature Date & time
□ Normal services in the confined space have been suspended.
□ All unnecessary sources of power (Electrical/ Mechanical/ Pneumatic/
Hydraulic/ Others: ) have been isolated.
□ All pipelines connected to the confined space have been completely
shut off or blanked off
□ The ends of all service pipes connected to hazardous gas sources have
been sealed.
□ Non-essential heat sources have been isolated.
□ Other sources of danger have been isolated (please specify ).
□ All isolated or closed connections have been locked off and properly
labelled to prevent from being opened without authorisation or
accidentally.

Purging and Ventilation Control Measures

Signature Date & time
□ The confined space has been purged/cleaned adequately.
(Method : )
□ All hazardous substances stored inside the confined space have been
removed.
□ Adequate respirable air and effective forced ventilation have been
provided.

46 Code of Practice for Safety and Health at Work in Confined Spaces

 Add a ✓ to appropriate boxes □

Air Testing Results

Testing Date (YYYY/MM/DD) :
Model of air monitoring equipment :
Serial number of air monitoring equipment :
Calibration Expiry Date (YYYY/MM/DD) :

Testing Location :
Testing Time : *am/pm
□ O2 : %
□ LEL(Percentage) : %
□ H2S : ppm
□ CO : ppm
□

Testing Location :
Testing Time : *am/pm
□ O2 : %
□ LEL(Percentage) : %
□ H2S : ppm
□ CO : ppm
□

Testing Location :
Testing Time : *am/pm
□ O2 : %
□ LEL(Percentage) : %
□ H2S : ppm
□ CO : ppm
□

□ After the air testing, I confirm that there is no hazardous gas and no oxygen-deficient situation in this confined
space.

Responsible person for conducting the air testing

Name :

Signature :

Code of Practice for Safety and Health at Work in Confined Spaces 47

 Add a ✓ to appropriate boxes □

Safety Precautions for Entry into the Confined Space

□ Every piece of mechanical equipment in the confined space, which is liable to cause danger, has been
disconnected from its power source, with warning notice displayed and its power source locked out;
□ Every pipe or supply line whose contents are liable to create a hazard has been properly blanked off;
□ The confined space has been tested to ensure the absence of any hazardous gas and no deficiency of oxygen;
□ The confined space has been adequately purged and sufficiently cooled and ventilated, having regard to the
circumstances of the particular confined space, to ensure that it is a safe workplace;
□ An adequate supply of respirable air and an effective forced ventilation have been provided inside the confined
space;
□ Effective steps have been taken to prevent - (i) an ingress to the confined space of hazardous gas, vapour, dust
or fume; and (ii) an in-rush into the confined space of free flowing solid or liquid;
□ Formulated appropriate emergency procedures to deal with any serious and imminent danger to workers inside
the confined space, including the provision of a sufficient supply of the following items in a satisfactory condition
(and keeping them readily available):
(a) approved breathing apparatus;
(b) suitable apparatus for reviving an unconscious worker;
(c) vessels containing oxygen or air;
(d) safety harnesses and ropes; and
(e) an audio and visual alarm by which the workers inside the confined space can alert those outside;
□ The emergency rescue team is composed of a sufficient number of trained personnel who are ready to carry out
emergency procedures in case of accident. All members of the emergency rescue team have been properly and
adequately trained in the related emergency rescue procedures, including the details of the emergency rescue
plan and full knowledge on how to properly use all the rescue equipment;
□ Instructions, training and advice are provided to all workers within a confined space or assisting with such work
from immediately outside the confined space to ensure the safety and health of all workers, including posting
up or displaying a clearly visible warning sign in a conspicuous place at the entrance to the confined space,
indicating the specified hazards and safety precautions taken in the confined space;
□ All necessary equipment is provided to ensure the safety and health of workers in the confined space, including
the provision of suitable air monitoring equipment of explosion proof design for continuous air monitoring if
necessary;
□ Only certified worker is allowed to enter or work in the confined space;
□ At least one “Standby Person” is stationed outside the confined space to maintain communication with the
workers inside the confined space;
□ The risk assessment report and this permit-to-work certificate should be displayed in a conspicuous place at the
entrance of the confined space;
□ The safety precautions listed above are effective continuously while the workers remain in the confined space;
□ Video recording at the entrance and exit of the confined space throughout the entire work period is arranged to
monitor that relevant personnel have complied with the safety precautions.

48 Code of Practice for Safety and Health at Work in Confined Spaces

 Add a ✓ to appropriate boxes □

Emergency Rescue Equipment Provided

□ Approved breathing apparatus : set
□ Apparatus for reviving an unconscious worker : set
□ Vessels containing oxygen or air : set
□ Safety harnesses and ropes : set
□ Audio and visual alarm by which the workers inside the confined space can alert those outside :
set
□ Other relevant emergency rescue equipment,
including : □ Tripods and winches; □
□ I confirm that the above emergency rescue equipment is sufficient with satisfactory condition and are readily
available.

List of Protective Equipment Provided

General
□ Forced ventilation device : set
□ Continuous air monitoring equipment : set
□ Walkie-talkie (explosion-proof design) : set
□ Shield : set
□ Lighting device : set
□ Others (Please specify) :
Personal Protective Equipment
□ Approved breathing apparatus : set (excluding for emergency use)
□ Audio and visual alarm : set
□ Protective clothing : piece
□ Head, Hand & Foot Protection : piece
□ Life Lines & Harness : set
□ Eye Protection : set
□ Ear Protection : set
□ Others (Please specify) :

Code of Practice for Safety and Health at Work in Confined Spaces 49

 Declaration by the Proprietor/Contractor or Authorised Representative
Permit-to-work Certificate
I am the proprietor/ contractor/ authorised representative* of the confined space work mentioned above. I confirm
that the risk assessment report by the competent person mentioned above covers all matters stated in section 5(2)
of the Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Confined Spaces) Regulation, and I certify that all necessary safety
precautions in accordance with the risk assessment report have been taken, and I hereby, issue this Permit-to-work
Certificate.
This permit-to-work certificate is valid until (Date & Time):
(Year) (Month) (Day) *am/pm (Time)
Signature :
Name :
Post :
Date & time :
* Please delete if not applicable

Receipt of Permit-to-work Certificate

(To be filled by the supervisor or person in-charge of the work)

I have read and understood the content of the Permit-to work Certificate, and shall undertake to work in accordance
with all the conditions laid down in this certificate.
Signature :
Name :
Post :
Date & time :

Proof of Completion
(To be filled by the supervisor or person in-charge of the work)

I confirm that the confined space work mentioned above has been completed and that all assigned persons,
materials and equipment have been withdrawn from the site, the personnel have been warned that the confined
space is no longer safe for entry and I hereby sign to confirm.
Signature :
Name :
Post :
Date & time :

Cancellation of Permit-to-work Certificate

I am the proprietor/ contractor/ authorised representative* of the confined space work mentioned above. I hereby
sign to confirm the cancellation of this Permit-to-work Certificate. I understand that a new permit-to-work certificate
will be required if work is to be continued.
Signature :
Name :
Post :
Date & time :
* Please delete if not applicable

50 Code of Practice for Safety and Health at Work in Confined Spaces

Appendix III Setting Up Air Monitoring Alarm
1. Working in confined space can pose risks to the safety and health of workers, including
atmospheric hazards. Typical situations that cause loss of consciousness or ability to escape due
to atmospheric hazards include: (1) concentrations of flammable or explosive gases or vapours,
etc. exceeding their Lower Explosive Limit (LEL), (2) concentrations of toxic or harmful substances
in the air exceeding their Occupational Exposure Limit (OEL) or Immediately Dangerous to Life or
Health (IDLH) concentrations, and (3) the air becoming oxygen-enriched or deficient. For detailed
information on common hazardous gases/chemicals in confined spaces and occupational
hygiene standards, please refer to paragraphs 11 to 16 below.

2. Examples of possible atmospheric hazards in confined spaces include:

• Fire or chemical spill happens in confined spaces;
• Failure of the ventilation or fresh air supply systems in confined spaces;
• Fire or chemical spillage happens outside confined spaces, which could affect the quality of
fresh air intake;
• Disturbance of the sewage, sediment, or sludge can release the trapped or dissolved
hydrogen sulphide gas, etc., thus rising the concentration of the hazardous gases in the air
rapidly; and
• Use of volatile chemicals in confined spaces, etc.

3. A number of hazardous gases, such as carbon monoxide, are colourless and odourless. On the
other hand, some hazardous gases like hydrogen sulphide may have an unpleasant smell at low
concentrations, but such smell disappears at higher concentrations due to olfactory fatigue. It
can be very wrong and dangerous if workers think they can recognise the presence of hazardous
gases by scent. In certain situations, competent person may recommend continuous monitoring
or periodic monitoring of the working environment. Workers should be equipped with continuous
air monitoring equipment that provides audio and visual alarms, where applicable, in order to
immediately alert the workers and standby persons the imminent situations regarding the air
quality and presence of hazardous gases in confined spaces, and activate evacuation or arrange
rescue as soon as possible.

4. The air monitoring equipment should have a two-level alarm system to alert workers to take
appropriate actions correspondingly. Level 1 Alarm is a warning level indicating that there is a
threat of atmospheric hazards, but the situation of worker is still safe. Action should be taken to
determine the cause of the threat and implement appropriate remedial measures. Under normal
circumstances, when reaching Level 2 Alarm level, it indicates the atmospheric hazards pose
risks to the workers, the emergency procedures should be activated, and the workers should be
evacuated immediately.

Flammable or Explosive Substances in Air

5. The alarm for the presence of flammable or explosive gases is generally set using the Lower
Explosive Limit (LEL). Level 1 Alarm (Warning) for the lower explosive limit should be set at 5%
LEL, and Level 2 Alarm (Evacuation) should be set at 10% LEL. If a flammable or explosive
substance has toxic/harmful properties simultaneously, the lower concentration of the two shall
be used as the criterion for setting the alarm. For example, hydrogen sulphide must set the alarm
at the concentration of its toxicity.

Code of Practice for Safety and Health at Work in Confined Spaces 51

 Toxic or Harmful Chemcial Substances in Air
6. The setting of alarm levels for toxic or harmful chemicals in the air should make reference to the
Occupational Exposure Limits if underground pipework is not involved and an approved breathing
apparatus is not required as indicated in the risk assessment report. In this connection, the alarm
levels for toxic or harmful chemicals in the air should be set as follows:

Level 1 Half of Occupational Exposure Limit - Short-Term Exposure Limit

Alarm§ [or 1.5 times of Occupational Exposure Limit - Time-Weighted Average¶]
Level 2 Occupational Exposure Limit - Short-Term Exposure Limit
Alarm§ [or 3 times of Occupational Exposure Limit - Time-Weighted Average¶]
§
Alarm settings for measuring instruments should be rounded down to the nearest integer.
¶
Only applicable to chemicals for which OEL-STEL have not been established.

7. In normal circumstances, properly worn approved breathing apparatus can provide a good
protection to workers against atmospheric hazards but it is not entirely fail-safe. When workers
are using approved breathing apparatus to enter confined spaces, it is a prudent approach to
set Level 1 Alarm at half of IDLH concentration of the toxic or harmful chemical substance and
Level 2 Alarm at the corresponding IDLH. For example, Level 1 and Level 2 Alarms for hydrogen
sulphide gas can be set at 50ppm and 100ppm respectively.

8. Under the Factories and Industrial Undertakings Ordinance, it shall be the duty of every proprietor
to ensure the provision and maintenance of a working environment for the proprietor’s workers
that is, so far as is reasonably practicable, safe, and without risks to health. In this regard, the
proprietor should eliminate or substitute the atmospheric hazards and/or implement vigorous and
robust engineering control measures to reduce the level of hazardous gases to below IDLH as far
as possible rather than relying heavily on the use of personal protective equipment (“PPE”). The
use of PPE should always be regarded as the last resort in the hierarchy of control measures, and
is a supplement to, not in lieu of, effective engineering control measures and safe system of work.
In rare circumstances where elimination or substitution is not possible and vigorous and robust
engineering control measures adopted cannot reduce the level of hazardous gases below IDLH,
the proprietor should consult occupational health professionals, in addition to the competent
person appointed, to review the work situation and to develop and fully implement a written
respiratory protection programme with required worksite-specific procedures and elements for
required respirator use which is commensurate with the respiratory protection standards, 29 CFR
1910.134, required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of
Labor, to ensure the safety and health of the certified workers working in such high risk situation.

52 Code of Practice for Safety and Health at Work in Confined Spaces

Excessive Level of Oxygen or Oxygen Deficiency in Air
9. There are about 21% by volume of oxygen in air under normal atmospheric pressure. A
decrease in the percentage of oxygen in air can result in an oxygen-deficient environment, which
can asphyxiate workers. Conversely, a high percentage of oxygen in air increases the risk of
causing fires and explosions. Therefore, alarm thresholds for oxygen content in air (measured by
volume) are set at 19.5% and 22% to warn workers of oxygen deficiency or excessive oxygen
level environments respectively. Whenever the oxygen content alarm is activated, immediate
evacuation should be carried out.

Setting Air Monitoring Alarm

10. The alarm levels for some common hazardous gases that can be encountered in confined spaces
are recommended as follows:

For workers without using

approved breathing apparatus to CH4 H2S CO
enter confined spaces
Level 1 Alarm 5% LEL 7ppm 37ppm
Level 2 Alarm 10% LEL 15ppm 75ppm

Common Hazardous Gas in Confined Space and Occupational Safety and Hygiene Standards
11. Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) – LEL is the lowest concentration of a substance that will produce a
flash fire or explosion when an ignition source (flame, spark, etc.) is present and is expressed in
percent of vapour or gas in the air by volume.

12. “Occupational Exposure Limit (OEL)” refers to the airborne concentration(s) of individual chemical
substances that represent levels that are regarded to impose no adverse health effects to nearly
all workers on exposures by the route of inhalation. “Occupational Exposure Limit - Time-
Weighted Average (OEL-TWA)” refers to the time-weighted average concentration of a chemical
substance over an eight-hour working day for a five-day workweek, to which nearly all workers
can be exposed day after day without adverse health effects. “Occupational Exposure Limit -
Short-Term Exposure Limit (OEL-STEL)” refers to the 15-minute time-weighted average of the
airborne concentration of a chemical substance. A list of OEL for chemical substances can
be found in the “Code of Practice on Control of Air Impurities (Chemical Substances) in the
Workplace” published by the Labour Department.

13. Under the situation of Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) concentrations, there will
be an immediate or delayed threat to life, or it may cause irreversible health effects or impairment
of the ability to escape. For IDLH concentrations, please refer to the values developed by the
Ministry of Health of the People’s Republic of China or the National Institute for Occupational
Safety and Health (NIOSH) of the United States of America.

Code of Practice for Safety and Health at Work in Confined Spaces 53

 14. Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S) is a deadly gas with a distinctive “rotten egg” odour that can be
detected at very low concentrations. At concentrations above 100 ppm, hydrogen sulphide
has a paralysing effect on the sense of smell. Even at lower concentrations, hydrogen sulphide
can affect the olfactory nerve, and workers cannot detect the changes in concentrations. It can
be produced and accumulated in confined spaces such as septic tanks, manholes or sewers.
Hydrogen sulphide is heavier than air and thus settles in lower part of the confined space such as
the bottom of manholes or sewers.

Hydrogen Sulphide (in ppm) Effect/ Exposure Limit

Less than 1 Smells like rotten eggs
10 OEL-TWA
15 OEL-STEL
50-100 Paralysis of the olfactory nerve, irritation to the eye and
respiratory tract, and inhalation may result in lung oedema that
causes death
100 IDLH

15. Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a lethal colourless and odourless gas. Carbon monoxide is a product
of incomplete combustion. When gasoline/diesel generators or other fuel-driven tools are used in
inadequately ventilated workplaces, oxygen can also be consumed, and carbon monoxide can
be produced and accumulated.

Carbon Monoxide (in ppm) Effect/ Exposure Limit

25 OEL-TWA
350 Confusion, fainting on exertion and collapse
1200 IDLH

16. Methane (CH4) is commonly generated when organic matter is decomposed by various bacterial
processes. It is a colourless, odourless, extremely flammable and explosive gas that can cause
fire and explosion. The accumulation of methane in a poorly ventilated area will displace normal
air and result in an oxygen-deficient environment. Typical air monitoring equipment for confined
spaces does not directly measure methane concentration. Instead, users can determine the
presence of methane through the oxygen concentration and LEL. Methane is lighter than air and
thus will accumulate in the upper part of the confined space.

54 Code of Practice for Safety and Health at Work in Confined Spaces

List of References
1. Code of Practice on Safety Management
(Labour Department, Hong Kong)

2. Code of Practice on Control of Air Impurities (Chemical Substances) in the Workplace

(Labour Department, Hong Kong)

3. Guidance Notes on Safety and Health of Hand-dug Tunnelling Work

(Labour Department, Hong Kong)

4. Guidance Notes on Safety and Health for Prevention of Gas Poisoning in Drainage Works
(Labour Department, Hong Kong)

5. GB/T 31795-2015 Technical requirements for compressed air for respiratory protection
中華人民共和國國家職業衞生標準 GB/T 31975—2015 呼吸防護用壓縮空氣技術要求
(中華人民共和國國家質量監督檢測檢疫總局、中國國家標準化管理委員會)

6. GBZ/T 205-2007 Specification of prevention and control on occupational hazards in

confined space
中華人民共和國國家職業衞生標準GBZ/T 205—2007 密閉空間作業職業危害防護規範
(中華人民共和國衞生部)

7. GB 38451-2019 Respiratory protection — Self-contained open-circuit compressed air

breathing apparatus for escape
中華人民共和國國家標準GB 38451—2019 呼吸防護自給開路式壓縮空氣逃生呼吸器
(中華人民共和國國家市場監督管理局、中國國家標準化管理委員會)

8. BS EN 529:2005 Respiratory protective devices — Recommendations for selection, use,

care and maintenance — Guidance document
(British Standard Institution)

9. BS EN 1146:2005 Respiratory protective devices. Self-contained open-circuit compressed

air breathing apparatus incorporating a hood for escape. Requirements, testing, marking
(British Standard Institution)

10. BS EN 1496:2017 Personal Fall Protection Equipment. Rescue Lifting Devices

(British Standard Institution)

11. BS EN 1497:2007 Personal Fall Protection Equipment. Rescue Harnesses

(British Standard Institution)

12. BS 6164:2019 Health and Safety in Tunnelling in the Construction Industry – Code of
Practice
(British Standard Institution)

Code of Practice for Safety and Health at Work in Confined Spaces 55

 13. BS EN ISO 10651-4:2023 Lung ventilators - Part 4: Particular requirements for user-powered
resuscitators
(British Standard Institution)

14. BS EN 12021:2014 Respiratory Equipment. Compressed Gases for Breathing Apparatus

(British Standard Institution)

15. Safe Work in Confined Spaces - Approved Code of Practice and Guidance
(Health and Safety Executive, UK)

16. Immediately Dangerous To Life or Health (IDLH) Values

(National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, USA)

17. 29 CFR 1910.134 Occupational Safety and Health Standards - Respiratory Protection
(Occupational Safety and Health Administration, USA)

56 Code of Practice for Safety and Health at Work in Confined Spaces

Enquiries and Complaints
Enquiries
If you wish to enquire about this Code of Practice or require advice on occupational safety and
health (OSH) matters, please contact the Occupational Safety and Health Branch of the Labour
Department (LD) through:

Telephone : 2559 2297 (auto-recording service available outside office hours)

Fax : 2915 1410
E-mail : enquiry@labour.gov.hk

Information on the services offered by LD and on major labour legislation is also available on our
website at https://www.labour.gov.hk. The latest OSH information can be obtained through the
LD’s “OSH 2.0” Mobile Application. For details on the services offered by the Occupational Safety
and Health Council, please call 2739 9000.

Labour Department's Website “OSH 2.0” Mobile Application

Complaints
If you have any complaint about unsafe operations and environments at workplaces, please call
the LD’s OSH complaint hotline at 2542 2172 or fill out and submit an online OSH complaint form
on our website. All complaints will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Online OSH Complaint Form

Code of Practice for Safety and Health at Work in Confined Spaces 57

Occupational Safety and Health Branch
Labour Department

5/2024-2-COP15