Hong Kong's Labour Department has reminded employers and contractors to adopt safety measures for electrical work as the Hong Kong Observatory's rainstorm warning remains in effect, the HKSAR Government said on Sunday.
A spokesman for the department said employers and contractors should avoid assigning employees to carry out electrical work — including electric arc welding — or handle electrical plant at locations directly affected by the rainstorm. The department referred workers to its existing “Code of Practice in Times of Adverse Weather and ‘Extreme Conditions’” and the “Guide on Safety at Work in times of Inclement Weather” for detailed guidance on appropriate workplace procedures.
For workplaces not directly exposed to the storm, the Labour Department noted that higher humidity still increases the risk of electric shock due to moisture in the air. The department outlined five safety measures employers should follow. These include isolating live electrical installations from power sources before work begins, cutting off and locking out the power supply and testing that circuits are dead before proceeding, and ensuring protective devices such as fuses and circuit breakers are in working order.
The department also recommended providing personal protective equipment such as insulating gloves and mats for employees handling electrical plant. If live electrical work is unavoidable, a comprehensive risk assessment should be conducted by a competent person and appropriate safety precautions should be taken to remove or properly control the electrical hazards involved, the spokesman said.
Employees should cooperate with employers and contractors by following safety instructions and using the equipment provided, the Labour Department added.
The department publishes guidebooks and leaflets on electrical work safety, available free at its divisional offices or downloadable from its website. Questions about occupational safety and health can be directed to the department’s Occupational Safety Officer at 2559 2297.
Hong Kong’s rainstorm warning system is activated by the Hong Kong Observatory when heavy rain is expected or occurring across the territory. The warnings form part of a broader adverse weather alert framework that also covers typhoons and extreme conditions, under which government departments including the Labour Department issue sector-specific guidance for workplace safety.
Electrical hazards during rainstorms pose particular risks for construction sites, outdoor maintenance operations, and industrial facilities where electrical equipment may be exposed to the elements. The Labour Department’s advisory covers all sectors where employees may be assigned to carry out electrical work or handle electrical plant during inclement weather. The department said employers should refer to its published codes for a full breakdown of recommended safety protocols tailored to different work environments.
Sources: HKSAR Government
