Cap. 59 sub. leg. M

Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Work in Compressed Air) Regulations(Cap. 59, section 7) [1 April 1976] L.N. 73 of 1976(Format changes—E.R. 4 of 2024) Part I Preliminary 1. Citation These regulations may be cited as the Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Work in Compressed Air) Regulations. 2. Application These regulations shall apply to—(a) construction work carried out in compressed air;(b) contractors engaged in such construction work; and(c) persons employed in compressed air and their employers. 3. Interpretation (1) In these regulations, unless the context otherwise requires—appointed medical practitioner (指定醫生) means a medical practitioner appointed under regulation 24;compressed air (壓縮空氣) means air mechanically raised to a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure;construction site (建築地盤) means a place where construction work in compressed air is carried out and also any area in the immediate vicinity of any such place which is used for the storage of materials or plant used or intended to be used for the purpose of the construction work;decant lock (覆壓減壓室) means a double compartment lock, other than a medical lock, used for the recompression and decompression of persons;decanting (覆壓減壓) means the rapid decompression of persons in a man-lock to atmospheric pressure followed promptly by their recompression in a decant lock, where they are then decompressed according to the appropriate Decompression Table in the Third Schedule;employer (僱主) means any person who has entered into a contract of employment to employ any other person as an employee and the duly authorized agent, manager or factor of such first mentioned person;lock attendant (氣壓調節室管理員) means the person in charge of a man-lock or decant lock and who is immediately responsible for controlling the compression, recompression or decompression of persons employed in compressed air;man-lock (員工氣壓調節室) means any lock, other than a medical lock or decant lock, used for the compression or decompression of persons entering or leaving a working chamber;medical lock (高壓醫療室) means a double compartment lock, other than a decant lock, used for the therapeutic recompression and decompression of persons suffering from the ill-effects of decompression;new starter (新人) means a person—(a) who has not at any time been employed in compressed air; or(b) who, having been previously employed in compressed air, has not been re-employed in compressed air for a period exceeding 14 consecutive days;pressure (氣壓) means air pressure in pounds per square inch above atmospheric pressure;working chamber (氣壓施工室) means the part of the construction site where construction work in compressed air is carried out, but does not include a man-lock, medical lock or decant lock;working pressure (施工氣壓) means pressure to which persons in a working chamber are exposed.(2) For the purposes of these regulations, a person shall be deemed to be employed in compressed air if he is exposed to pressure for the purposes of or in connexion with any construction work. Part II Compressed Air Operations 4. Construction and maintenance of bulkheads, etc. Every bulkhead, air lock or other structure used in connexion with construction work in compressed air shall be of good construction, sound material and adequate strength and shall be properly maintained.(L.N. 161 of 1978) 5. Supervision of compressed air operations (1) Where a contractor carries out any construction work in compressed air, the contractor shall appoint a person who has substantial training and practical experience in such construction work to be in charge of the construction work.(2) A person appointed under paragraph (1) shall, at all times when any person is employed in compressed air at a construction site, be—(a) in charge of the construction work; and(b) in attendance on the construction site. 6. Air supply plant (1) The air supply plant for the production and supply of compressed air to any man-lock, working chamber, medical lock or decant lock shall be of suitable design.(2) The contractor shall appoint a suitably qualified or experienced person to be in charge of the air supply plant at a construction site.(3) A person appointed under paragraph (2) shall, at all times when any person is employed in compressed air at a construction site, be—(a) in charge of the air supply plant; and(b) in attendance on the construction site.(L.N. 161 of 1978) 7. Air supply (1) The compressed air supplied to any man-lock, working chamber, medical lock or decant lock shall conform to the specifications in the First Schedule or such other specifications as may be approved by the Commissioner in writing.(2) The supply of compressed air to a working chamber shall be sufficient to provide, at the pressure in the working chamber, not less than 10 cubic feet per minute per person in the working chamber.(3) A reserve compressed air supply shall be available for the medical lock.(L.N. 161 of 1978) Part III Man-locks and Working Chambers 8. Man-locks (1) Every man-lock shall be of adequate internal dimensions and capacity for the purposes for which it is used.(2) Every man-lock shall—(a) have efficient means of verbal communication between the lock attendant and any person in the man-lock or working chamber, and between persons in the man-lock and the working chamber;(b) have means enabling any person in the man-lock to convey visible signals to the lock attendant outside;(c) have an independent supply of fresh air which can be used for ventilation and for compression in case of a fire in the working chamber;(d) be protected from the weather and the sun;(e) have adequate lighting.(3) Every man-lock shall be provided with suitable equipment including—(a) pressure gauges which will readily indicate—(i) to the lock attendant the pressure in the man-lock and in each working chamber to which the man-lock affords direct or indirect access; and(ii) to persons in the man-lock the pressure in the man-lock;(b) valves or taps controlling the flow of air into and from the man-lock such as will enable careful compression and accurate decompression to be carried out according to the procedures prescribed in the Second and Third Schedules respectively; and(c) a clock or clocks so positioned that the lock attendant and any person in the man-lock can readily ascertain the time.(4) All furniture and equipment in a man-lock shall be of incombustible or fire proofed material.(5) Every man-lock and its equipment shall be maintained in a reasonably clean state.(6) Where heating is provided for the purposes of paragraph (9)(d), the heating system shall be controlled thermostatically or manually.(7) The wirings of the lighting and heating systems of a man-lock shall be of mineral insulated copper cable, complying with the British Standard 6207 or equivalent standard, and the systems shall be such that there is no fire hazard.(8) A notice which can be easily read, indicating—(a) the precautions to be taken by persons during their compression or decompression and after decompression; and(b) the maximum number of persons who may normally be accommodated in the man-lock,shall be affixed in each man-lock and such notice shall—(i) be approved by the Commissioner; and(ii) be in English and Chinese.(9) When the pressure in a man-lock exceeds 14 pounds per square inch—(a) the man-lock shall have not less than 45 cubic feet of space per person and a sitting space of not less than 2 feet in width (with back support) per person;(b) the man-lock shall be ventilated to ensure that the carbon dioxide partial pressure does not exceed 1 per cent of 1 atmosphere when a sample is measured at atmospheric pressure;(c) if the man-lock is used for timed decompression exceeding 30 minutes, a chemical closet shall be provided and shall be regularly serviced;(d) when the man-lock is used for decompression, the temperature in the man-lock shall not be allowed to fall below 10℃, nor to rise above 27℃, for more than 5 consecutive minutes;(e) there shall be a pressure recording gauge, which shall be accurate to within half a pound per square inch, and the recording on the man-lock decompression chart shall be as approved by the Commissioner; and(f) if a circular recording chart is used it shall rotate at a speed of not less than once in 4 hours.(10) When the pressure in a man-lock exceeds 14 pounds per square inch, the arrangements controlling the flow of air shall be such that any person inside the man-lock is able to control the inflow of air but unable to reduce the pressure except under the control of the lock attendant or through a special valve to be operated only in an emergency.(11) The special valve provided under paragraph (10) shall normally be kept so sealed or protected as to discourage its operation in circumstances other than emergencies. (5 of 2023 s. 36)(12) A notice explaining in English and Chinese the use of the special valve must be affixed near the special valve. (5 of 2023 s. 36)(L.N. 161 of 1978) 9. Use of man-locks When the pressure in a working chamber exceeds 14 pounds per square inch—(a) the man-lock shall, subject to subparagraph (b), be used solely for the compression or decompression of persons;(b) where it is not reasonably practicable to provide a separate man-lock for persons only, the single man-lock giving access to the working chamber shall not be used simultaneously for the compression or decompression of persons and the passage of plant or material other than tools or instruments carried by hand by persons for the purposes of the construction work: Provided that in the case of an emergency a single man-lock may be used simultaneously for the compression or decompression of persons and the passage of plant or material, and where the man-lock is so used the contractor shall keep a record signed by him of such use and particulars of the emergency; (c) a “blister” type man-lock shall be used for timed decompression only when the total decompression time does not exceed 20 minutes.(E.R. 4 of 2024) 10. Man-lock attendants (1) Every man-lock shall, whilst any person is employed in compressed air in the man-lock or in a working chamber to which the man-lock affords direct or indirect access, be under the charge of a lock attendant and the lock attendant shall be in attendance at the man-lock at all such times.(2) Where persons are employed in compressed air at a pressure exceeding 14 pounds per square inch—(a) the lock attendant in charge shall be a person who has completed a suitable training course designed to familiarize him with the problems associated with compression, decompression and decompression sickness and with the keeping of records under these regulations; and(b) there shall be not less than 3 lock attendants available for duty in respect of each man-lock.(3) No lock attendant shall be on duty for more than 12 hours in any 1 shift. 11. Duties of lock attendants (1) The lock attendant in charge of a man-lock shall—(a) control the compression of all persons in the man-lock;(b) carry out the compression of all such persons according to the compression procedure prescribed in the Second Schedule;(c) control the decompression of all persons who have been employed in compressed air; and(d) where a person has been employed in compressed air at a pressure exceeding 14 pounds per square inch, carry out the decompression of that person according to the decompression procedure prescribed in the Third Schedule.(2) Where any person is employed in compressed air in a working chamber, the lock attendant in charge shall—(a) record in the lock attendant’s register in Form 1 of the Fourth Schedule all the particulars specified therein in respect of that person; and(b) keep in his custody the lock attendant’s register and any man-lock decompression chart and give them to the person appointed under regulation 5(1).(3) Where a person is employed in compressed air at a pressure exceeding 14 pounds per square inch on more than 1 occasion in any 12-hour period, the lock attendant in charge shall ensure that such person carries a properly completed compressed air worker’s transfer record in Form 2 of the Fourth Schedule.(4) The contractor and the person appointed under regulation 5(1) shall ensure that the lock attendant in charge of a man-lock complies with paragraphs (1), (2) and (3). 12. Employment in compressed air at a pressure exceeding 14 pounds per square inch (1) Subject to paragraph (2), no employer shall employ a person in compressed air at a pressure exceeding 14 pounds per square inch on more than 3 occasions in any 24-hour period.(2) Paragraph (1) shall not apply—(a) in the case of an emergency where the employer authorizes that any person may be so employed on more than 3 occasions in any 24-hour period, in which case the employer shall keep a record signed by him of such employment and particulars of the emergency;(b) to a person who is a supervisor or is engaged on maintenance work provided that—(i) such person shall not be so employed on more than 5 occasions in any 24-hour period;(ii) such employment is not for more than half an hour on any 1 occasion;(iii) there is an interval of not less than 1 1/2 hours between each such employment; and(iv) the maximum pressure at which such person is so employed does not exceed 30 pounds per square inch.(3) A person who is employed in compressed air at a pressure exceeding 14 pounds per square inch shall spend not less than 12 consecutive hours at atmospheric pressure in any 24-hour period.(4) Except in the case of an emergency, no person shall be employed in compressed air at a pressure exceeding 50 pounds per square inch without permission from the Commissioner. 13. Entrance to and exit from a working chamber When no lock attendant is inside a man-lock or working chamber, the arrangements shall be such as to enable any person employed in compressed air inside the man-lock or working chamber to control the doors of the man-lock or working chamber in order to leave or enter the working chamber in the case of an emergency. 14. Temperature in a working chamber (1) No person shall be employed in compressed air in any part of a working chamber where the wet bulb temperature exceeds 27℃, except where—(a) it is essential to carry out emergency work; or(b) the Commissioner has given permission in writing, upon application made by the contractor.(2) Permission granted under paragraph (1)(b) may be subject to such conditions and limitation on working hours as the Commissioner may specify.(3) A wet bulb thermometer, in good working order, shall be provided in every working chamber. (5 of 2023 s. 37)(4) The lock attendant in charge of the working chamber must record the readings of the thermometer at the end of each shift in the lock attendant’s register in Form 1 of the Fourth Schedule. (5 of 2023 s. 37) 15. Health facilities (1) There shall be provided and maintained for the use of persons employed in compressed air—(a) clothes lockers and adequate and suitable facilities for the changing and drying of clothes;(b) adequate and suitable facilities for washing, including showers, soap and clean towels; and(c) adequate and suitable facilities for remaining on the construction site for one hour after decompression from pressure exceeding 14 pounds per square inch.(2) Where meals are taken in the working chamber, cupboard space shall be provided for food. All drinks shall be kept in covered containers.(3) A chemical closet shall be provided in every working chamber and shall be regularly serviced.(L.N. 161 of 1978) Part IV Decant Locks 16. Decant locks (1) A decant lock shall—(a) be a double compartment lock similar to a medical lock so that any person taken ill during decompression may be individually recompressed;(b) be capable of withstanding a pressure of not less than 10 pounds per square inch above the maximum pressure used or likely to be used in the working chamber at any time;(c) be situated as near as possible to the man-lock;(d) be protected from the weather and the sun; and(e) be maintained, heated and ventilated in the same manner as a man-lock.(2) Each compartment of a decant lock shall be provided with—(a) exhaust valves that will enable accurate decompression to be carried out according to the Decompression Tables in the Third Schedule;(b) a pressure recording gauge, which shall be accurate to within half a pound per square inch and the recording on the chart shall be as approved by the Commissioner;(c) if a circular recording chart is used it shall rotate at a speed of not less than once in 4 hours.(L.N. 161 of 1978) 17. Use of decant locks Decanting may be carried out only— (L.N. 161 of 1978)(a) where, because of lack of space, it is not practicable to provide a separate man-lock (in addition to the lock used for the passage of plant or material) as a means of egress from a working chamber to the open air;(b) where persons require a decompression procedure lasting more than 20 minutes and their only means of egress from a working chamber is through a “blister” type of lock; (E.R. 4 of 2024)(c) under any conditions where, because of the numbers of persons involved and the inadequate size of the man-lock, the normal decompression procedure in Part II of the Third Schedule could be associated with delay that might be detrimental to the safety and health of those persons. 18. Medical practitioner to be informed Where decanting is to be carried out, the appointed medical practitioner shall be informed. 19. Transfer from man-lock to decant lock The transfer of persons from the man-lock to the decant lock shall be so arranged that it does not involve the climbing of ladders or other strenuous exercise. 20. Time limit for transfer The total time spent on—(a) the primary decompression of a person in the man-lock;(b) his transfer from that man-lock to the decant lock; and(c) his recompression in the decant lock,shall, except when this is not reasonably practicable, not exceed 5 minutes. Part V Medical Locks 21. Medical locks (1) Subject to paragraph (2), where persons are employed in compressed air in a working chamber at a pressure exceeding 14 pounds per square inch, a suitably constructed medical lock shall be provided and maintained.(2) Where more than 100 persons are so employed at a construction site, a medical lock shall be provided for every 100 persons or part thereof.(3) Every medical lock shall be situated as near as possible to the man-lock.(4) Every medical lock shall—(a) have not less than 6 feet clear headroom at its highest point;(b) have 2 compartments so that it can be entered while under pressure;(c) have efficient means of verbal communication and means of giving non-verbal signals, between persons inside and outside the medical lock and between persons in compartments of the medical lock;(d) have one or more windows through which any person in either compartment of the medical lock can be observed from the outside;(e) be adequately ventilated;(f) be protected from the weather and the sun;(g) have adequate lighting and heating and the heating system shall be controlled thermostatically or manually.(5) The wirings of the lighting and heating systems of a medical lock shall be of mineral insulated copper cable, complying with the British Standard 6207 or equivalent standard, and the systems shall be such that there is no fire hazard.(6) Every medical lock shall be provided with suitable equipment including—(a) a pressure recording gauge, which shall be accurate to within half a pound per square inch and the recording on the chart shall be as approved by the Commissioner;(b) if a circular recording chart is used it shall rotate at a speed of not less than once in 4 hours;(c) a couch not less than 6 feet in length;(d) blankets and dry garments;(e) a water type (gas expelled) fire extinguisher and 2 buckets of dry sand for fire fighting; and(f) a food and hot drinks cupboard space.(7) Every medical lock and its equipment shall be maintained in a clean state.(8) A chemical closet shall be provided in every medical lock and shall be regularly serviced.(9) All furniture and equipment in a medical lock shall be of incombustible or fire proofed material and all bedding and other furnishings shall be treated so as to be fire retardant.(10) A medical lock shall be capable of withstanding a pressure of not less than 10 pounds per square inch above the maximum pressure used or likely to be used in the working chamber at any time.(11) The temperature in a medical lock, when in use, shall not fall below 10℃, nor rise above 27℃, for more than 5 consecutive minutes.(L.N. 161 of 1978) 22. Use of medical locks (1) A medical lock shall not be used for any purpose other than a therapeutic purpose:Provided that this paragraph shall not apply where a medical lock is used—(a) for the training and testing of persons without previous experience of compressed air work; or(b) in case of an emergency.(2) A medical lock shall, at all times, be kept ready for immediate use. 23. Medical lock attendants (1) Every medical lock shall be under the charge of a medical lock attendant and the medical lock attendant shall be in attendance at the medical lock—(a) whilst any person is employed in compressed air at a pressure exceeding 14 pounds per square inch;(b) whilst any person is being treated in the medical lock;(c) for 24 hours after the last man-lock decompression from a pressure exceeding 14 pounds per square inch has taken place.(2) A medical lock attendant shall, when on duty, have immediate access to all records of pressures and other relevant information regarding conditions in the man-lock and working chamber.(3) A medical lock attendant shall—(a) be a person trained in first aid as defined in regulation 55 of the Construction Sites (Safety) Regulations (Cap. 59 sub. leg. I); (E.R. 4 of 2024)(b) have completed a suitable training course designed to familiarize him with the problems associated with compression, decompression and decompression sickness and with the keeping of records under these regulations;(c) be medically fit; and(d) be willing to go into compressed air at any working pressure.(4) There shall be not less than 3 medical lock attendants available for duty in respect of each medical lock.(5) No medical lock attendant shall be on duty for more than 12 hours in any 1 shift. Part VI Medical Supervision 24. Appointment of medical practitioners by contractors (1) Subject to regulation 25, where any construction work in compressed air is carried out, the contractor shall appoint a medical practitioner to supervise all medical matters which may arise in connexion with the construction work.(2) The contractor shall notify the Commissioner in writing of the name and address of any medical practitioner appointed under paragraph (1).(3) An appointed medical practitioner shall be—(a) conversant with the problems associated with work in compressed air and the medical aspects of such work;(b) conversant with the provisions of these regulations;(c) medically fit;(d) willing to go into compressed air at any working pressure; and(e) on call at all times when construction work in compressed air is in progress.(4) The duties of an appointed medical practitioner shall be—(a) to examine medically persons for fitness for employment in compressed air;(b) to supervise medical lock attendants;(c) to treat decompression sickness and other conditions; and(d) to supervise the keeping of—(i) the compressed air workers’ medical cards in Form 3 of the Fourth Schedule;(ii) the compressed air workers’ decompression sickness case sheets in Form 4 of the Fourth Schedule; and(iii) the compressed air workers’ individual records in Form 5 of the Fourth Schedule. 25. Appointment of medical practitioner by employers other than contractors (1) Where a contractor is not the employer of a person employed or proposed to be employed in compressed air the employer shall appoint a medical practitioner to examine medically such person for fitness for such employment.(2) The employer shall notify the Commissioner in writing of the name and address of any medical practitioner appointed under paragraph (1).(3) The medical practitioner appointed under paragraph (1) shall be deemed to be the appointed medical practitioner for the purposes of regulations 26, 27(1) and (2) and 28. 26. Medical supervision and certification (1) Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), no person shall be employed in compressed air unless he has been examined by an appointed medical practitioner and certified by him, by a signed entry in the person’s compressed air health register in Form 6 of the Fourth Schedule to be fit for such employment.(2) In the case of a person who—(a) is a new starter, the certificate of fitness under paragraph (1) shall be obtained not more than 3 days prior to the employment;(b) is not a new starter and who continues to be employed in compressed air at a working pressure not exceeding 14 pounds per square inch, the certificate of fitness under paragraph (1) shall be obtained not less than once in every 3 months;(c) is not a new starter and who continues to be employed in compressed air at a working pressure exceeding 14 pounds per square inch, the certificate of fitness under paragraph (1) shall be obtained not less than once in every 4 weeks.(3) Notwithstanding that a person has been certified fit for employment in compressed air under this regulation, he shall not be so employed if he is suffering from a cold in the head, chest infection, sore throat or earache.(4) A person who is required to be employed in compressed air and who is suffering from a cold in the head, chest infection, sore throat or earache shall report the matter to the person appointed under regulation 5(1).(5) Any person suffering from a cold in the head, chest infection, sore throat, earache or any other illness or injury necessitating absence from work for more than 3 consecutive days shall be re-examined by an appointed medical practitioner and certified by him to be fit for employment in compressed air before he resumes such employment. 27. Compressed air health registers, etc. (1) For every person employed in compressed air the employer shall maintain a compressed air health register in Form 6 of the Fourth Schedule of which—(a) Part I shall be filled in by the employer; and(b) Part II shall be filled in by the appointed medical practitioner.(2) The compressed air health register for every person employed in compressed air shall be kept by the employer whilst such person is in his employment, except at times when it is required by such person or the appointed medical practitioner for the purposes of these regulations, and shall be given to such person on the termination of the employment.(3) The compressed air worker’s decompression sickness case sheet in Form 4 of the Fourth Schedule shall be filed by the medical lock attendant together with the relevant medical lock recording gauge charts.(4) The employer shall keep in his possession for 5 years, or such shorter period as the Commissioner may agree in writing in any particular case, copies of Forms 3, 4 and 5 of the Fourth Schedule in respect of any person employed by him in compressed air. 28. Radiographic examinations (1) Every person employed in compressed air at a pressure exceeding 14 pounds per square inch shall undergo a radiographic examination of his major joints within 4 weeks after such employment, unless the person has had such an examination during the 12 months immediately preceding such employment. (L.N. 162 of 1982)(2) Every person who continues to be employed in compressed air at a pressure exceeding 14 pounds per square inch shall undergo the examination referred to in paragraph (1) at intervals of about, but not less than, 12 months. (L.N. 162 of 1982)(3) Any radiographic examination required under this regulation shall be arranged by the appointed medical practitioner with the approval of the employer and the cost of the examination shall be borne by the employer.(4) The appointed medical practitioner shall enter the particulars of a radiographic examination under this regulation in the compressed air worker’s medical card in Form 3 of the Fourth Schedule. 29. Duty to submit to medical examination Every person employed or proposed to be employed in compressed air shall submit himself for medical examination in accordance with these regulations. Part VII Miscellaneous 30. Notification of work in compressed air A contractor shall, before he commences for the first time any construction work in compressed air at a pressure exceeding 14 pounds per square inch, notify in Form 7 of the Fourth Schedule—(a) an occupational safety officer; (32 of 2000 s. 48)(b) the Senior Occupational Health Officer; (L.N. 248 of 1982)(c) the police station nearest to the construction site; and(d) the fire services station nearest to the construction site. 31. Employment of persons without previous experience (1) No person shall be employed in compressed air unless—(a) he has had previous experience of such work; or(b) if he has not had such experience, he is accompanied by a person experienced in such work.(2) In the case of a person not previously employed in compressed air, compression shall not be carried out unless he is accompanied in the man-lock by a person competent to advise him as to the appropriate conduct of persons during compression.(3) A person who has not previously been employed in compressed air at a pressure exceeding 14 pounds per square inch shall work his first shift for not exceeding 4 hours, and such shift shall coincide with the latter part of a normal shift period so that the person is decompressed together with the other members of the shift who have previously been so employed. 32. Advisory leaflets Before any person is employed in compressed air for the first time, the employer shall give such person a leaflet in Form 8 of the Fourth Schedule and shall cause the contents of the leaflet to be explained to such person. 33. Personal labels (1) Where a person is employed in compressed air at a pressure exceeding 14 pounds per square inch, the employer shall give such person a suitable and durable label, to be worn next to the body, for the guidance of others should the person be taken ill after leaving work, indicating that the person has been employed in compressed air and giving the address of the medical lock to which he should be conveyed if taken ill.(2) A person who has been employed in compressed air at a pressure exceeding 14 pounds per square inch shall wear the label referred to in paragraph (1) next to his body at all times during the 24 hours immediately following such employment. 34. Consumption of alcohol and smoking (1) No person shall consume alcohol whilst he is employed in compressed air.(2) No person under the influence of alcohol shall undergo compression in any lock other than in a medical lock.(3) No person shall smoke whilst he is employed in compressed air. 35. Duty to follow instructions of lock attendants No person shall wilfully—(a) obstruct; or(b) delay or refuse to follow any instruction given by,a lock attendant or medical lock attendant in the course of his duties. 36. Supply of food and hot drinks Food and hot drinks shall be available to persons undergoing treatment in a medical lock. 37. Fire fighting procedure and fire drills The contractor shall—(a) display in a prominent position on the construction site the procedure to be followed in the event of an outbreak of fire and such procedure shall be approved by the Director of Fire Services;(b) ensure that every person employed in compressed air is familiar with the procedure referred to in subparagraph (a); and(c) hold a fire drill on the construction site not less than once in every month during the duration of the construction work. 38. Offences and penalties (1) If regulation 4, 6(1), 7, 8(1), (2)(c), (3)(b), (4) or (7), 10(1), 13, 16(1)(a) or (2)(a), 21(1), (2), (4)(b), (5) or (9) or 23(1) or (3) is contravened, the contractor commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of $400,000. (5 of 2023 s. 38)(2) If regulation 8(2)(a), (b), (d) or (e), (3)(a) or (c), (5), (6), (8), (9), (10) or (11), 9, 10(2) or (3), 14(1), (2) or (3), 15(3), 16(1)(b), (c), (d) or (e) or (2)(b) or (c), 17, 18, 19, 20, 21(3), (4)(a), (c), (d), (e), (f) or (g), (6)(a), (b), (c), (d) or (e), (7), (8), (10) or (11), 22, 23(2), (4) or (5) or 27(3) is contravened, the contractor commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine at level 6. (5 of 2023 s. 38)(2A) If regulation 8(12), 15(1) or (2), 21(6)(f) or 36 is contravened, the contractor commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine at level 4. (5 of 2023 s. 38)(3) Any contractor who fails to comply with regulation 6(2), 24(1), 30 or 37 commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine at level 6. (L.N. 323 of 1981; 71 of 1989 s. 13)(4) If regulation 14(4) is contravened, the contractor commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine at level 4. (L.N. 323 of 1981)(5) Any contractor who fails to comply with regulation 11(4) (in relation to a requirement under regulation 11(1)) commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of $400,000. (L.N. 323 of 1981)(6) (Repealed 5 of 2023 s. 38)(6A) (Repealed 5 of 2023 s. 38)(7) Any contractor who fails to comply with regulation 11(4) (in relation to a requirement under regulation 11(2) or (3)) commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine at level 6. (L.N. 323 of 1981)(7A) Any contractor who fails to comply with regulation 24(2) commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine at level 4. (L.N. 29 of 1994)(8) (Repealed 5 of 2023 s. 38)(8A) An employer who fails to comply with regulation 12 commits an offence and is liable on conviction to—(a) if the offence was committed without reasonable excuse—a fine of $400,000 and to imprisonment for 6 months; or(b) in any other case—a fine of $400,000. (5 of 2023 s. 38)(8B) If regulation 26(1), (2), (3) or (5), 28(1), (2) or (3) or 31 is contravened, the employer commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine at level 6. (L.N. 323 of 1981)(8C) Any employer who fails to comply with regulation 25(1), 32 or 33(1) commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine at level 6. (L.N. 323 of 1981)(8D) Any employer who fails to comply with regulation 25(2) or 27(1), (2) or (4) commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine at level 4. (L.N. 323 of 1981)(8E) Any contractor who without reasonable excuse fails to comply with regulation 5(1) commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of $400,000 and to imprisonment for 6 months. (71 of 1989 s. 13)(8F) If regulation 12(4) is contravened without reasonable excuse, the contractor commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of $400,000 and to imprisonment for 6 months. (71 of 1989 s. 13)(9) A person appointed under regulation 5(1) who— (5 of 2023 s. 38)(a) fails to comply with regulation 5(2) or 11(4) (in relation to a requirement under regulation 11(2) or (3)) commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine at level 5; or(b) fails to comply with regulation 11(4) (in relation to a requirement under regulation 11(1)) commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of $150,000.(10) If regulation 18, 19, 20 or 22 is contravened, the person appointed under regulation 5(1) commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine at level 5.(10A) If regulation 26(3) or 27(3) is contravened, the person appointed under regulation 5(1) commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine at level 5. (L.N. 29 of 1994)(11) A person appointed under regulation 6(2) who fails to comply with regulation 6(3) commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine at level 5.(12) Any lock attendant who— (5 of 2023 s. 38)(a) fails to comply with regulation 11(1) commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of $150,000; or(b) fails to comply with regulation 11(2) or (3) commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine at level 5.(13) A person who, without reasonable excuse, fails to comply with regulation 26(4) or 33(2) commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine at level 5. (5 of 2023 s. 38)(14) A person who, without reasonable excuse, fails to comply with regulation 29 commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine at level 3. (5 of 2023 s. 38)(15) A person who contravenes regulation 34 commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of $150,000. (5 of 2023 s. 38)(16) A person who contravenes regulation 35 commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine at level 5. (5 of 2023 s. 38)(L.N. 323 of 1981; L.N. 29 of 1994; 5 of 2023 s. 38) First Schedule [reg. 7(1)]Purity of Compressed Air A sample of air taken from a working chamber, man-lock, medical lock or decant lock shall not contain impurities in excess of the limits given in the Table. Table (See Note below) Carbon monoxide 10 parts per million Carbon dioxide 500 parts per million Oil 1 mg/m3 Water The air shall be as dry as possible and shall not give rise to condensation of moisture at the maximum filling pressure and a minimal service temperature of 5℃. At ambient temperature below 5℃ there is a risk of freezing inside the chamber or lock, and particular attention shall be given to the air under these circumstances. The air shall be dried chemically under extremely cold conditions. Odour and cleanliness The air shall be free from all odour and contamination by dust, dirt and metallic particles, and shall not contain any other toxic ingredient. (See Note below.) Note: Odour and cleanliness of compressed air are difficult to check accurately without special equipment. A rough check may be made by opening the cylinder valve and smelling the escaping air, and by noting any discolouration or wetness when the air is passed through tissue or filter paper. Second Schedule [regs. 8 & 11(1)]Compression Procedure (Regulation 11(1)) The procedure for the compression of persons shall be as follows—(1) The pressure shall not, in the first minute after starting compression, be increased to more than 5 pounds per square inch.(2) When the pressure referred to in subparagraph (1) is reached, the pressure shall not be further increased until after the lapse of a period sufficiently long to enable the lock attendant to discover whether or not any person in the man-lock complains of discomfort.(3) After the lapse of the period referred to in subparagraph (2), the pressure shall be increased at a rate not faster than 10 pounds per square inch per minute.(4) Subject to subparagraphs (1), (2) and (3), the pressure shall be increased gradually so as to ensure as far as possible that no person in the man-lock suffers discomfort.(5) If any person in the man-lock complains of discomfort during compression, that compression shall be stopped immediately. If the discomfort does not cease quickly the pressure shall be gradually decreased. If the discomfort does not cease during decompression, the person concerned shall be released from the man-lock when atmospheric pressure is reached and required to report to the medical lock attendant. Third Schedule [regs. 3, 8, 11(1), 16 & 17]Decompression Procedure (Regulation 11(1)) Part I General 1. The decompression of persons who have been employed in compressed air at a pressure exceeding 14 pounds per square inch shall be according to the Decompression Tables in this Schedule. 2. For the purposes of this Schedule—basic pressure (基本氣壓) means the highest pressure at which a person has been employed in compressed air during a working period;working period (工作時間) means the period, or the sum of the periods, during which, since last subject to ordinary atmospheric pressure for not less than 12 hours, a person is exposed to pressure. Part II Normal Decompression 3. Except where decanting under Part III is carried out, the procedure for the decompression of a single person, or 2 or more persons whose working periods and basic pressures fall within the same range, shall be as follows—(1) Before the decompression is commenced, the lock attendant shall ascertain that the recording pressure gauge is in good working order and correctly zeroed.(2) The working period and basic pressure of such person or persons, as the case may be, shall be ascertained in order to determine which Decompression Table shall apply.(3) The pressure shall be reduced at the rate of approximately 5 pounds per square inch per minute to, but not lower than, the first stage according to the appropriate Decompression Table.(4) The pressure under subparagraph (3) shall be maintained for the number of minutes prescribed in the Decompression Table.(5) The pressure maintained under subparagraph (4) shall then be reduced at the rate of approximately 5 pounds per square inch per minute to the next stage of the Decompression Table.(6) The procedure in subparagraphs (4) and (5) shall be followed until decompression is completed.(7) If an automatic apparatus is used to control the decompression, the lock attendant shall ensure that the decompression procedure is accurate. If the automatic apparatus fails in any way, the lock attendant shall control the decompression manually according to the procedure in this paragraph and shall inform the person appointed under regulation 5(1). 4. When 2 or more persons, whose working periods or basic pressures do not fall within the same range, are being decompressed in the man-lock, the procedure for decompression shall be that prescribed in paragraph 3 except that for the purposes of subparagraph (2) of that paragraph the longest working period and the highest basic pressure of any one of such persons shall be taken for the application of the appropriate Decompression Table. 5. Where a person in a man-lock collapses or is taken ill during decompression, the lock attendant in charge shall raise the pressure in the man-lock to the pressure in the working chamber and shall report the matter immediately to the medical lock attendant on duty. The lock attendant shall then follow the instructions of the medical lock attendant or the appointed medical practitioner on duty.(80 of 1997 s. 102) Part III Decanting 6. The procedure for the decanting of persons shall be as follows—(1) The persons shall be decompressed in the man-lock rapidly but at a speed that does not cause them discomfort.(2) The persons shall then be transferred to the decant lock.(3) The persons shall be recompressed to a pressure of 1 pound per square inch above the basic pressure.(4) The pressure under subparagraph (3) shall be maintained for 5 minutes.(5) Decompression shall then be carried out according to the appropriate Decompression Table based on the pressure under subparagraph (3). 7. The rate of recompression in the decant lock may be at a speed faster than that recommended for normal compression but at a speed that does not cause discomfort to the persons in the lock. 8. If during recompression in the decant lock a person develops “ear block”, compression shall be stopped. If the affected person cannot clear his ears within 3 minutes, the decant lock shall be reduced to atmospheric pressure and that person shall be removed from the decant lock. The remaining persons in the decant lock shall be recompressed immediately. The affected person shall be transferred rapidly back to the man-lock where he shall be given a careful recompression followed by the requisite decompression. If the man-lock is not available, the procedure shall be carried out in the medical lock. In any event, the medical lock attendant shall be informed at the first possible opportunity.(E.R. 4 of 2024) Decompression Tables Table 1 Where the Working Period is not over 1/2 Hour Basic pressure(Pounds persquare inch) Stage pressure (Pounds per square inch)(see Note 2) Total time-(minutes)(See Note 3) 28 24 20 16 12 8 4 14 to 16 — 16 to 18 — 18 to 20 — 20 to 22 — 22 to 24 — 24 to 26 — 26 to 28 — 28 to 30 — 30 to 32 5 5 32 to 34 5 5 34 to 36 5 5 36 to 38 5 5 38 to 40 5 5 40 to 42 10 10 42 to 44 10 10 44 to 46 15 15 46 to 48 5 10 15 48 to 50 5 15 20 Notes: 1. Decompress at a rate not faster than 5 pounds per square inch per minute. 2. Decompress between stages at a rate of 5 pounds per square inch per minute. 3. Not including time between stages. 4. Where alternative decompression procedures are given (e.g. 46 pounds per square inch) the longer decompression procedure should always be chosen. Table 2 Where the Working Period is over 1/2 Hour but up to and including 1 Hour Basic pressure(Pounds persquare inch) Stage pressure (Pounds per square inch)(see Note 2) Total time-(minutes)(See Note 3) 28 24 20 16 12 8 4 14 to 16 — 16 to 18 — 18 to 20 — 20 to 22 — 22 to 24 5 5 24 to 26 5 5 26 to 28 10 10 28 to 30 15 15 30 to 32 20 20 32 to 34 5 20 25 34 to 36 5 30 35 36 to 38 5 35 40 38 to 40 10 40 50 40 to 42 10 45 55 42 to 44 5 10 50 65 44 to 46 5 15 50 70 46 to 48 5 20 50 75 48 to 50 5 25 55 85 Notes: 1. Decompress at a rate not faster than 5 pounds per square inch per minute. 2. Decompress between stages at a rate of 5 pounds per square inch per minute. 3. Not including time between stages. 4. Where alternative decompression procedures are given (e.g. 46 pounds per square inch) the longer decompression procedure should always be chosen. Table 3 Where the Working Period is over 1 Hour but up to and including 1 1/2 Hours Maximumworking pressure(Pounds persquare inch) Stage pressure (Pounds per square inch)(see Note 2) Total time-(minutes)(See Note 3) 28 24 20 16 12 8 4 14 to 16 2 2 16 to 18 2 2 18 to 20 5 5 20 to 22 10 10 22 to 24 15 15 24 to 26 25 25 26 to 28 5 30 35 28 to 30 5 40 45 30 to 32 10 45 55 32 to 34 15 50 65 34 to 36 20 55 75 36 to 38 5 20 60 85 38 to 40 5 30 60 95 40 to 42 10 35 60 105 42 to 44 15 40 60 115 44 to 46 5 20 40 60 125 46 to 48 5 25 45 60 135 48 to 50 5 30 50 60 145 Notes: 1. Decompress at a rate not faster than 5 pounds per square inch per minute. 2. Decompress between stages at a rate of 5 pounds per square inch per minute. 3. Not including time between stages. 4. Where alternative decompression procedures are given (e.g. 46 pounds per square inch) the longer decompression procedure should always be chosen. Table 4 Where the Working Period is over 1 1/2 Hours but up to and including 2 Hours Maximumworking pressure(Pounds persquare inch) Stage pressure (Pounds per square inch)(see Note 2) Total time-(minutes)(See Note 3) 28 24 20 16 12 8 4 14 to 16 2 2 16 to 18 5 5 18 to 20 10 10 20 to 22 20 20 22 to 24 30 30 24 to 26 5 40 45 26 to 28 5 50 55 28 to 30 15 50 65 30 to 32 25 50 75 32 to 34 5 25 60 90 34 to 36 5 35 60 100 36 to 38 10 40 60 110 38 to 40 15 45 60 120 40 to 42 5 20 45 60 130 42 to 44 5 25 50 60 140 44 to 46 10 30 50 60 150 46 to 48 5 10 35 50 60 160 48 to 50 5 15 40 50 60 170 Notes: 1. Decompress at a rate not faster than 5 pounds per square inch per minute. 2. Decompress between stages at a rate of 5 pounds per square inch per minute. 3. Not including time between stages. 4. Where alternative decompression procedures are given (e.g. 46 pounds per square inch) the longer decompression procedure should always be chosen. Table 5 Where the Working Period is over 2 Hours but up to and including 2 1/2 Hours Maximumworking pressure(Pounds persquare inch) Stage pressure (Pounds per square inch)(see Note 2) Total time-(minutes)(See Note 3) 28 24 20 16 12 8 4 14 to 16 5 5 16 to 18 10 10 18 to 20 20 20 20 to 22 30 30 22 to 24 5 40 45 24 to 26 10 45 55 26 to 28 15 55 70 28 to 30 20 60 80 30 to 32 5 30 60 95 32 to 34 10 35 60 105 34 to 36 15 40 60 115 36 to 38 5 15 45 60 125 38 to 40 5 25 45 60 135 40 to 42 10 30 45 60 145 42 to 44 15 35 45 60 155 44 to 46 5 15 35 50 60 165 46 to 48 5 25 35 50 60 175 48 to 50 10 25 40 50 60 185 Notes: 1.

Decompress at a rate not faster than 5 pounds per square inch per minute. 2. Decompress between stages at a rate of 5 pounds per square inch per minute. 3. Not including time between stages. 4. Where alternative decompression procedures are given (e.g. 46 pounds per square inch) the longer decompression procedure should always be chosen. Table 6 Where the Working Period is over 2 1/2 Hours but up to and including 3 Hours Maximumworking pressure(Pounds persquare inch) Stage pressure (Pounds per square inch)(see Note 2) Total time-(minutes)(See Note 3) 28 24 20 16 12 8 4 14 to 16 5 5 16 to 18 15 15 18 to 20 25 25 20 to 22 40 40 22 to 24 5 50 55 24 to 26 15 50 65 26 to 28 20 60 80 28 to 30 5 30 60 95 30 to 32 10 35 60 105 32 to 34 15 40 60 115 34 to 36 5 20 40 60 125 36 to 38 5 25 45 60 135 38 to 40 10 30 45 60 145 40 to 42 15 35 45 60 155 42 to 44 5 20 35 50 60 170 44 to 46 10 20 40 50 60 180 46 to 48 15 25 40 50 60 190 48 to 50 5 15 30 40 50 60 200 Notes: 1. Decompress at a rate not faster than 5 pounds per square inch per minute. 2. Decompress between stages at a rate of 5 pounds per square inch per minute. 3. Not including time between stages. 4. Where alternative decompression procedures are given (e.g. 46 pounds per square inch) the longer decompression procedure should always be chosen. Table 7 Where the Working Period is over 3 Hours but up to and including 4 Hours Maximumworking pressure(Pounds persquare inch) Stage pressure (Pounds per square inch)(see Note 2) Total time-(minutes)(See Note 3) 28 24 20 16 12 8 4 14 to 16 10 10 16 to 18 20 20 18 to 20 35 35 20 to 22 5 45 50 22 to 24 10 55 65 24 to 26 20 55 75 26 to 28 5 30 55 90 28 to 30 5 40 60 105 30 to 32 15 40 60 115 32 to 34 20 45 60 125 34 to 36 5 30 45 60 140 36 to 38 10 35 45 60 150 38 to 40 5 15 35 45 60 160 40 to 42 5 20 40 45 60 170 42 to 44 10 25 40 45 60 180 44 to 46 5 10 30 40 45 60 190 46 to 48 5 20 30 40 45 60 200 48 to 50 10 20 35 40 50 60 215 Notes: 1. Decompress at a rate not faster than 5 pounds per square inch per minute. 2. Decompress between stages at a rate of 5 pounds per square inch per minute. 3. Not including time between stages. 4. Where alternative decompression procedures are given (e.g. 46 pounds per square inch) the longer decompression procedure should always be chosen. Table 8 Where the Working Period is over 4 Hours but up to and including 8 Hours Maximumworking pressure(Pounds persquare inch) Stage pressure (Pounds per square inch)(see Note 2) Total time-(minutes)(See Note 3) 28 24 20 16 12 8 4 14 to 16 15 15 16 to 18 30 30 18 to 20 45 45 20 to 22 5 55 60 22 to 24 15 60 75 24 to 26 30 60 90 26 to 28 5 35 60 100 28 to 30 10 45 60 115 30 to 32 20 45 60 125 32 to 34 5 30 45 65 145 34 to 36 10 35 45 70 160 36 to 38 20 35 45 80 180 38 to 40 5 25 40 50 85 205 40 to 42 10 30 40 50 90 220 42 to 44 5 15 30 40 55 100 245 44 to 46 5 20 35 40 60 110 270 46 to 48 10 25 35 45 65 120 300 48 to 50 5 10 30 40 45 70 130 330 Notes: 1. Decompress at a rate not faster than 5 pounds per square inch per minute. 2. Decompress between stages at a rate of 5 pounds per square inch per minute. 3. Not including time between stages. 4. Where alternative decompression procedures are given (e.g. 46 pounds per square inch) the longer decompression procedure should always be chosen. Fourth Schedule Form 1 [regs. 11 & 14] Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Work in Compressed Air) Regulations LOCK ATTENDANT’S REGISTER Contractor Date Construction Site Wet bulb temperature Name of lock attendant Record all times as a.m. or p.m. Name ofWorker Work numberoroccupation Compression Decompression Time ofentry into working chamber Working pressure Maximumworkingpressureduring shift Shift period Timedecompression commenced Timedecompression finished Decompression time Remarks hrs. mins. Note: The times recorded on this Form must be taken from the clock provided for the use of the man-lock attendant in accordance with regulation 8. (L.N. 307 of 1998) Form 2 [reg. 11(3)] Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Work in Compressed Air) Regulations COMPRESSED AIR WORKER’S TRANSFER RECORD This record is to be retained by the person to whom it is issued. Entries are to be made by the lock attendant who will also make the necessary entries in the lock attendant’s register (Form 1). Name of Worker: . Date Lock No. or description Total decompression time inminutes When entering When leaving (ifdifferent) Pressure Time of entering working chamber Time of leaving working chamber Time in working chamber Lock Attendant’s Signature hrs. mins. hrs. mins. hrs. mins. (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) Form 3 [regs. 24, 27 & 28] Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Work inCompressed Air) Regulations COMPRESSED AIR WORKER’S MEDICAL CARD CONFIDENTIAL Contract: Date: Full name of worker: Date of birth: Permanent address: Employment (this contract): Recent occupation: active/sedentary Previous compressed air experience Contract Dates How long? Max. pressure Any bends? Yes/No Yes/No Yes/No Previous X-ray examinations Contract Chest/joints Date Result Medical history Ever declared unfit for employment in compressed air? Yes/No Operations Injuries Bronchitis Yes/No Asthma Yes/No Hay fever Yes/No Sinusitis Yes/No Diabetes Yes/No Fits Yes/No Ear trouble Yes/No Hernia Yes/No Signature Medical examination Height: Weight: Lungs: Heart: Blood pressure: Ears: Joints: Urine: Eustachian tubes patent: Yes/No Test in lock: Yes/No Fit for employment in compressed air: Yes/No Any reservations? Doctor’s signature: Add any further notes: _ Form 4 [regs. 24 & 27] Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Work in Compressed Air) Regulations COMPRESSED AIR WORKER’S DECOMPRESSION SICKNESSCASE SHEET Contract: Date: Full name of worker: Identification: Occupation: Activity: Manual/Supervisory/Sedentary Maximum working pressure: Decanted: Yes/No If multiple exposures—how many? Total exposure time: Was decompressed according to tables? Yes/No Man-lock temp.: . max. . min. Man-lock CO2 Shift: Day Back Night Shift if new starter: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th Shift if after absence of 7 days: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th “Cold” infection: head or chest Yes/No Type 1 (bends) Site of pain: Localized: Yes/No Spreading: Yes/No How soon after decompression: Time decompression finished: Any injury to affected part: Yes/No Excessive use of limbs: Yes/No Any symptom other than pain: Type 2 Signs and symptoms: Circulatory: Yes/No Respiratory: Yes/No Visual: Yes/No Neurological: Yes/No Skin mottling: Yes/No Skin irritation: Yes/No Vomiting: Yes/No Treatment Time commenced: Time completed: Pressure of relief: Highest pressure used: Method of decompression: Number of recompressions: Residual symptoms: Fit for employment in compressed air again: Yes/No (if in doubt, refer to the appointed medical practitioner) Evidence of recurrence after leaving medical centre: Yes/No (E.R. 4 of 2024)_ Form 5 [regs. 24 & 27] Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Work in Compressed Air) Regulations COMPRESSED AIR WORKER’S INDIVIDUAL AIR RECORD Contract: Name of worker: Date of birth: Identification: Occupation: Shift worker: Yes/No Total days employed in compressed air: Date Length of each shift Maximum pressure Decanting time (if applicable) Shift Bends Symptoms not treated *WP to WP †D B N Type 1 Type 2 *WP = working pressure †D = Day B = Back N = Night _ Form 6 [regs. 26 & 27] Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Work in Compressed Air) Regulations COMPRESSED AIR HEALTH REGISTER Part I Person to whom this register relates (To be filled in by the employer) Name: Address: Date of birth: Name, address and telephone number of the appointed medical practitioners: 1. 2. 3. Part II Certificate of examination of the person named in Part I of this register asto his fitness for employment in compressed air (To be filled in by the appointed medical practitioners) Date of examination Name of employer and construction site address Result of examination and any conditions affecting employmentin compressed air Signature of theappointedmedicalpractitioner (1) (2) (3) (4) _ Form 7 [reg. 30] Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Work in Compressed Air) Regulations NOTIFICATION OF COMMENCEMENTOF WORK IN COMPRESSED AIR (To be completed and sent before commencement of construction workin compressed air) To: * Occupational Safety Officer, Labour Department, Hong Kong * The Senior Occupational Health Officer, Labour Department, Hong Kong † The Police Station † The Fire Station Name of contractor Address of contractor If the contractor is a company or firm, the name under which it carries on business The location and telephone number of the construction site where construction work in compressed air will be carried out The date on which the work will commence and likely duration of the work Number of persons to be employed in compressed air (Chop of company or firm) Signature Position Date * delete where necessary † name of police or fire services station nearest to the construction site (L.N. 248 of 1982; 32 of 2000 s. 48) _ Form 8 [reg. 32] Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Work in Compressed Air) Regulations (Regulation 32) ADVISORY LEAFLET FOR ISSUE TO PERSONS WHO WORKIN OR ENTER COMPRESSED AIR Read these rules carefully make sure you understand themfor your own sake—follow them Persons who work in or enter compressed air sometimes get pains in their joints soon after leaving the working chamber. These pains are called “the bends”, “caisson sickness”, or just “pains”. They may occur in muscles and other parts of the body. They can almost always be avoided. Pain is sometimes felt in the ears or head during compression. This too can be avoided. Very rarely a more serious kind of “bends” may occur and a person may even “pass out” suddenly. Immediate recompression is necessary. This is why it is so important that you always wear the label you have been given in case you get the “bends” when you are away from the construction site. A certain number of persons who work in or enter compressed air develop, after a time, small areas of damage in some of their bones. If these affect the hip or shoulder joints arthritis may follow. Failure to obey these rules will increase the risk of bone damage. YOU MUST NOT WORK IN OR ENTER COMPRESSED AIR UNTILYOU HAVE BEEN PASSED AS FIT BY THE DOCTOR Do not go to work in or enter compressed air if you have a cold in the head, chest infection, sore throat or earache. If you have any of these complaints, you must report to the supervisor in charge of the compressed air operations at the construction site. If you have been off sick through any illness or injury for more than 3 days, you must be re-examined by the appointed medical practitioner before you go back into compressed air. You must be passed medically fit before you start work in or enter compressed air. If the working pressure is over 14 pounds per square inch, you must be examined by the appointed medical practitioner at least once every 4 weeks. If the working pressure is below 14 pounds per square inch, you must be so examined at least once every 3 months. The lock attendant has to keep a record of all persons who enter and leave the lock, and also has to control all decompression. Always obey his instructions. YOU MUST ALWAYS WEAR THE LABEL ISSUED TO YOU If you get an attack of “bends” get back to the construction site as quickly as you can and report to the medical lock attendant who will arrange for treatment in the medical lock. You must never drink alcohol in compressed air, and smoking is also forbidden. If you have not worked in or entered compressed air before you must not enter the lock unless an experienced compressed air worker is with you. If the rate of compression is not controlled by the lock attendant, the contractor employing you may tell the leading man to take charge of the valves which let in the compressed air. If you feel pain or discomfort, warn the leading man or lock attendant at once, and compression will be stopped. If the pain does not go, pressure will be reduced slowly and you will be let out of the lock. TO REDUCE THE RISK OF “BENDS” DECOMPRESSION MUSTBE CARRIED OUT STRICTLY ACCORDING TO THE RULES Decompression is usually in 2 stages, the first quick and the second very slow, though other methods can be allowed under these regulations. The lock attendant must control all decompressions. Do not try to interfere with his control. You can get in touch with him by means of the speaking tube, the telephone or the observation window. Attacks of “bends” usually start within 1 1/2 hours after decompression. If the working pressure is over 40 pounds per square inch you should stay near the medical lock for at least 1 1/2 hours. If it is less than this you should stay near the medical lock for at least an hour. IN THE INTERESTS OF YOUR HEALTH OBEY THESE RULESIF YOU DO NOT—YOU MAY BECOME SERIOUSLY ILL Labour Department, Hong Kong. (L.N. 570 of 1995; E.R. 4 of 2024)