Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1994, published 81st ILC session (1994)

Working Environment (Air Pollution, Noise and Vibration) Convention, 1977 (No. 148) - Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (Ratification: 1997)

The Committee notes with interest the information supplied in the Government's report concerning the application of Article 7, paragraph 2, Article 8 and Article 13 of the Convention, as well as the adoption, in 1993, of the Air Pollution Control (Amendment) Ordinance.

1. Article 2, paragraphs 2 and 3. The Committee notes with interest the adoption of the Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Noise at Work) Regulation (L.N. 239 of 1992). It further notes the indication in the Government's report concerning general measures taken to ensure the protection of workers against the hazards due to noise. In this regard, the Government might wish to consider accepting the obligations of the Convention in respect of noise.

2. The Government is requested to provide further information, in its next report, on the following point:

Article 10. In its previous comments, the Committee noted the information supplied in the Government's report concerning the provision of protective equipment for workers in confined spaces and on construction sites. In its latest report, the Government has indicated that factory inspectors make regular inspections to ensure workers are provided with suitable personal protective equipment. The Committee would recall that this Article of the Convention provides that, where the technical or supplementary organizational measures taken do not bring air pollution in the working environment within the limits specified, the employer shall provide and maintain suitable personal protective equipment and cannot require workers to work in such situations without this equipment. The Government is requested to indicate the measures taken in legislation or otherwise to place the duty upon the employer to provide personal protective equipment when the established exposure limits have been surpassed.