FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (ELECTRICITY) REGULATIONS

FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (ELECTRICITY) REGULATIONS

FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS
(ELECTRICITY) REGULATIONS


J 8

ARRANGEMENT OF REGULATIONS

Regulation .................................. Page

PART 1

PRELIMINARY

1. Citation............................... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... W3

2. Interpretation................... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... W 3
3. Application...................... ... ... .. 1 ... ... ... ... ... W5

4. Modification of requirements by Commissioner ... ... ... ... ... W6

PART 11

GENERAL SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

5. Construction and usage of apparatus ...... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... W 6
6. Insulation and protection of conductors ... ... ... ... ... ... ... W 7

PART 111

SWITCHES, CONDUCTORS AND ELECTRIC MOTORS

7. Construction of switches, circuit breakers etc . ... ... ... ... W 7

8. Protection of circuits by fuses and circuit breakers ... ... ... ... ... W 7

9. Construction of joints and connexions .... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... W 7
10. Isolation of voltage from parts of a system ... ... ... ... ... ... ... W
7

11. Use of single-pole switches with one conductor earthed ... ... ... ... W 8

12. Means of isolating voltage in special circumstances ... ... ... ... ... W 8

13. Starting and stopping of electric motors ... ... ... ... ... ... ... W 8

14. Connexion and earthing of portable apparatus exceeding extra low voltage ... W 8

PART IV

SWITCHBOARDS AND SWITCHBOARD APPARATUS

is. Construction of switchboards ............. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... W 8

16. Enclosure of bare conductors on switchboards ... ... ... ... ... ... W 9

17. Location of switchboard apparatus ..... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... W 9

18. Precautions to be taken against metal becoming live ... ... ... ... ... W 9

19. Precautions to be taken when persons are working on apparatus W 10

PART V

PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT, LIGHTING AND SPECIAL RISKS







20. Provision of protective stands or screens ... ... ... ... ... W10

21. Provision and use of protective stands, screens, boots and gloves ... ... W10

22. Provision of access to and working space for apparatus ... ... ... ... ... W 10





Regulation Page
23. Lighting of apparatus ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... W 10

24....................Precautions for special conditions ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... W10

25..........................Precaution for apparatus utilizing high voltage ... ... ... ... ... ... W 11

26.................................Qualifications and supervision of persons carrying out work ... ... ... W 11

27..........................Display of notice on treatment for electric shock ... ... ... ... ... ... W 11

PART VI

SUBSTATIONS

28. Construction of substations ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... W 11
29. Control of and on entry to substations ... ... ... ... ... ... ... W 11
30. Safe access to underground substations ... ... ... ... . ... ... ... W 12

PART VII

DUTIES OFFENCES AND
PENALTIES

31. Duties of and offences relating to proprietors and electrical contractors ... ... W 12
32. Offences relating to misuse of apparatus etc. ... ... ... ... ... ... W 12
33. Saying ... ... ... ... ... ... ... . ... ... ... ... ... W 13





FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS
(ELECTRICITY) REGULATIONS

(Cap. 59, section 7)

[1 December 1982.1

PART I

PRELIMINARY

1. These regulations may be cited as the Factories and
Industrial Undertakings (Electricity) Regulations.

2. In these regulations, unless the context otherwise requires-
'apparatus' includes all electrical apparatus and any apparatus,
machines or fittings in which conductors are used;
'authorized person' means a person who is either-
(a) the proprietor; or
(b)an electrical contractor for the time being under contract
with the proprietor; or
(c)a person appointed in writing by a proprietor or an
electrical contractor, as the case may be, for all or any of
the purposes of regulation 16(2), 26 or 29(2);
'bare'' means not covered by insulating material;
'circuit- means an arrangement of conductors forming an electrical
system or branch of an electrical system for the purpose of
carrying electricity;
'competent person' means a person who is-
(a)by reason of his qualifications, technical knowledge, train-
ing or practical experience able to perform any assigned
duty or work in a manner sufficient to avoid electrical
hazard; and
(b)appointed in writing by an authorized person for all or any
of the purposes of regulation 16(2), 26 or 29(2);
'conductor' means any wire, cable, bar or tube used for conducting
electricity;
'covered' in relation to insulating material, means sufficiently
covered with insulating material so as to prevent electrical
hazard;
'dead' means at or about zero voltage and disconnected from any
live electrical system;
'&earthed' means connected to the general mass of the earth in such
manner as will ensure at all times an immediate discharge of
electrical energy without causing electrical hazard;





'electrical contractor' means any person or firm engaged in carrying out
electrical work by way of trade or business, either on his own
account or pursuant to a contract or arrangement entered into with
another person, including the Crown or any public body;

'electrical hazard' means danger to health, life or property from electric
fire or electric shock;

'extra-low voltage' means any voltage not exceeding 50 volts
alternating current or 120 volts direct current whether between
conductors or to earth;

'high voltage' means any voltage normally exceeding low voltage;

'insulated' and 'insulating' in relation to any apparatus, device,
protective equipment or fitting means made of or covered with a
non-conducting material of such design and construction so that it
is normally impossible when the apparatus, device, protective
equipment or fitting is in use for any person to make accidental or
unintentional contact with any live metal or metal liable to become
five;

live means charged with electricity so that a voltage exists between a
conductor and another conductor or a conductor and earth;

'low voltage' means any voltage normally exceeding extra low voltage
but not exceeding 1000 volts alternating current or 1 500 volts
direct current between conductors or 600 volts alternating current
or 900 volts direct current between conductors and earth;

'protective equipment' includes any insulating stands, screens,
portable or otherwise, mats and covers and insulating boots,
gloves or other protective equipment provided and maintained
under regulation 20 or 21(1), as the case may be;

'substation' means any building, structure or enclosure, either above or
below ground, containing transforming or converting apparatus in
which electrical energy is transformed or converted to or from
voltage exceeding low voltage otherwise than for the purpose of
working instruments, relays or similar auxiliary apparatus, where
such building, structure or enclosure has sufficient space to permit
a person to enter;

'switchboard' means a panel or structure on which is located any
switching equipment or other apparatus used in or in connexion
with the control of current or voltage in an electrical system;

',system' means an electrical system in which all the conductors and
apparatus used in or in connexion with the electrical system are
connected to a common source of electrical energy; and

,,voltage' means the difference of electrical potential between
conductors or between a conductor and the earth.





3. (1) Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), these regulations shall
apply to all industrial undertakings in which electricity is generated,
transformed, distributed or used.

(2) These regulations shall not apply to an industrial undertaking
where the generation, transformation and transmission of electricity or
motive power of any kind is carried on--

(a)for the purpose of supplying electricity in accordance with
the Electricity Supply Ordinance;

(b)for the purpose of moving railway locomotives, trains, rolling
stock and vessels which are used for the traffic of the railway
under the authority of the Kowloon-Canton Railway
Oridnance;

(c)for the purpose of moving cars or trucks upon a tramway
under the authority of the Tramway Ordinance;

(d)for the purpose of drawing or propelling carriages, cars or
trucks upon a tramway under the authority of the Peak
Tramway Ordinance; or

(e)for the purpose of running locomotives, trains, carriages,
trucks or any other conveyance upon a railway under the
authority of the Mass Transit Railway Corporation Ordinance.

(3) The following regulations shall not apply in respect of electrical
apparatus in an industrial undertaking where the voltage of such
apparatus does not exceed extra low voltage

(a)regulation 6, which relates to the insulation and protection of
conductors;

(b)regulation 7, which relates to the construction of switches,
circuit breakers, fuse-switches and isolating links;

(c)regulation 10, which relates to the isolation of voltage from
parts of a system;

(d)regulation 11, which relates to the use of single-pole switches
with one conductor earthed;

(e)regulation 12, which relates to the means of isolating voltage
in special circumstances;

(f)regulation 16, which relates to the enclosure of bare
conductors on switchboards;

(g)regulation 17, which relates to the location of switchboard
apparatus;

(h)regulation 18, which relates to the precautions to be taken
against metal becoming live;

(i)regulation 19, which relates to the precautions to be taken
when persons are working on apparatus;





(j)regulation 20, which relates to the provision, supply and use
of fixed isulating stands and screens;

(k)regulation 21, which relates to the provision, supply and use
of portable insulating stands, screens, boots and gloves;

(1)regulation 22, which relates to the provision of working space
for and means of access to apparatus;

(m) regulation 23, which relates to the lighting of apparatus;

(n)regulation 26, which relates to the carrying out of work
requiring technical knowledge or practical experience, by
authorized or competent persons;

(o)regulation 27, which relates to the display of a notice advising
the standard treatment for persons receiving electric shock;

(p)regulation 28, which relates to the construction of
substations; and

(q)regulation 29, which relates to the control of and the
restrictions on entry to substations.

4. (1) Where the Commissioner is satisfied that strict compliance
with all or any of these regulations is, in any particular circumstances,
not necessary for the prevention of electrical hazard, he may, by
certificate in writing under his hand, modify any such requirements if he
is satisfied that reasonable freedom from electrical hazard can otherwise
be secured or that no increase in electrical hazard will result.

(2) In granting such modification the Commissioner shall specify
any special work or requirement he considers necessary to ensure
reasonable freedom from electrical hazard.

(3) The Commissioner may, by certificate in writing under his hand,
rescind any modification if he is satisfied that the electrical hazard has
thereby been unduly increased.

PART II

GENERAL SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

5. (1) All apparatus and conductors shall be sufficient in size and
capacity for the work they are called upon to do and for the purposes
for which the supply of electrical energy is to be used and shall be
constructed, installed, protected and maintained so as to prevent
electrical hazard.

(2) All live parts of apparatus shall be protected against accidental
personal contact either by the design and construction of the apparatus
or by the manner of its installation.





6. All live conductors, including those forming part of apparatus,
shall be so insulated and further effectively protected where necessary,
or so placed and safeguarded, so as to prevent electrical hazard so far
as reasonably practicable.

PART III

SWITCHES, CONDUCTORS AND ELECTRIC
MOTORS

7. Every switch, switch fuse, circuit breaker and isolating link shall
be

(a)constructed, placed and protected so as to prevent electrical
hazard;

(b)constructed and adjusted accurately so as to make and
maintain effectual contact;

(c)provided with a handle or other suitable means of working,
insulated from the system and arranged so that the person
operating it is unlikely to make accidental contact with live
metal;

(d)constructed and installed in such manner so that when in an
'off position it cannot accidentally make contact with live
metal;

(e)constructed and installed in such manner so that it cannot
with proper care be left in partial contact with live metal; and

constructed and installed in such manner as may be necessary
to prevent electrical hazard from arcing and so that an arc
cannot accidentally be maintained.

8. (1) Every circuit shall be protected against excess current and
energy by means of a suitable fuse or circuit breaker of adequate
breaking capacity suitably located and of such construction as to
prevent electrical hazard from overheating, arcing, or the scattering of
hot metal or other substance when it comes into operation.

(2) Every fuse and circuit breaker shall be capable of breaking the
maximum prospective excess current or energy at the point of
installation and every switch intended to be used for breaking under
load shall be capable of breaking the load at the point of installation
without causing electrical hazard.

(3) Every fuse shall be either constructed and installed in such
manner or protected by a suitable switch so as to permit the ready
renewal of the fuse element without electrical hazard.

9. Every electrical joint and connexion shall be of proper
construction and design as regards conductivity, insulation, mechanical
strength and protection.

10. Such efficient means, suitably located, shall be provided for
cutting off and isolating all voltage from every part of a system as may
be necessary to prevent electrical hazard.





11. In a system where one of the conductors is connected to earth,
no single-pole switch shall be placed in that conductor or any branch
thereof, other than a link for testing purposes or a switch for use in
controlling a generator.

12. (1) Subject to paragraph (2), such efficient means, suitably
located, shall be provided for cutting off and isolating all voltage from
every motor, converter and transformer forming part of a system and all
apparatus used in or in connexion therewith.

(2) It shall not be necessary to comply with paragraph (1) in the
case of a conductor in a system if that conductor is earthed.

13. (1) Every electric motor shall be controlled by an effective
switch or switches for starting and stopping, and the switch or switches
shall be so placed as to be readily accessible to and easily operated by
the person in charge of the motor.

(2) Where a machine is used and driven by an electric motor, such
efficient means, suitably located, shall be provided for either stopping
the machine or switching off the electric motor as may be necessary to
prevent electrical hazard or other danger.

(3) Every electric motor shall be equipped with such efficient means
so that when stoppage occurs by reason of a fluctuation in voltage or
failure in supply of electricity the motor will not restart automatically in
circumstances whereby unexpected restarting is likely to cause electrical
hazard or other danger.

14. Portable apparatus operating at a voltage exceeding extra low
voltage shall

(a)have all its flexible wires connected to the system either by
effective permanent joints or by properly constructed
connectors;

(b)be protected against leakage to earth of current liable to cause
electrical hazard;

(c)be controlled by efficient means suitably located so as to
permit ready operation for cutting off all voltage.

PARTIV

SWITCHBOARDS AND SWITCHBOARD
APPARATUS

15. Every switchboard shall be constructed and installed so that so
far as reasonbly practicable

(a)adequate access can be obtained to any component part
which may have to be adjusted or handled;

(b)the location, course and continuity of every conductor may
where necessary be readily identified and traced;





(c)every conductor arranged for connexion to a separate system
is located and kept apart and may where necessary be readily
distinguished; and

(d)every bare conductor is protected against accidental short
circuit liable to cause electrical hazard.

16. (1) Subject to paragraph (2) every switchboard having a bare
conductor liable to become live and normally exposed so that it is
possible for a person to make accidental contact with live metal shall be
adequately enclosed or fenced so as to prevent electrical hazard.

(2) Paragraph (1) shall not apply in the case of a switchboard
having a bare conductor installed to serve any particular purpose of the
industrial undertaking and so situated as to be accessible only to an
authorized person or a competent person acting under the immediate
supervision of an authorized person.

(3) No person except an authorized person or a competent person
acting under the immediate supervision of an authorized person shall
enter an area enclosed or fenced under paragraph (1).

(4) A notice in red characters and letters each not less than 50 mm
high on a white background reading Q_ R W-

V~ DANGER LIVE WIRES-UNAUTHORIZED ENTRY
PROHIBITED' shall be placed and displayed in a visible position at
every area enclosed or fenced under paragraph (1).

17. All apparatus and equipment used in or in connexion with a
switchboard and requiring handling shall be located and installed so
that as far as is reasonably practicable

(a)such apparatus and equipment can be readily operated from
floor level or from a working platform provided for that
purpose;

(b)all measuring instruments and indicators used in or in
connexion therewith can be readily observed from floor level
or from the working platform;

(c)any such apparatus, equipment, measuring instrument or
indicator that cannot be readily operated or observed from
floor level or from a working platform, can be otherwise
operated or observed without electrical hazard.

18. Where necessary to prevent electrical hazard adequate
precautions shall be taken either by earthing or other suitable means to
prevent any metalwork, other than the current-carrying conductors,
enclosing or supporting any such conductors, from becoming live.





19. (1) When work has to be carried out on any conductor,
apparatus or switchboard adequate precautions shall be taken,
including the prevention of any conductor or apparatus becoming
accidentally live, so as to ensure that the work may be carried without
undue risk from electrical hazard.

(2) A notice in red characters and letters each not less than 50 mm
high on a white background reading
'DANGER UNDER REPAIR' shall be placed and displayed in a visible
position at, on or near any conductor apparatus or switchboard being
worked on under paragraph (1).

PART V

PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT LIGHTING AND SPECIAL RISKS

20. Where necessary as a protection against electrical hazard,
adequate insulating stands and screens or other protective equipment
shall be provided and maintained in good condition and kept
permanently in position.

21. (1) Portable insulating stands, screens, mats and covers and
insulating boots, gloves or other protective equipment shall be provided
and maintained in good condition for use where necessary as a
protection against electrical hazard.

(2) Every person working on apparatus shall make proper use of
any equipment provided under paragraph (1).

22. All apparatus which, in normal use, requires operation or
attention by any person shall be installed so that adequate access and
working space are afforded for its operation and attention, without
electrical hazard.

23. Where necessary as a precaution against electrical hazard,
adequate lighting shall be provided in all parts of the premises where
apparatus which, in normal use, requires operation or attention by any
person is installed.

24. All apparatus and conductors-

(a)exposed to weather, water. corrosive atmospheres or other
adverse conditions;

(b)exposed to flammable surroundings or explosive atmosphere;
or

(c)used in any process or for any special purpose other than for
lighting or power,

shall be so constructed. installed and protected as may in the
circumstances of such exposure or use be necessary to prevent
electrical hazard or other danger.





25. Where necessary as a precaution against electrical hazard
all apparatus operating at high voltage, shall have placed and
displayed in a visible position at, on or near such apparatus a notice
in red characters and letters each not less than 50 mm, high on
a white background reading ' DANGER HIGH
VOLTAGE'.

26. (1) Subject to paragraph (2) no person except an author-
ized person shall carry out or assist in the carrying out of any
work on any apparatus where technical or practical knowledge or
experience is required in order to avoid electrical hazard.
(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1) a competent person under
the immediate supervision of an authorized person may carry out or
assist in such work if-
(a)in the case where the electrical hazard to be avoided
is under the control of an electrical contractor, he is
appointed by the electrical contractor; and
(b)in the case where the electrical hazard to be avoided is
under the control of the proprietor, he is appointed by the
proprietor.

27. Such notice, in the Chinese and English languages, as the
Commissioner may from time to- time issue or approve as to the
treatment of persons receiving electric shock shall be displayed in all
parts of the premises where electricity is generated, transformed, or
used and at such other places in those premises as the Commissioner
may direct.

PART VI

SUBSTATIONS

28. (1) Every substation shall be of proper construction and
design and all apparatus therein shall be so located, protected or
screened as to be inaccessible to all unauthorized persons and secure
against interference from outside the substation.
(2) Every substation shall be maintained in a dry condition
and provided with such efficient means of ventilation as may be
necessary to prevent electrical hazard.

29. (1) Every substation shall be under the charge and control
of an authorized person and any part thereof where electrical hazard
is liable to arise shall be restricted as regards entry so as to be
accessible only to an authorized person or to a competent person
acting under the immediate supervision of an authorized person.
(2) No person except an authorized person or a competent
person acting under the immediate supervision of an authorized
person shall enter any part of a substation restricted as regards entry
under paragraph (1).





(3) A notice in red characters and letters each not less than
50 mm high on a white background reading ' DANGER SUBSTATION-UNAUTHORIZED
ENTRY PROHIBITED' shall be placed and displayed in a visible
position at the entrance to every part of a substation restricted as
regards entry under paragraph (1).

30. (1) Subject to paragraph (2), every underground substation not
otherwise easily or readily accessible shall be provided with adequate
means of access by a door or trap door with a staircase or ladder
securely fixed and so placed so that no person can make accidental
contact with any live part of any switchboard or any bare conductor
therein.

(2) Where an underground substation-

(a)has persons employed therein otherwise than for inspection or
cleaning; or

(b)is not of ample dimensions and contains machinery driven by
electric motors or apparatus utilizing high voltage,

then access shall be provided by means of a doorway and a staircase.

PART VII

DUTIES, OFFENCES AND PENALTIES

31. (1) It shall be the duty of the proprietor of every industrial
undertaking to which these regulations apply to ensure that the
provisions of regulations 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12(1), 13, 14, 15, 16(1), 17, 18,
19, 20, 21(1), 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29(1) and 30(1) are complied with.

(2) If any such provision is contravened the proprietor of the
industrial undertaking where the contravention occurs commits an
offence and is liable to a fine of $30,000.

(3) Any proprietor or electrical contractor who orders, directs,
authorizes, permits or suffers any person to contravene regulation 16(3)
or 29(2) commits an offence and is liable to a fine of $30,000.

32. A person who-

(a)wilfully misuses or interferes with any apparatus or protective
equipment in a manner liable to cause electrical hazard to
himself or other persons; or

(b)wilfully and without reasonable cause does any other thing
liable to cause electrical hazard to himself or other persons; or

(c)contravenes any of the provisions of regulation 16(3), 21(2),
26 or 29(2),

commits an offence and is liable to a fine of $20,000.





33. The provisions of these regulations shall be in addition to and
not in derogation of the provisions of

(a)regulation 6(1)(a), (b), (c) and (d) of the Factories and
Industrial Undertakings (Cargo Handling) Regulations;

(b)regulation 47(1) of the Construction Sites (Safety)
Regulations;

(c) the Electricity Supply Ordinanee
L.N. 36/82. L.N. 357/82. Citation. Interpretation. Application. (Cap. 103.) (Cap. 99.) (Cap. 107.) (Cap. 265.) (Cap. 270.) Modification of requirements by Commissioner. Construction and usage of apparatus. Insulation and protection of conductors. Construction of switches, circuit breakers etc. Protection of circuits by fuses and circuit breakers. Construction of joints and connexions. Isolation of voltage from parts of a system. Use of single-pole switches with one conductor earthed. Means of isolating voltage in special circumstances. Starting and stopping of electric motors. Connexion and earthing of portable apparatus exceeding extra low voltage. Construction of switchboards. Enclosure of bare conductors on switchboards. Location of switchboard apparatus. Precautions to be taken against metal becoming live. Precautions to be taken when persons are working on apparatus. Provision of protective stands or screens. Provision and use of protective stands, screens, boots and gloves. Provision of access to and working space for apparatus. Lighting of apparatus. Precautions for special conditions. Precaution for apparatus utilizing high voltage. Qualifications and supervision of persons carrying out work. Display of notice on treatment for electric shock. Construction of substations. Control of and on entry to substations. Safe access to underground substations. Duties of and offences relating to proprietors and electrical contractors. Offences relating to misuse of apparatus etc. Saving. (Cap. 59, sub. leg) (Cap. 59, sub. leg) (Cap. 103.)

L.N. 36/82. L.N. 357/82. Citation. Interpretation. Application. (Cap. 103.) (Cap. 99.) (Cap. 107.) (Cap. 265.) (Cap. 270.) Modification of requirements by Commissioner. Construction and usage of apparatus. Insulation and protection of conductors. Construction of switches, circuit breakers etc. Protection of circuits by fuses and circuit breakers. Construction of joints and connexions. Isolation of voltage from parts of a system. Use of single-pole switches with one conductor earthed. Means of isolating voltage in special circumstances. Starting and stopping of electric motors. Connexion and earthing of portable apparatus exceeding extra low voltage. Construction of switchboards. Enclosure of bare conductors on switchboards. Location of switchboard apparatus. Precautions to be taken against metal becoming live. Precautions to be taken when persons are working on apparatus. Provision of protective stands or screens. Provision and use of protective stands, screens, boots and gloves. Provision of access to and working space for apparatus. Lighting of apparatus. Precautions for special conditions. Precaution for apparatus utilizing high voltage. Qualifications and supervision of persons carrying out work. Display of notice on treatment for electric shock. Construction of substations. Control of and on entry to substations. Safe access to underground substations. Duties of and offences relating to proprietors and electrical contractors. Offences relating to misuse of apparatus etc. Saving. (Cap. 59, sub. leg) (Cap. 59, sub. leg) (Cap. 103.)

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