Hong Kong Labour Department issues electrical safety advisory for heavy rain periods
Hong Kong's Labour Department has reminded employers and contractors to avoid assigning workers to electrical work in rain-affected areas, and to follow safety codes for adverse weather. Measures include isolating power sources, using protective devices and personal protective equipment, and conduct
Hong Kong's Labour Department today (4 Oct 2026) reminded employers and contractors to avoid assigning employees to electrical work — such as arc welding — or handling electrical installations in areas affected by heavy rain. The department urged them to refer to its Code of Practice for Working in Adverse Weather and "Extreme Conditions" and its Safety Guide for Working in Adverse Weather.
Even where electrical work is carried out in areas not directly affected by rain, the higher humidity still requires proper safety measures to prevent electric shock. The department listed five key precautions: ensure all live parts of the electrical system are isolated from the power source and remain isolated before work begins; switch off and lock the power source, test that the circuit is dead, display appropriate warnings, and issue a permit to work before starting any electrical task; ensure protective devices — such as suitable and sufficient fuses and circuit breakers — are installed on electrical equipment or installations and kept in good working order, and that portable power tools are double-insulated or have proper earthing; provide employees with suitable personal protective equipment, such as insulating gloves and insulating mats; and, if live-wire work cannot be avoided, have a competent person carry out a full risk assessment before work starts and ensure all appropriate safety measures are followed to eliminate or properly control the electrical hazards.
Employees were also reminded to cooperate with employers or contractors, follow safety instructions, and use safety equipment.
The Labour Department has printed safety guides and leaflets on electrical work safety, available free of charge at its district offices or for download from its website (www.labour.gov.hk/tc/public/content2_8.htm). Enquiries on occupational safety and health can be directed to the department's occupational safety officers on 2559 2297.
