Workers undergo gondola training

THE Labour Department is organising training courses for workers who use suspended gondolas to coincide with the introduction of tougher operating regulations next July.

The department's superintendent of factory inspectors (training), Ma Shi-hang, said: 'Under the new regulations the owner of a gondola is required to ensure that it is of good design and construction, and properly operated.

'The suspended working platform must be tested and examined by a registered professional engineer before use and after any alteration or repair. It must also be inspected weekly by a competent person,' he added.

Safety ropes with an automatic fall-arresting device must be fitted. And workers must wear a safety belt and keep it attached to an independent lifeline.

The regulations were passed by the Legislative Council in June.