DEVB TC(W) No. 3/2023, Annex A 5(12)(h)
Confined space monitoring system for the Smart Site Safety System
Clause 5(12)(h) of DEVB TC(W) No. 3/2023, Annex A, requires a confined space monitoring system for locations defined under the Confined Spaces Regulation (Cap. 59AE). It counts and tracks workers, checks PPE and breathing apparatus, and reads oxygen, toxic and combustible gas levels with real-time alerts. Kodifly supplies, installs and runs it.
What the circular requires, and how sites use it
The contractor proposes and implements a Confined Space Monitoring System for the site locations defined as confined spaces under the Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Confined Spaces) Regulation, Cap. 59AE (clause 5(12)(h)(i)). The Buildings Department and CIC name it the confined space monitoring system.
In a confined space the danger is out of sight. The system counts who is inside, checks that each person has the right PPE, breathing apparatus and qualifications before entry, and watches the air. If a reading crosses its set level, or a worker's condition looks wrong, it alerts at once.
CIC's 4S Labelling Scheme guide adds that an environmental monitoring system for harmful gas detection, and a network inside the confined space, are recommended too.
Functions in Annex A, clause 5(12)(h)
| Function | What it says |
|---|---|
| Worker count and location | Real-time counting and location tracking of workers inside confined spaces. |
| Entry checks | Check that workers wear and carry the necessary PPE and breathing apparatus and hold the necessary qualifications before entry. |
| Air readings | Oxygen, temperature and PM2.5, plus carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulphide, methane and combustible gas. |
| Alerts | A real-time alert if any parameter passes its pre-determined safety level, or any anomaly in a worker's condition is detected. |
| Management | All sensors and alerts managed by the centralised management platform, or by a control platform where the contract has no CMP. |
| Records | Warnings and response times transferred automatically to the platform for viewing, encrypted, in a display format the Project Manager accepts. |
How it works with permits and locks
Permit
Work in a confined space needs a digital permit-to-work (clause 5(12)(c)).
Open
The entrance is an electronic lock that opens to authorised keys (clause 5(12)(d)).
Check
Workers are counted and checked for PPE, breathing apparatus and qualifications.
Monitor
Sensors read the air and wearables track the people inside.
Alert
A reading or worker anomaly raises an alert, and the response time is recorded.
How Kodifly supplies, installs and runs it
Sensors, tracking and the platform link are one project, and sit beside the permit and the lock.
Devices, software and installation together
Oxygen, gas, temperature and PM2.5 sensors
Worker counting and location inside the space
Entry checks for PPE and qualifications
Real-time alerts on set safety levels
Response time record on the platform
Permit-to-work and lock on the same platform
Installation at each confined space
Confined space monitoring, answered
What does the circular require for confined spaces?
A system that counts and tracks workers, checks PPE and breathing apparatus, monitors the air and alerts in real time, for locations defined as confined spaces under Cap. 59AE (Annex A, clause 5(12)(h)).
Which gases and readings must be monitored?
Oxygen, temperature, PM2.5, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulphide, methane and combustible gas (clause 5(12)(h)(i)).
When does it alert?
When any monitored parameter exceeds the pre-determined safety level, or any anomaly of a worker's condition is detected (clause 5(12)(h)(i)).
Can wearables and AI cameras cover worker counting and PPE checks?
Yes. The note says the two bullets on worker counting and PPE checks are amended if worker monitoring devices and AI safety monitoring are specified and adequately cover the function (clause 5(12)(h)(i), note).
Where are the alerts managed?
At the centralised management platform, or at a control platform where the contract has no CMP. Warnings and response times go there automatically and are encrypted (clause 5(12)(h)(ii) and (iii)).
Is a permit also needed to enter?
Yes. The sample digital permit-to-work lists work in confined spaces among its high-risk activities, and the sample electronic lock list includes confined space entrances (clauses 5(12)(c)(i) and 5(12)(d)(i)).
Related guides
Monitor your confined spaces
Tell us where the confined spaces are. We will plan the sensors, tracking and alerts.