DEVB TC(W) No. 3/2023, CIC 4SLS
4S Labelling Scheme (4SLS): how a site earns a 4S label
The 4S Labelling Scheme (4SLS) is run by the Construction Industry Council (CIC) with DEVB. It issues a one-year label and plaque to a construction site verified as using a Smart Site Safety System properly. The main contractor applies. Kodifly prepares the layout plans and operating documents and keeps the system working for the inspection.
What the label is, and why sites apply
DEVB TC(W) No. 3/2023 requires public works contracts above HK$30 million to adopt a Smart Site Safety System (paragraphs 7 and 8). The circular does not mention a label. The 4S Labelling Scheme came later. DEVB and the CIC launched it in May 2024 to verify that a site really uses 4S and to make that visible (LCQ13, 24 June 2026).
A labelled site displays a 4S plaque with a unique number at its entrances. CIC publishes the labelled project list online and gives it to the Labour Department. Enforcement departments can then look harder at sites without a label. The Labour Department also tells DEVB when a labelled site obviously fails to use 4S properly, and CIC follows up (LCQ13).
The scheme covers public and private works. According to the same LCQ13 reply, about 60 per cent of new construction and maintenance projects above HK$30 million now hold a label.
From application to label
Source for every step is the CIC Application Guide for the 4S Labelling Scheme (March 2025).
Before applying
Assess the risks
The safety officer carries out a risk assessment, referring to the Labour Department's Code of Practice on Safety Management. 4S solutions must address the risks found (clauses 3.1 and 3.2).
Main contractor
Apply online
Submit the online form, the scope of works, location plans for fixed devices, operation arrangements for devices without a fixed location, and product information (clause 4.1).
Within 1 month
Site inspection
CIC reviews the documents and inspects the site. Proper installation and continuous operation must be shown (clauses 3.4 and 4.3).
About 3 months in all
Result and label
CIC emails the result. A granted label comes as an electronic copy and a plaque for the site entrances (clauses 4.5 and 5.1).
Every year
Renew
The label lasts 1 year. CIC sends a reminder 3 months before expiry, and the renewal is due at least 1 month before expiry (clauses 4.4, 7.1 and 7.2).
What CIC assesses
Four criteria, one for each part of the proof.
| Criterion | Clause | What the assessor looks for |
|---|---|---|
| Risks identified | 3.1 | A safety officer risk assessment based on the scope and nature of the works. |
| Solutions match the risks | 3.2 | Relevant 4S solutions applied to each risk, used broadly across times and locations where applicable. |
| Evidence of set-up | 3.3 | Layout plans for fixed devices, sensors and cameras. Operation arrangements for wearables and other devices without a fixed location. |
| Working on site | 3.4 | Proper installation and continuous functioning shown at the inspection after the expected deployment date. |
What Kodifly prepares and runs
The scheme asks for evidence and a working system. We supply both from the same project.
Documents, devices and checks together
Risk-based 4S scope from the safety officer's assessment
Engineering-level layout plans for fixed devices
Operation arrangements for wearables and tags
Product information for every device
Regular functional checks with kept reports
Monthly 4S reports from the platform record
Renewal pack with the latest 4S plan
Link to DWSS site records
4S Labelling Scheme, answered
What is the 4S Labelling Scheme?
A scheme by DEVB and the CIC, launched in May 2024, that issues labels to construction sites verified as properly adopting 4S (LCQ13 reply, 24 June 2026). A CIC working group approves applications (Application Guide, clause 1.3).
Who can apply for a 4S label?
The main contractor of a local construction project, through its project manager or a delegate (Application Guide, clause 4.1). Public works by ArchSD, CEDD, DSD, EMSD, HyD and WSD and private works are eligible (clause 2.1).
Does DEVB TC(W) No. 3/2023 require a label?
No. The circular requires adoption of a Smart Site Safety System (paragraph 7). The label is the CIC and DEVB scheme that verifies adoption.
How long does it take, and how long does a label last?
The process normally takes about 3 months with the documents in order, and the inspection should be arranged within 1 month of a complete submission (clauses 4.3 and 4.5). A label stays valid for 1 year from approval (clause 4.4).
Do the devices need to be CITF pre-approved?
No. Products without a CITF pre-approved code need product information, such as description, features, specifications and a user guide (clause 4.1.6). Kodifly supplies that documentation with each device.
What happens if a labelled site stops using 4S properly?
CIC may inspect without notice. If 4S is not adopted satisfactorily, the label is confiscated and the CIC website is updated within 7 working days. The contractor may appeal within 7 working days or reclaim the label with an improvement plan and a passed inspection (clauses 8 and 9).
Does the label depend on the recommended packages?
Annex A of the guide recommends 4S packages for sixteen types of work, from a single-tower building to confined space work. A project that departs from the package should give sound reasons (CIC FAQ).
Related guides
Get your site ready for a 4S label
Tell us the contract and the devices on site. We will prepare the layout plans, operating documents and checks for the CIC inspection.