The development and implementation of occupational exposure limits in Hong Kong

The blooming of economy in Hong Kong started in 1950s. People witnessed the change from a rural town to a modern city. It required the participation of a large number of labours. The development of a list of “practical” hygiene standards for control of airborne contaminants in workplaces is important to protect the well beings of those workers. It follows the pace of economic changes, and it takes quite a long while for the current Code of Practice on Control of Air Impurities in workplace environment to be published. There had been a consultation with stakeholders, professional bodies, representatives of trades, and industries as well as other related parties before it was finalized in 2002. Although the Code of Practice comprises just more than 200 chemicals, its application will be monitored and reviewed. In light of new knowledge, it will be updated to ensure the workers could be well protected.