Expert questions work safety procedures after the deadly biogas accident

An expert of the underground utility management sector said the West Kowloon Cultural District construction site accident, which resulted in two workers killed after inhaling biogas and only being found after a day, was ridiculous while negligence of safety procedures may have been involved.

Wong King, the former president of the Hong Kong Institute of Utility Specialists, said a risk assessment must be carried out in five areas - fire, heat, gas, water, free flowing solid such as sand and rock - before working in a confined space.

He continued that workers were required to obtain a permit signed by a proprietor or contractor specifying the time allowed to stay and work in the confined space before entering. 

The permit was signed every morning and afternoon so workers entering or exiting the confined space could be recorded to ensure their safety, Wong said.

He also mentioned that workers were required to wear a personal safety alarm with a motion detector, which could notify the ground "standby person" when one is incapacitated and unconscious.

Wong added that it is absurd for the accident to be revealed after a day, and there could be a negligence of safety procedures.