In recent years, several fatal industrial accidents in Hong Kong have been linked to work in confined spaces, with seven workers tragically losing their lives in the past three years. These incidents underscore the urgent need to strengthen safety regulations in such environments. To address these concerns, the Hong Kong Labour Department recently revised the “Code of Practice for Safety and Health at Work in Confined Spaces.” This update mandates that owners or contractors effectively implement of safety control measures, including installing video surveillance at entry and exit points to monitor workers throughout a project. The video footage must be kept for at least one year. The new regulation, which takes effect in November this year, aims to prevent accidents and protect workers. However, many construction and property management companies face challenges in implementing these measures. Fortunately, new technologies such as 5G, IoT (Internet of Things), and AI (Artificial Intelligence) offer promising solutions to overcome these challenges.
Confined spaces aren’t just limited to manholes; they also include areas like chambers, tanks, tunnels, pipes, and boilers. These environments are commonly found in hospitals, industrial and commercial buildings, residential complexes, and public utilities such as water, electricity, and gas. Due to their unique structures and locations, these areas often suffer from poor ventilation and drainage issues, accumulating toxic gases, flooding risks, and other safety hazards, significantly increasing the risks for workers.
Most confined spaces are located underground, where thick layers of concrete or steel structures frequently block network signals. This makes it difficult for workers to communicate or call for help during emergencies, leading to potential casualties. Moreover, conventional technological solutions struggle to operate effectively in areas without network coverage, hindering real-time monitoring of such spaces. Resolving this “network black hole” issue is crucial for improving safety in confined spaces.
5G Manhole Antenna: Unleashing the Potential of 5G IoT and AI
5G Manhole Antenna technology extends outdoor 5G coverage into confined spaces, integrating IoT sensors such as gas detectors, water level sensors, and AI cameras. These tools enable real-time monitoring of hazardous gas concentrations, flooding risks, and the operational status of equipment by tracking parameters like temperature, humidity, and air pressure. AI analytics can predict maintenance needs, reduce equipment failure rates, extend the lifespan of equipment, and minimise safety incidents caused by malfunctions.
Additionally, AI cameras can use behaviour analysis technology to detect unsafe worker actions or sudden safety hazards within confined spaces. Data is instantly transmitted, and safety alerts are triggered, allowing facility managers to access and analyse data in-depth via AI. This proactive safety management approach provides real-time insights into potential risks and improves the speed and efficiency of emergency responses.
Recently, Hongkong Land has deployed 5G manhole antennas in an underground seawater pump room, extending 5G coverage into the pump room from outdoors. This has enabled stable network connectivity for IoT sensors and AI cameras within the facility. Real-time data and imagery are transmitted to an online platform, allowing AI cameras to analyse potential safety risks and issue immediate alerts. Automated data analysis reduces the need for frequent manual recording, enhancing the cost-effectiveness of facility management.
Future of Confined Space Work Safety: Expanding Technological Applications to Improve Safety
As 5G, IoT, and AI technologies continue to advance, their role in confined space safety management will become increasingly vital. Recent successes demonstrate the effectiveness of these technologies in improving safety management in confined spaces, offering valuable insights for similar applications. These innovations enhance facility management intelligence and provide new directions for digital transformation of city infrastructure. It is hoped that companies and institutions will further their understanding of 5G, IoT, and AI technologies, elevating industrial safety standards, creating safer and more efficient work environments, and boosting operational efficiency and market competitiveness.
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Source: Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government. “Gazette Notice of the Revised Code of Practice for Safety and Health at Work in Confined Spaces.” Press release, 31 May 2024.
Steve Ng's Editorial on eDigest, 2 Oct 2024. Translated by 1O1O Corporate Solutions.