Frequently Asked Question for Smart Site Safety System (4S) Labelling Scheme (4SLS)

1. What is 4S?
   4S stands for Smart Site Safety System (i.e. "SSSS" or "4S" in short) which is readily available for monitoring high-risk construction activities continuously. This can help uplift the site safety performance through early identification of potentially dangerous incidents or dangers and taking immediate follow-up mitigation actions.

 

2. What projects should adopt 4S technology?
   In 2023, Technical Circular (Works) No. 3/2023 was issued by the Works Branch of the Development Bureau (DEVB) promulgating that public works contracts with a contract sum exceeding HK$30 million should adopt 4S. However, contractors are strongly encouraged to adopt 4S technologies for uplifting site safety for all projects.

 

3. Who is eligible for applying the 4S Labelling Scheme?
   Local construction projects already implemented 4S to enhance site safety, including public works (by ArchSD, CEDD, DSD, EMSD, HyD and WSD) and non-public works are eligible for applying the 4S Labelling Scheme.

 

4. When will the applicant receive notification of the application result?
   The whole application process may take around 2 months to complete with necessary documents being submitted. The applicant will be informed of the 4S label assessment result by email.

 

5. What are the application fee and renewal fee for the 4S Labelling Scheme?
   Application fee is waived before 1 January 2025.

 

6. Who will be responsible for approving the applications of the 4S Labelling Scheme?
   The Working Group of 4S Labelling Scheme under the CIC is responsible for approving the applications of the 4S Labelling Scheme.

 

7. What are the high-risk activities should be included and using 4S?
   The definition of high-risk activities should refer to the risk assessment by the safety officer of the construction site. Applicant should handle the identified high-risk activities with 4S devices/ solutions otherwise he should state the reason of not adopting 4S devices/ solutions such as handling the identified risk with other safety measures addressed by the safety officer.

 

8. What kind of 4S should be used before applying the 4S Labelling Scheme?
   Sample use of 4S can refer to, but is not limited to, DEVB “Technical Circular (Works) No. 3/2023” and CIC Reference Material “Guide to Smart Safety-related Technologies for use in Construction Works” and “Annex A – Recommended 4S packages” under the “Application Guide for Smart Site Safety System (4S) Labelling Scheme”.

 

9. What will be checked during a site inspection?
   The CIC or Works Department will check the existence and functionality of the 4S devices or system during the inspection. Proper installation and continuous functioning of 4S solutions should be demonstrated during the site inspection conducted after the expected deployment date.

 

10. Who is responsible for applying the 4S Labelling Scheme?
    The project manager of the main contractor is responsible for applying the 4S Labelling Scheme.

 

11. Where can I find the list of 4S Labelled projects?
    The projects applying the 4S Label and projects already obtained the 4S Label can be found on the website of the 4S Labelling Scheme. (cic.hk/4s-labelling)

 

12. If I have further enquiries about the 4S Labelling Scheme, how can I ask for more information?
    You can contact the CIC via the enquiry hotline at 2100 9000 or e-mail to [email protected].