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. Can developers or owners apply for the 4S Labelling Scheme?
   Only the main contractor can submit the application. However, developers, owners and other stakeholders are encouraged to support and coordinate with the main contractor. The main contractor should obtain prior consent from the developer or owner before applying.

 

5. Who is responsible for applying the 4S Labelling Scheme?
   The project manager of the main contractor, or a designated representative, is responsible for submitting the application.

 

6. When will the applicant receive notification of the application result?
   The application process may take around 3 months to complete, provided that all necessary documents have been submitted. The applicant will be informed of the assessment result by email.

 

7. What are the application fee and renewal fee for the 4S Labelling Scheme?
   Application and renewal fees are waived for applications submitted on or before 31 December 2026.

 

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

 

9. What high-risk activities should be included and covered by 4S?
   High-risk activities should be determined based on the risk assessment conducted by the site safety officer. The applicant should adopt 4S devices/solutions to address identified risks. If 4S is not adopted, justification should be provided, such as the use of alternative safety measures proposed by the safety officer.

 

10. What kind of 4S should be adopted before applying for the Scheme?
    Examples of 4S applications can be referred to, including but not limited to: DEVB Technical Circular (Works) No. 3/2023, CIC Reference Material “Guide to Smart Safety-related Technologies for use in Construction Works”, and “Annex A – Recommended 4S packages” in the Application Guide.

 

11. What will be checked during a site inspection?
    The CIC or relevant works departments will verify the installation and functionality of 4S devices/systems. The applicant should demonstrate that the 4S solutions have been properly installed and are operating continuously during the inspection.

 

12. Where can I find the list of 4S labelled projects?
    Projects applying for and those awarded the 4S Label can be found on the 4S Labelling Scheme website (cic.hk/4s-labelling).

 

13. If I have further enquiries, how can I obtain more information?
    You can contact the CIC via the enquiry hotline at 2100 9000 or email at 4sls@cic.hk. Applicants should provide the application number (4SLS-XXXXX) for follow-up.

 

14. Can I amend or supplement my application after submission?
    Applicants can request a copy of the submitted application form via email. After review, they may submit amendment requests and supporting documents by email, stating clearly the required changes and quoting the application number.

 

15. What information will be displayed on: (1) 4S label logo、(2) 4S label plaque、(3) CIC Website?
    (1) The 4S label logo contains no project-specific information, (2) The plaque will display a unique certification number, (3) The CIC website will display the label number, contract name, site location, developer (and parent company, if applicable), main contractor and approval date.

 

16. Will details of deployed 4S devices be shown on the CIC website?
    The types of 4S devices submitted will be recorded for assessment purposes but will not be displayed on the CIC website.

 

17. If the product is not on the CITF pre-approved list, how will the Council determine whether it qualifies as a 4S product?
    The submitted 4S device does not need to be included in the CITF pre-approved list. However, the applicant should provide relevant product information and supporting documents to enable the assessment team to understand the product and how it operates.

 

18. What should be submitted for self-developed 4S products without catalogues or specifications?
    If the submitted 4S device is a self-developed product and no catalogue or technical specifications are available, the applicant should provide relevant documentation on the setup and implementation of the system to demonstrate that it meets the definition of a 4S product.

 

19. How should project types G (Site Formation Works (Minor)) and H (Site Formation Works (Major)) be distinguished under the recommended 4S packages in Annex A?
    Applicants can refer to the recommended standard 4S package document: https://citf.cic.hk/Product_Photo/files/Resources/SSSS%20package%20price_Eng.pdf

 

20. What if my project involves combination of multiple project types?
    Applicants should select the most appropriate project type that best matches the project characteristics. In addition, applicants may submit all 4S devices that have been implemented on site.

 

21. If my project does not follow the recommended 4S packages in Annex A, will the application still be considered? Is there a required proportion of devices to be adopted?
    Applicants should select the project type that best suits their situation. If the recommended 4S packages in Annex A are not fully adopted, sufficient justifications should be provided. There is no fixed proportion requirement for adopting devices under the recommended package. The packages are formulated based on professional advice from industry experts, and applicants are encouraged to adopt them as far as practicable. If the justifications provided are considered insufficient, the application may not be approved.

 

22. Should I apply for the Scheme if some 4S devices have not yet been deployed? What proportion of deployment is required at the time of application?
    Applicants are advised to submit the application after the 4S devices have been deployed. However, it is acceptable if certain devices are not yet ready due to the construction stage of the project. Nevertheless, it is expected that most of the 4S devices will be deployed and ready for demonstration during the site inspection. The site inspection will normally be conducted within one month after submission of all required documents.

 

23. Is applying for the 4S Labelling Scheme a prerequisite for applying for CITF funding to procure 4S products?
    The 4S Labelling Scheme operates independently from the Construction Innovation and Technology Fund (CITF). Applicants may apply for either scheme or both, and the application results will not affect each other.

 

24. What information should be submitted for 4S devices deployment layout plan and operation arrangement of 4S devices?
    4S devices deployment layout plan: If the 4S devices are installed at fixed locations (e.g. smart locks, AI cameras, sensors), the applicant should submit engineering-level layout drawings (one or more plans as appropriate) to demonstrate proper implementation of the 4S solutions.
    
    4S devices operation arrangement: If the 4S devices are not deployed at fixed locations (e.g. smart wearable devices, tracking tags under digital tracking systems), the applicant should provide documentation describing the usage and operational arrangements. This should include:
    (i) how the devices are allocated to workers or equipment;
    (ii) how the devices or assets are stored; and
    (iii) how the devices are operated.
    Applicants should refer to the “Sample of Operation Arrangement” section in the “Sample Application Form” (https://forms.cic.hk/team/id/4sls)