Battling Adverse Weather: Safety Key Points for Property Management and Cleaning Industries

June 10, 2026

As summer approaches, Hong Kong enters its season of adverse weather, including typhoons, heavy rain, thunderstorms, and extreme heat. According to the Hong Kong Observatory, approximately 4 to 7 tropical cyclones are expected to enter within 500 kilometers of Hong Kong this year. Such climate changes not only introduce additional occupational safety hazards to workplaces but also pose severe challenges to the structural integrity of buildings and public safety.

To address this, the Property Management Services Authority (PMSA) specifically urges the property management (PM) industry to heighten vigilance, refer to, and strictly follow the latest industry circulars issued by the Buildings Department, implementing various safety precautionary measures for the properties under their management. Employers, licensed PM companies, and management in the PM and cleaning industries should formulate comprehensive contingency plans early; employees must also cooperate closely, adhering to all safety guidelines to collectively safeguard personal, public, and building safety.

Potential Work and Building Hazards in Adverse Weather

Under different climatic conditions, property management, cleaning personnel, and the properties themselves are exposed to various safety risks:

Weather Type	Major Potential Hazards
Typhoons and Strong Monsoons	● Structural Collapse: Scaffolding, containers, temporary working platforms, and similar structures may collapse due to strong winds. Properties undergoing maintenance are particularly vulnerable, especially bamboo scaffolding, which carries higher structural instability risks. ● Falling Objects from Height: Loose materials may be blown away by strong winds, or unstable external fixtures on building façades may fall from height, potentially causing injuries or fatalities. ● Slips and Falls: Personnel may lose balance due to strong winds and fall, or may fall from height.
Thunderstorms and Lightning	● Electric Shock Injuries: Lightning may strike individuals directly or be conducted indirectly through conductive objects, posing extremely high risks to outdoor or high-elevation workers. ● Fire Hazards: Lightning may trigger fires in workplaces or building mechanical and electrical installations.
Heavy Rain	● Severe Flooding: Prolonged heavy rainfall may cause drainage systems and manholes to become blocked, leading to serious flooding on rooftops, podiums, and basements, disrupting normal property operations. ● Electric Shock and Geotechnical Hazards: Wet conditions may cause tools to leak electricity. Heavy rainfall may also trigger landslides, road subsidence, and structural damage to buildings. Personnel are at risk of slipping on wet surfaces or losing grip on tools.
Extremely Hot Weather	● Heat Syncope and Heat Exhaustion: High temperatures may cause blood to pool in the lower limbs, resulting in temporary fainting, dehydration, rapid heartbeat, and related symptoms. ● Heat Stroke: Body temperature may approach 41°C, damaging the nervous and thermoregulation systems. In severe cases, it may lead to cardiac or respiratory arrest and become life-threatening.

Core Safety Precautions and Preventive Measures

In response to the Buildings Department's 'Public and Building Safety Precautionary Measures during Rainy and Typhoon Seasons' guidelines, licensed PM companies should, before, during, and after adverse weather, focus on inspecting drainage systems, external building installations, and electrical and mechanical facilities, and implement the following frontline work safety guidelines:

1. Typhoon and Strong Monsoon Wind Response

• Suspend High-Risk Operations: Immediately cease work in areas with a risk of falling from height.

• Reinforce External Walls and Scaffolding: Remove loose outdoor materials in advance. For properties undergoing maintenance, the industry should refer to the Buildings Department's 'Safety of Bamboo Scaffolding for Building Repair and Renovation Works' circular to ensure the scaffolding structure remains stable and secure in all weather conditions, and is regularly inspected by qualified personnel.

• Prevent Glass Shattering: Take measures to prevent window shattering; personnel should avoid approaching windows or standing in dangerous positions.

• Protective Equipment and Evacuation: Outdoor duty personnel must wear protective equipment such as safety helmets and eye protection, and use safe transportation and evacuation routes to retreat to safe shelters in a timely manner.

2. Thunderstorm and Lightning Response

• Seek Shelter: Immediately stop outdoor work and proceed to covered shelters via correct and safe routes.

• Stay Away from Conductors: Stay away from metal pipes, cables, wires, barriers, lampposts, or other conductive objects, and do not lean against vehicles or building exteriors.

• Communication Safety: Remove metal objects from your person; use battery-operated radios to listen to weather reports, and do not use electrical appliances connected to power outlets or electronic devices that are charging.

3. Heavy Rain and Flood Prevention Response

• Ensure Drains are Clear: Clear drains and gullies on building rooftops, platforms, and basements in advance to ensure the drainage system operates normally, preventing severe flooding in basements and other low-lying areas.

• Stay Away from Dangerous Zones: Strictly prohibit sheltering near slopes, in excavated trenches, or in ditches, to prevent being caught in floods and landslides.

• Resumption of Work Assessment: Familiarize yourself with emergency escape routes for immediate evacuation. Work can only resume after floodwaters have completely receded, ground conditions have improved, and a professional safety assessment has been conducted.

4. Extreme Heat Response

• Work Arrangement and Rest: Closely monitor extreme heat warnings. Arrange work as much as possible during cooler times of the day and in shaded areas, implementing rotation mechanisms or regular breaks.

• Hydration and Environmental Improvement: Encourage workers to drink plenty of water to replenish electrolytes, strictly prohibit alcoholic beverages, and avoid caffeinated drinks. Provide cooling equipment such as misting fans and shaded rest areas.

• Cooling and Personal Protection: Encourage wearing light-colored clothing. If working in high temperatures is unavoidable, appropriate personal protective equipment should be worn, and 'cooling vests' should be used if conditions permit to enhance cooling effects.

Management Responsibilities of Employers and PM Companies

In implementing occupational and building safety during adverse weather, management plays a crucial planning and support role:

• Establish a Contingency Team and Training: Employers must establish an 'Adverse Weather Contingency Team,' activate contingency procedures promptly before adverse weather arrives, and provide adequate professional training to team members.

• Provide and Inspect Safety Equipment: Regularly inspect the building's flood prevention equipment, sandbags, water pumps, and electrical and mechanical facilities. Simultaneously, sufficient personal protective equipment, such as safety helmets, waterproof safety boots, and raincoats, must be provided to contingency team members.

• Regular Drills and Establish Reporting Mechanism: Arrange regular drills to ensure prompt execution of contingency procedures. Establish a comprehensive weather information reporting mechanism, closely monitor Observatory signals, and notify the contingency team and all affected personnel of forecasts and warnings immediately.

Conclusion

Facing the challenges of the rainy and typhoon season, the property management industry not only needs to care for the occupational safety and health of frontline employees but also bears the important responsibility of safeguarding building structures and public safety. By strictly adhering to the various safety guidelines from the PMSA, Buildings Department, and Occupational Safety and Health Council, implementing flood prevention inspections and scaffolding reinforcement, management and frontline employees can work closely together to weather the storms, ensuring normal property operations and the safety of personnel.