GB3608-2025
Classification of work at heights
高处作业分级
GB 3608-2025 is a current mandatory Chinese national standard for Classification of work at heights. It appears in the Food compliance cluster with a product safety focus and has an implementation date of May 1, 2026.
Applicability depends on product scope, certification route, competent authority notices and transition rules. Requst for the translation or verify source before using this record in a compliance decision.
Compliance overview
Scope and applicability
This standard defines the terminology, classification, and height determination methods for work at heights. It is universally applicable to all types of elevated operations across various industries in China. It serves as a fundamental safety benchmark for assessing occupational risks in construction, maintenance, and industrial environments where falling hazards exist.
Technical requirements
GB 3608-2025 establishes a four-tier classification system (Levels I to IV) for elevated work based on the working height (ranging from 2m to over 30m). The standard introduces a dual-classification method: Class A for operations without objective hazard factors, and Class B for operations with one or more hazards. The standard explicitly defines 10 objective hazard factors that elevate the risk classification. These factors include, but are not limited to, specific wind force levels, extreme temperature environments (high heat or average temperatures at or below 5°C), contact with cold water, and slippery surfaces. Additional hazard criteria encompass insufficient illumination (below 10% of standard values or under 15lx), proximity to dangerous voltage live parts, unstable working platforms, high physical labor intensity, and oxygen-deficient or toxic atmospheres. Engineers must evaluate the presence of these factors to accurately determine the operational risk level.
Testing methods
The standard outlines a specific calculation methodology rather than traditional laboratory testing. It defines the procedures for determining the basic highness (hb_) and the radius of possible falling bounds (R). The evaluation process involves mapping a cylindrical spatial area around the worksite to identify the lowest datum plane, thereby calculating the maximum vertical distance to ascertain the final working height classification.
FAQs
What products and industries are regulated under GB 3608-2025?
GB 3608-2025 applies to all types of work at heights across various industries in China. It is a fundamental safety standard used to classify the risk level of any task performed at a height of 2 meters or above.
Are there any significant updates from the previous version of GB 3608-2025?
The 2025 revision has transitioned from a recommended standard (GB/T 3608-2008) to a mandatory standard. Key updates include the removal of wind speed as an objective hazard factor, updated criteria for high and low-temperature environments, new specific indicators for poor lighting, and revised voltage clearance distances.
How does GB 3608-2025 relate to other industry-specific safety standards?
GB 3608-2025 is a national standard that establishes the baseline classification methodology for work at heights. It is often referenced by industry-specific safety codes, such as those for construction or hazardous chemical operations, to determine the appropriate safety measures based on the assigned risk level.
The summary above provides a high-level overview of GB 3608-2025. To ensure complete compliance for your operations entering the Chinese market, a precise and professional translation of the full technical specifications is essential. Purchase our high-quality English translation of GB 3608-2025 today to access all detailed parameters, tables, and calculation procedures.
Applicability hints
- Type
- Foundational
- CCS
- C75
- ICS
- 13.100
- Competent department
- Ministry of Emergency Management
- Technical committee
- National Technical Committee on Work Safety of Standardization Administration of China
Relationships
Replaces:GB/T 3608-2008