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Author Archives: hksar gov

Renovation contractors convicted for illegally carrying out demolition works inside Tsim Sha Tsui shopping mall at night

     Ho Lik Engineering Company and its sub-contractor illegally carried out renovation works using powered mechanical equipment at the One in Tsim Sha Tsui at night. They were convicted and fined a total of $8,000 at Kwun Tong Magistrates’ Courts today (July 12) for contravening the Noise Control Ordinance (NCO).

     The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) received a complaint from a resident last December against the noise generated from the construction works inside the mall concerned. After investigations, it was confirmed that the contractor carried out demolition works using an electric saw in a shop at the shopping mall after 7pm and caused noise nuisance to nearby residents. The responsible contractor did not apply for the relevant construction noise permit (CNP) beforehand. After completion of investigation and evidence collection, the EPD initiated prosecutions against the main contractor and its sub-contractor in accordance with the NCO.

     The NCO aims to protect the public from disturbance of rest. The EPD spokesman stressed that members of the construction industry should carry out works during daytime and non-general holidays as far as possible to minimise disturbance to the public nearby. If the works have to be conducted during the restricted hours (between 7pm and 7am on the following day, or at any time on a general holiday), a permit must be obtained from the EPD. The construction works shall commence only when the CNP has been granted upon completion of assessment to support its compliance with regulatory requirements. Only specified powered mechanical equipment can be used for the construction works and contractors must also implement noise mitigation measures to minimise noise nuisance as stipulated by the CNP, including the erection of fences and noise barriers at the sites, to reduce the impact of noise to nearby residents as far as possible. Otherwise, it constitutes an offence. First-time offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $100,000. A maximum fine of $200,000 may be imposed on second or subsequent convictions. read more

East Asia

Hong Kong Customs alerts public on unsafe children’s swimwear set (with photo)

     Hong Kong Customs today (July 12) alerted members of the public to potential strangulation hazards posed by the cords of one model of children’s swimwear set.

     Customs officers yesterday seized a total of five sets of children’s swimwear from two branches of a retailer. The cords near the neck part of the swimwear set were found to pose a risk of strangulation and violated the requirements of the related standard.

     A prohibition notice was served to the retailer concerned, prohibiting the continued sale of the swimwear set.

     Customs advises parents to watch out for potential hazards when selecting clothing for their children to avoid accidents.

     Customs is committed to the protection of consumer interests and regularly conducts spot checks and safety tests on consumer goods to ensure that they are reasonably safe for use by consumers.

     Under the Consumer Goods Safety Ordinance, it is an offence to supply, manufacture or import into Hong Kong consumer goods unless the goods comply with the general safety requirements for consumer goods. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for one year on first conviction, and $500,000 and imprisonment for two years on subsequent conviction.

     Members of the public with information relating to unsafe consumer goods may submit a report via the Customs 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).

Photo  
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East Asia

CHP reminds public on precautions against heat stroke during very hot weather

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (July 12) reminded members of the public, particularly those undertaking outdoor activities, to take heed of necessary measures against heat stroke and sunburn in very hot weather.

     “The public should carry and drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration while engaging in outdoor activities,” a spokesman for the CHP said.

     “Those engaged in strenuous outdoor activities should avoid beverages containing caffeine, such as coffee and tea, as well as alcohol, as they speed up water loss through the urinary system,” the spokesman explained.

     “The obese, the sick, including those with heart disease or high blood pressure, the old and the young are more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses. They should pay special attention,” the spokesman added.

     The public should adopt the following precautions:
 

  • Wear loose and light-coloured clothing to reduce heat absorption and facilitate sweat evaporation and heat dissipation;
  • Avoid vigorous exercise and prolonged activities like hiking or trekking as heat, sweating and exhaustion place additional demands on the physique;
  • Perform outdoor activities in the morning or late afternoon;
  • For indoor activities, open all windows, use a fan or use air-conditioning to maintain good ventilation; and
  • Reschedule work to cooler times of the day.

     If working in a hot environment is inevitable, introduce shade in the workplace where practicable, and start work slowly and pick up the pace gradually. Get into a cool area for rest at regular intervals to allow the body to recuperate.

     The public should also note the latest and the forecast Ultraviolet (UV) Index released by the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO). When the UV Index remains high (6 or above):
 
  • Minimise direct exposure of the skin and the eyes to sunlight;
  • Wear loose long-sleeved clothing made of close-woven fabrics;
  • Wear a wide brim hat or use an umbrella;
  • Seek a shaded area or put on UV-blocking sunglasses;
  • Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen lotion with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or above. Apply liberally and reapply after swimming or sweating; and
  • While using DEET-containing insect repellents for personal protection against mosquito-borne diseases, apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent.

     If symptoms develop, such as dizziness, headache, nausea, shortness of breath or confusion, rest and seek help immediately, and seek medical advice as soon as possible.

     The public may get more information from the DH’s Health Education Hotline (2833 0111), heat stroke page and UV radiation page; the HKO’s Dial-a-Weather (1878 200), latest weather and forecast, UV Index and weather information for hiking and mountaineering; and press releases of the Labour Department on precautions against heat stroke for outdoor workers and their employers when the Very Hot Weather Warning is in force. read more

East Asia