Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations: Please broadcast the following as soon as possible and repeat it at suitable intervals: Members of the public are advised to report any street flooding that comes to … read more
As the rainstorm warning has been issued by the Hong Kong Observatory, the Labour Department (LD) reminds employers and contractors that they should adopt necessary work arrangements and take suitable safety measures to protect the safety of their employees when they are carrying out electrical work or handling electrical plant.
A spokesman for the LD said today (August 6) that employers and contractors should avoid assigning employees to carry out electrical work (like electric arc welding work) or handle electrical plant at places affected by rainstorms, and should refer to the “Code of Practice in Times of Adverse Weather and ‘Extreme Conditions'” and the “Guide on Safety at Work in times of Inclement Weather” issued by the LD.
Even if electrical work is carried out or electrical plant is handled at places not affected by the rainstorm, suitable safety measures must still be adopted to prevent electric shock as the air would be more humid. Such measures include:
(i) Ensure that all live parts of an electrical installation are isolated from the power supply source and rendered dead, and the isolation from the power supply source must be maintained as long as electrical work is being carried out;
(ii) Before carrying out any electrical work or handling any electrical plant, cut off and lock out the power supply source, then test the circuit concerned to confirm it is dead and display suitable warning notices, and issue a work permit thereafter;
(iii) Ensure that protective devices (such as suitable and adequate fuses and circuit breakers) for the electrical installations or electrical plant have been installed and maintained in good working order, and portable electric tools must be double-insulated or properly earthed;
(iv) Provide suitable personal protective equipment such as insulating gloves and insulating mats for employees; and
(v) If live electrical work is unavoidable, a comprehensive risk assessment should be conducted by a competent person and the appropriate safety precautions should be taken to remove or properly control the electrical hazards involved before such work can proceed.
In addition, employees should co-operate with the employer or contractor to follow the safety instructions and use the safety equipment provided.
The LD has published guidebooks and leaflets on electrical work safety. These safety publications are available free from divisional offices of the department or can be downloaded from its website (www.labour.gov.hk/eng/public/content2_8.htm).
Should there be any questions about occupational safety and health matters, please contact the Occupational Safety Officer of the LD at 2559 2297. read more
Hongkong Post announced today (August 6) that, as advised by the postal administration of Italy, mail delivery services to the Aosta Valley region in Italy previously impacted by severe weather have returned to normal. read more
Following the launch of the new intelligent sports and recreation services booking and information system, SmartPLAY, in November 2023, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) will implement new arrangements to enhance t… read more
The following is issued on behalf of the Major Sports Events Committee:
The Major Sports Events Committee (MSEC) has awarded “M” Mark status to three major international sports events to be held in August, namely the BOC Life Cup – Kitchee vs Atlético de Madrid (August 7), the 2024 World Lacrosse Women’s U20 Championship (August 15 to 24) and the 2024 the 12th Yao Foundation Charity Game (August 20).
The Chairman of the MSEC, Mr Wilfred Ng, said today (August 6) that like all other “M” Mark events, the successful hosting of these top-tier international sports events can enhance Hong Kong’s position as a centre for major international sports events and showcase the vibrancy of Hong Kong, bringing a wide variety of experiences to citizens and tourists.
“Hong Kong has made historic achievements at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, igniting a city-wide passion for sports. These three new ‘M’ mark events will present spectators with spectacular on-site experiences, and contribute to the development of Hong Kong’s sports industry, thereby further enhancing Hong Kong’s status and reputation in the global sports arena,” Mr Ng said.
The “M” Mark System aims to encourage and help local “national sports associations” and private and non-government organisations to organise more major international sports events and nurture them into sustainable undertakings. Sports events meeting the assessment criteria will be granted “M” Mark status by the MSEC. Funding support will also be provided to some events.
For details of “M” Mark events, please visit www.mevents.org.hk. read more