The Director of Architectural Services, Mr Edward Tse, was deeply saddened by the passing of a staff member of its contractor in an incident that happened at the North Kwai Chung Tang Shiu Kin Sports Centre yesterday (August 7) and expressed his deepest condolences to the deceased's family. The Architectural Services Department (ArchSD) has requested the contractor to provide appropriate assistance to the deceased's family.

    At about 11.45am yesterday, a 69-year-old male maintenance worker fell to the ground together with a power-operated elevating work platform that toppled suddenly while he was carrying out ceiling maintenance at the arena of the North Kwai Chung Tang Shiu Kin Sports Centre. He was sent to Yan Chai Hospital and was later certified dead.

     The ArchSD and relevant departments are investigating the cause of the incident and related works have been suspended. The ArchSD will tighten up monitoring on the use of elevating work platforms and related safety requirements, including requiring contractors to strengthen measures to ensure the safe use of elevating work platforms. The ArchSD will also inspect high-risk maintenance works immediately to ensure their safety before proceeding with the works. 

     The Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) announced today (August 8) that a new supplier listing arrangement for government procurement of information technology (IT) products will be introduced in October to increase flexibility and efficiency. Interested suppliers are welcome to apply for admission to the list all year round starting today.

     The new listing arrangement covers three major categories, namely network products, server systems and microcomputer equipment, with a number of sub-categories that comprise a wider classification of IT products. The new arrangement encourages competition and accelerates the procurement of the latest and most suitable IT products to support the increasing demand of digital government services. The requisite for admission of IT products is relaxed and the experience requirements on supporting staff are also modified, to facilitate a wider participation from the IT industry, in particular local tech start-ups and small and medium enterprises, to offer more new and innovative IT products to the Government. The OGCIO highlights that the new listing arrangement would make it simpler for government bureaux and departments to purchase different kinds of IT products while upholding the quality of products and services acquired.

     For details of the new procurement arrangement, as well as the online briefing session to be held on August 22, please visit the OGCIO website (www.ogcio.gov.hk/en/our_work/business/business_window/gitp.html). Interested suppliers are welcome to submit applications for admission to the new supplier list by completing the online application form on the GovHK website (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ogc019/en/). 

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

     Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (August 8) that due to big waves, red flags have been hoisted at Hung Shing Yeh Beach and Pui O Beach in Islands District. Beachgoers are advised not to swim at these beaches.

     â€‹The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) today (August 8) removed one Old and Valuable Tree (OVT) with a potential risk of collapse outside the Tsim Sha Tsui Police Station on Nathan Road to ensure public safety. 

     The tree being removed was a Ficus microcarpa listed on the Register of OVTs (registration number LCSD YTM/2) with a height of about 14 metres. 

     The tree was found to have advanced wood decay and cavities in a limb over the walkway and in its trunk base. The department had all along carried out regular inspections, maintenance and mitigation measures, including application of fungicide, improving the soil, applying fertiliser, conducting soil aeration, crown cleaning and cabling. The LCSD also collaborated with the Highways Department to install a steel frame to support the tree in 2013. 

     Despite the implementation of various maintenance and mitigation measures over the years, the health and structural conditions of the tree were found to be deteriorating. Considering the heavy pedestrian and road traffic in that part of the road, there is a need to avoid posing a danger to pedestrians and other road users. Having consulted and being supported by the Urban Forestry Advisory Panel, the Yau Tsim Mong District Council and the Greening, Landscape and Tree Management Section of the Development Bureau, the tree was removed today. The LCSD will replant a Weeping Fig at Park Lane Shopper's Boulevard.

     A spokesman for the LCSD reiterated that the department will continue to adopt a prudent approach in inspecting and managing trees under its care. Removal of problematic trees will be undertaken only when no other viable risk mitigation measure is available. 

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (August 8) 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.

     "Children, the elderly, the obese and those with chronic illnesses, such as heart disease or high blood pressure, are more vulnerable to heat stroke. 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 can place additional demands on the physique;
• Perform outdoor activities in the morning or the late afternoon;
• For indoor activities, open all windows, use a fan or use air-conditioning to maintain good ventilation;
• Do not stay inside a parked vehicle; and
• Reschedule work to cooler times of the day. If working in a hot environment is inevitable, introduce shade in the workplace where practicable. Start work slowly and pick up the pace gradually. Move to 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 is high (6 or above):
 

• Minimise direct exposure of the skin and the eyes to sunlight;
• Wear long-sleeved and loose-fitting clothes;
• Wear a wide-brimmed 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, sweating or towelling off; 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.

     â€‹The public may obtain more information from the DH's Health Education Infoline (2833 0111), heat stroke page and UV radiation page; the HKO's Dial-a-Weather (1878 200), latest weather report 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.