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 (July 18) that due… 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 (July 18) 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
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
​Supported by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, New York (HKETONY), Hong Kong films took centre stage at the 23rd New York Asian Film Festival (NYAFF) with an impressive line-up of 11 films across various genres under the “Hong Kong Panorama” film series, including two world premieres and four North American premieres.
Among others, the multitalented Hong Kong entertainer Nicholas Tse was presented with the prestigious Star Asia Award on July 17 (New York time) for his dedication and breakthrough performances over the years.
The HKETONY hosted a special reception for Tse before the award presentation ceremony and the North American premiere of his latest work “Customs Frontline”, which marks his debut as an action choreographer. He was cheered by a full house at the Walter Reade Theater of Film at Lincoln Center.
Congratulating Tse, the Director of HKETONY, Ms Maisie Ho, said his outstanding performances in various roles have captivated audiences around the world and are testaments to the depth and versatility of Hong Kong’s talent and films.
“Building on our rich film legacy and tradition, our talented filmmakers continue to innovate and explore new genres, as they seek to transcend borders with their visionary approach and versatile performances that exemplify a unique blend of artistry, innovation, and unparalleled cinematic experience,” Ms Ho said.
She added that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government continues to support the development of Hong Kong’s film industry through various initiatives, including enhancing local film production, nurturing talent, expanding markets and audiences globally.
This year’s “Hong Kong Panorama” is showcasing three films that have received such support. “Fly Me to the Moon” and “Love Lies” are winners of the Hong Kong Film Development Council’s 6th First Feature Film Initiative, while “Inexternal” received support under the Film Production Financing Scheme.
Earlier in the week, the NYAFF bestowed the Star Asia Lifetime Achievement Award on veteran actor Tai Bo. An indispensable presence in Hong Kong cinema, Tai Bo’s natural on-screen talent has earned him numerous awards. The New York audience had the chance to see his riveting performances in “All Shall Be Well” and “Twilight Kiss”, along with “For Alice” at the festival.
The NYAFF has also selected “Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In”, one of Hong Kong’s most-watched films of all times, as its closing film of the season, to be shown on July 28. The film is a testament to Hong Kong’s martial arts and action choreographic excellence. The screening will be the North American premiere of the film.
Aside from Tse and Tai Bo, other filmmakers in attendance at the NYAFF include actor Philip Ng; actresses Patra Au, Josie Ho and Kuku So; directors Chow Kam-wing, Sasha Chuk, Ho Miu-ki, Ray Yeung; producer John Chong; and screenwriter Lam Tsz-ki.
The Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Ms Louise Ho, yesterday (July 17) led a Hong Kong Customs delegation to Xiamen, Fujian Province, for a two-day visit.
Yesterday afternoon, Ms Ho attended the launching ceremony of the Fujian-Guangdong-Hong Kong Single E-lock Scheme. In her speech, Ms Ho said that the official launch of the three Customs clearance points of the Single E-lock Scheme in Fujian will help further promote interconnection and facilitate the flow of goods between Fujian, Guangdong and Hong Kong, and mark a new breakthrough in clearance facilitation and co-operation between Mainland and Hong Kong Customs.
Ms Ho said she hopes the extension of the Scheme to Xiamen Customs District would enhance the efficiency of cross-boundary logistics and further promote Xiamen’s various products to overseas markets, consolidate Hong Kong’s position as an international logistics centre, and create a win-win situation for trade between the two places.
Three transportation trucks carrying transshipment goods departed from the three clearance points in Fujian respectively through the Scheme yesterday and successfully arrived at Hong Kong International Airport via the Shenzhen Bay Control Point today (July 18), where the goods were ready for transshipment to overseas destinations. Following Guangdong Province and Hunan Province, Fujian Province is the third Mainland province to implement the Scheme. Fujian-Guangdong-Hong Kong Customs could streamline the clearance process and expedite the flow of cargo transshipment by reducing duplicated inspection of the same consignment under the Scheme.
Ms Ho yesterday also separately met with Vice Governor of the Fujian Provincial People’s Government Mr Wang Jinfu; Vice Mayor of the Xiamen Municipal People’s Government Mr Huang Yantian; the Director General of the Guangdong Sub-Administration of the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China, Mr Li Kuiwen; and the Director General in Xiamen Customs District, Mr Zhu Guangyao. She expressed her gratitude for their dedicated support and co-ordination in extending the Scheme to Xiamen Customs District, and exchanged views on leveraging opportunities of the GBA development and deepening co-operation.
During her visit to Xiamen, Ms Ho will also tour the Monitoring and Command Centre of Xiamen Customs District, the Xiamen Inbound and Outbound Express Supervision Center and the World Customs Organization Asia-Pacific Regional Training Centre and BRICS Customs Training Center, as well as the Customs facilities in Haicang Port Comprehensive Bonded Zone and the Xiamen International Shipping Center, to learn about the latest logistics and training developments.
