Ancient tree in central facing removal by lcsd: a loss for the community
The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) will remove an Old and Valuable Tree (OVT) at Justice Place in Central on June 1, in view of its very poor structural and health condition.
The tree concerned is a big-leaved fig (Ficus virens) listed on the Register of OVTs (registration number LCSD CW/142).
The original height of the tree is 13 metres. However, the tree crown was heavily damaged during super typhoon Mangkhut in 2018. Over the past six years, the LCSD had carried out regular inspections and maintenance of the tree, including the application of compost to improve the growth environment, control the spreading of fungal pathogens by application of fungicides, and conduct pruning operations to reduce and remove decayed branches to alleviate the tree risk, etc. However, the health condition of the tree has continued to deteriorate, with the roots and trunk affected by fungal infection, with most major branches damaged or collapsed. Only the tree trunk remains standing with a height of a mere 4.5m, which is considered irrecoverable.
Having consulted the Urban Forestry Advisory Panel through the Tree Management Office and the Central and Western District Council on the removal proposal, and being supported, the LCSD plans to remove the tree on June 1 and replant a common saraca at the location.
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.
Source: AI-generated images
Employers, contractors and employees should be aware of electrical safety at work during rainstorm
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 27) 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.
Source: AI-generated images
