Inter-departmental pre-typhoon tabletop exercise concludes
The Security Bureau held an interdepartmental pre-typhoon tabletop exercise today (April 28) at the Emergency Monitoring and Support Centre (EMSC) in the Central Government Offices to enhance the emergency response and collaboration of bureaux, departments and other parties concerned in handling possible emergency situations if Hong Kong is struck by a super typhoon and/or heavy rainstorm.
According to the Hong Kong Observatory's forecast, about four to seven tropical cyclones are expected to come within 500 kilometres of Hong Kong this year. Thetropical cyclone season is expected to start in June or later and cease in October or before. To ensure comprehensive preparedness, representatives from 40 bureaux, departments and other parties concerned participated in this year's exercise.
The exercise simulateda scenario in which a super typhoon and heavy rainstorm battered Hong Kong, causing widespread destruction, property damage and serious blockage of main thoroughfares. Participants were required to outline their response measures under different scenarios. The exercise served as an interdisciplinary platform for the participants to share their experience and expertise, and allowed the participating parties to gain a deeper understanding of the operation of the EMSC as well as their respective responsibilities, with a view to enhancing the preparedness and interdepartmental collaboration in responding to threats posed by super typhoons and/or heavy rainstorm.
The Government will continue to strengthen the overall preparedness and response capabilities to address the challenges posed by extreme weather, ensuring the safety of lives and properties for Hong Kong citizens.
Inter-departmental pre-typhoon tabletop exercise concludes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Inter-departmental pre-typhoon tabletop exercise concludes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Employers, contractors and employees should be aware of electrical safety at work during rainstorms
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 (April 29) that employers and contractors should avoid assigning employees to carry out electrical work (such as 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 a rainstorm, suitable safety measures must still be adopted to prevent an 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 that 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-found images
