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Tuesday, June 27, 1972
SAFETY PROCEDURES FOR SHIPBREAKING
A new set of safety procedures recommended for the ship breaking
industry in Hong Kong has been drawn up by three Government departments -
Marine, Labour and Fire Services.
Known as "Guide to Safety Practice for the Shipbreaking Industry" it
was formally handed over to representatives of the industry by Mr. A.J. Lack,
Principal Marine Officer.
Mr. Lack said the purpose of the guide was to draw attention to
particular dangers inherent in the work of shipbreaking for the benefit of
the workers and all others concerned.
He said it was designed to help owners of vessels to prepare their
own safety instructions.
They were advised that whilst applying the recommendations,
due regard should be paid to the relevant safety regulations and the statutory
requirements of the Hong Kong Government,
Mr. Lack added: "There is a need for guidance in this field, particularly
for foremen as they are responsible not only to management but also to employees."
"It is hoped that managements will post the guide in offices and that
foremen and workers will keep it at their places of work," he said,
It was impossible for the guide to cover every conceivable situation,
but it was very comprehensive and included subjects concerning procedures
recommended for safe practice on vessels being prepared for or under demolition.
Mr. Lack stressed that it was now up to management in the shipbreaking
industry to train their workers to reasonable standards of safety.
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