8
However, exemption will be given to emergency works required where human life or building safety is immediately threatened, or for emergency repair of utility services.
The spokesman added, "To minimise unexpected cost incurred from the new requirements, a one-year exemption period from the commencement date of the Regulation will be applied to existing works, including committed works for which contracts have been signed."
The Regulation was endorsed by the Advisory Council on the Environment. Consultation with construction related trade associations, utility companies and environmental groups were also conducted who find the proposed measures acceptable.
End
Environmental asbestos to be controlled
The control of environmental asbestos under the Air Pollution Control Ordinance will take full effect on June 19, 1997.
Under the new ordinance gazetted today (Friday), only registered asbestos professionals can carry out any work involving asbestos.
Explaining details of the new control, Acting Assistant Director of the Environmental Protection Department (EPD), Mr Leung Pak-ming, said that premises owners planning to carry out asbestos work must notify the Department.
"They have to submit an asbestos investigation report and an asbestos abatement plan at least 28 days before the work commences," he said.
Mr Leung said that the inhalation of airborne asbestos fibres could lead to serious illnesses, such as asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma.
out.
"The control programme is to protect the community from the risk," he pointed
"The duty of the registered asbestos professionals is to ensure that asbestos work is carried out conforming to the requirements and procedures described in the code of practice published under the law," he said.
Page 10Page 11