CO129-626-2 Movement of dangerous goods around Hong Kong 1-1-1951 - 30-4-1951 — Page 22

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Use of Explosives in Blasting

The only reference to blasting so far found in the Law of Hong Kong is in Section 122 of the Buildings Ordinance, No. 18 of 1935, which merely stipulates the hours during which blasting may take place and that certain precautions must be taken to prevent damage being done in the neighbourhood.

A set of rules had been drawn up by the Director of Public Works and these were, we believe, enforced as regards Government con- tractors, but the only real control was exercised through the licensing of stores for Explosives at the various quarry sites and this has proved to be inadegate.

There is no doubt that the not inconsiderable illicit trading in Explosives is made possible by a lack of supervision in their use.

"Home-made" gunpowder is used, it is said, in substitution for Explosive drawn from the licensed store and excessive quantities are sometimes written off as used and are then available for sale.

We consulted the Director of Education and were informed that it would be possible to hold classes of instruction in shot-firing, which is a skilled occupation and should only be carried out by trained and trustworthy men. We have compiled extended stockbooks to be used at the licensed Explosives' store and also shot-firers' record-books. Constant supervision will be necessary to prevent the illicit with- drawal of Explosives and we recommend that several members of the Police Force should receive special training in this respect. Expert advice on this subject can be obtained from the Government Quarry Superintendent.

19.

Petroleum in Bulk

Vessels carrying petroleum have been divided into two. (1) Tankers (2) Lighters carrying petroleum in

classes only: bulk.

Petroleum in containers is treated in the same way as other liquids giving off inflammable vapour (Category 5) of similar flash point, but a distinction has been made, which it is hoped will be temporary only, between such liquids carried in "approved containers" and those in containers which are not approved. The 4-gallon tin commonly used for containing kerosene is not regarded as coming within the definition of an approved container.

Vessels of whatever Type carrying liquids flashing below 150°F. in non-approved containers have been classified as "Case Oil Ships" and made subject to a special set of Regulations, based upon those for tankers. It is thought that these Regulations will not be required for long as the practice of packing large shipments of inflammable liquids in 4-gallon tins is now obsolescent.

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Oil Installations

There are two oil installations within the Harbour the presence of which is incompatible with full port safety, one at Taikok tsui and one at North Point. We learn with gratification that the North Point installation will be reduced in status to that of a town installation at an early date, and we recommend that steps should be taken at the earliest opportunity to place Taikoktsui on a similar basis.

The Naval oil installation at Jordan Road is also un- desirable and we hope that in time this equipment also will be moved elsewhere.

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