XN000022-1972-06-27 — Page 4

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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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