XN000022-1993-04-30 — Page 12

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FRIDAY, APRIL 30, 1993

THE MONTH-LONG CAMPAIGN, ENTITLED **A WELL MAINTAINED AIR-CONDITIONER BENEFITS US ALL", IS ORGANISED UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE URBAN AND REGIONAL COUNCILS.

AS PART OF THE CAMPAIGN, A 24-HOUR HOTLINE 723 0013" CARRYING A PRE-RECORDED MESSAGE ON METHODS OF PREVENTING NUISANCES CAUSED BY AIR-CONDITIONERS WILL BE SET UP TO ADVISE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.

"THE AIM IS TO REMIND THE GENERAL PUBLIC TO EFFECT DUE REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE TO THEIR AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEMS WITH THE APPROACH OF THE SUMMER SEASON," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY

(FRIDAY).

"AFTER LISTENING TO THE TAPED MESSAGE, A CALLER MAY LEAVE HIS PHONE NUMBER AND QUESTIONS WITH THE HOTLINE. STAFF FROM THE HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT WILL CALL BACK, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

"

HE POINTED OUT THAT UNWANTED DRIPPINGS, HOT AIR AND EXCESSIVE NOISE WERE THE COMMON NUISANCES

FROM DEFECTIVE AIR-CONDITIONERS.

EMITTED

"TO TACKLE THE EMISSIONS EFFECTIVELY, THE PUBLIC SHOULD CHOOSE

A SUITABLE AND LESS NOISY AIR-CONDITIONER.

"REGARDING THE INSTALLATION POSITION,

AIR-CONDITIONERS SHOULD

BE LOCATED AS FAR AWAY AS POSSIBLE FROM THE NEIGHBOURING UNIT TO AVOID CAUSING NOISE NUISANCE TO NEIGHBOURS.

"WINDOW-TYPE AIR-CONDITIONERS MUST CARRY UNDERSIDE METAL TRAYS WHICH IN TURN SHOULD BE OPEN AND CONNECTED WITH RUBBER HOSES ΤΟ FACILITATE PROPER DRAINAGE OF DRIPPINGS.

"

"FOR LARGE AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEMS, RUST-PROOF ANTI-SPLASHING GUARDS SHOULD BE PROVIDED TO THE WATER TOWERS TO PREVENT WATER FROM SPLASHING OUT," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.

HE STRESSED THAT PROPER MAINTENANCE AND REGULAR INSPECTION WERE IMPORTANT TO ENSURE THAT THE MACHINE FUNCTIONED PROPERLY.

UNDER THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND MUNICIPAL SERVICES ORDINANCE, IT IS AN OFFENCE TO LET AN AIR-CONDITIONING UNIT DRIP OR EMIT HOT AIR IN SUCH A MANNER AS TO BE A NUISANCE.

"

"OFFENDERS MAY BE FINED UP TO $10,000, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

"THERE ARE ALSO PROVISIONS IN THE NOISE CONTROL ORDINANCE ON THE CONTROL OF NOISE NUISANCE CAUSED BY AIR-CONDITIONERS, HE ADDED.

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DURING THE CAMPAIGN PERIOD, PUBLICITY MATERIALS LIKE ADVISORY LETTERS, POSTERS AND LEAFLETS WILL BE WIDELY DISTRIBUTED ΤΟ MANAGEMENTS OF ESTABLISHED PRIVATE HOUSING ESTATES, SHOPPING ARCADES, COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS, INCORPORATED OWNERS, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, SUPPLIERS AND DISTRIBUTORS OF AIR-CONDITIONERS.

TELEVISION AND RADIO ANNOUNCEMENTS WILL BE BROADCAST TO AROUSE PUBLIC CONCERN ON THE ISSUE.

/A SET