XN000022-1997-02-26 — Page 4

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"The new Regulation will lay down additional measures to ensure the safety and health of workers in asbestos processes. They include the provision of hygiene facilities for decontamination of workers, the use of 'wet method' and containment measures to reduce dust exposure.

"The new Regulation also targets high risk activities, such as work involving asbestos coating and insulation, and operations where the cumulative level of exposure to asbestos is exceeded," the spokesman said.

Under the new Regulation, proprietors are required to prepare an assessment of the asbestos work and of the steps taken to reduce workers' exposure to asbestos, before the commencement of such work. They are also required to give advance notice to the Commissioner for Labour of work with a high level of exposure to asbestos. During asbestos work, proprietors are required to take all necessary control measures to prevent or reduce workers' exposure to asbestos, carry out air monitoring and ensure medical surveillance of asbestos workers both before and during employment in such work.

On their part, employees are required to attend medical examinations, observe safety precautions and procedures, make full and proper use of control measures, safety equipment and facilities, and report to the proprietor any defects in such provisions.

process.

Persons under the age of 18 are forbidden to work in places involving asbestos

The penalties for offences under the new Regulation vary from $10,000 to $50,000.

The spokesman said that a grace period of six months would be allowed upon the enactment of the new Regulation, as some proprietors might require assistance in preparing their assessments and in implementing the control measures. To assist the proprietors, the Labour Department will publish a code of practice and handbooks.

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