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Asbestos
We continue to work closely with the Environmental Protection Department
(EPD) to survey our properties for asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).
During 2003 / 04, 50 of our schools were surveyed and from which
the potentially high risk ACMs were removed by qualified asbestos abatement
contractors. In the coming year we intent to start a new round of asbestos
surveys in another 115 schools through which all ACMs shall be removed.
We also undertake continuous review of asbestos management
procedures and provide appropriate training, including web-based courses,
to ensure stringent asbestos control amongst our staff and property managers.
In the coming year as our redevelopment programme approaches completion
we shall closely monitor the condition of all remaining ACMs in our properties.
Any ACM that poses a potential risk to our tenants, the public or our staff,
shall be professionally removed.
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Mercury-containing
Lamps
We operate a programme for the removal and safe disposal of spent mercury
containing lamps at our housing estates and demolition sites.
The programme is implemented in stages, taking account of controlled procedures
including registration as a chemical waste producer and collection by a
registered waste contractor. The programme involves co-ordinating staff
from the Housing Authority, building services maintenance contractors and
staff from the EPD and the Chemical Waste Treatment Centre (CWTC) in Tsing
Yi where the lamps are finally processed to remove the mercury.
Since we started participating the EPD-arranged programme in October 2002
we have collected 63 000 and disposed of 22 000 spent mercury-containing
tubes and lamps from 42 housing estates in selected regions. We intend to
extend the scheme in August 2004 for full implementation to all housing
estates by mid 2005.
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Hazardous
Materials Handling and Disposal
Regarding the disposal of hazardous materials, we
request our factory tenants that materials including oils, solvents and
chemicals must be collected by registered chemical waste contractors for
proper disposal at the CWTC.
We require that all contractors involved at any stage in the handling, storage,
transport and disposal of hazardous waste hold the appropriate license issued
by the EPD.
Our contractors must also adhere to the necessary
regulations for the handling of special hazardous wastes. For example, our
contractors involved in the handling of ionisation-type smoke detectors
must hold a valid Radioactive Substances Licence issued by the Hong Kong
Radiation Board in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Radiation
Ordinance and Radiation Regulations.
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