Environmental,Health and Safety Report 2004 / 05

Air

Controlling Fugitive Emissions During Construction and Demolition

Fugitive emissions, in particular dust, can be easily generated if not properly controlled during construction and demolition (C&D) works. Recognizing this, all contractors working on the Housing Authority (HA) C&D sites are required to implement all practicable means to avoid or otherwise control dust and exhaust emissions from their works and construction vehicles.

Our contract specifications outline the air pollution control measures which have been implemented on site. Our staff conduct regular inspections and assessments including the Performance Assessment Scoring System to evaluate the performance of all our building contracts.

More recently, we have introduced the Enhanced Precast and Prefabrication System (EPPS) that will potentially reduce air pollution on site during construction. [Reference to Materials Management / Noise / Waste on EPPS] This system reduces the amount of on-site works (i.e. cutting / sawing / nailing of materials) which inherently generate fugitive dust if not properly managed. Prefabrication allows whole segments of construction parts (i.e. window frames, wall / room units, etc) to be constructed within a controlled environment away from residential premises, thereby reducing air emissions and / or nuisance to the general public.

Photo: Weel-washing bay at construction site

Managing Odour Nuisance at Estates

When improperly stored and managed, waste at refuse collection points will generate odour which can be a nuisance to residents, passersby and our estate management staff. To mitigate this impact, HA has continually been reviewing the situation at all estates in parallel with a number of air quality enhancement initiatives. These include the installation of over 50 biotechnological equipment items at refuse collection points and 200 packaged deodourizers in the refuse rooms of our public housing estates.

Following the success of these initiatives, we shall introduce more installations into our refuse management facilities as appropriate.

Improving Our Indoor Air Quality

We recognize that maintaining good indoor air quality is important if we are to maintain good health. As such, since 1996, we have adopted a smoke-free environment in our headquarters and other office premises. The indoor air quality of our shopping centres has also been improved with increase in fresh air intake following the SARS outbreak in 2003.

Besides the installation of gas dessicant dehumidification system at Hin Keng market, we have taken other measures to improve air quality in markets using ultra-violet air purifier unit to disinfect airborne bacteria.

Photo: Biotechnological deodourizeres in refuse collection point

Photo: Installation of air-conditioning in wet market resists the development of airborne bacteria