Tag Archives: China

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Grading of beach water quality released

     The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) today (January 24) released the latest grading of water quality for four gazetted beaches that are open all year round for swimming.

     Three beaches were rated as Good (Grade 1) and one as Fair (Grade 2).

Grade 1 beaches are:

Clear Water Bay Second Beach  
Deep Water Bay Beach  
Golden Beach  

Grade 2 beach is:
Silverstrand Beach  

     Compared with the grading released last week, Silverstrand Beach has been changed from Grade 1 to Grade 2.

     “The changes are generally within the normal range of fluctuation of the bacteriological water quality of the beaches,” an EPD spokesman said.

     Under the present grading system, beaches are classified into four grades, including Good (Grade 1), Fair (Grade 2), Poor (Grade 3) and Very Poor (Grade 4), according to the level of E. coli in the water. Grades are calculated on the basis of the geometric mean of the E. coli counts on the five most recent sampling occasions.

     While the ratings represent the general water quality at the beaches, the EPD spokesman reminded members of the public that water quality could be temporarily affected during and after periods of heavy rain. Bathers should avoid swimming at beaches for up to three days after a storm or heavy rainfall.

     A summary of beach grades is published weekly before the weekend. The latest beach grades based on the most current data may be obtained from the EPD’s website on Beach Water Quality (www.epd.gov.hk/epd/beach) or the beach hotline, 2511 6666. read more

East Asia

Hong Kong Customs alerts public on unsafe stuffed toy (with photo)

     Hong Kong Customs today (January 24) alerted members of the public to an unsafe model of stuffed toy. They are advised not to let children play with this toy to ensure their safety. Test results indicated that the small parts of the toy could pose suffocation risks to children.

     Customs officers earlier conducted a test-buy operation on seven models of Lunar New Year toys from retailers in different districts for safety testing. Test results revealed that a model of stuffed toy had detachable small parts which would pose a risk of suffocation if swallowed by children.

     Investigation is ongoing.

     Customs reminds members of the public to observe the following safety tips when purchasing toys:
 

  • Pay attention to age recommendations shown on labels;
  • Pay attention to and follow the instructions associated with the toys;
  • Beware of whether the small parts of toys (e.g. the eyes of stuffed toys) are easily detachable. Detached small parts may block a child’s throat and lead to suffocation if swallowed;
  • Check the structure of the toys. For example, whether they have a fragile structure, hidden sharp points, rough surfaces, sharp edges or gaps that may pinch children’s fingers;
  • Throw away plastic packages of toys and children’s products to avoid children being suffocated; and
  • Stop children playing with the toys immediately if any damage is observed.

     Customs is committed to the protection of consumer interests and regularly conducts spot checks and safety tests on toys and children’s products to ensure that they are reasonably safe for use by consumers.

     Under the Toys and Children’s Products Safety Ordinance, it is an offence to import, manufacture or supply toys for local consumption unless the toys comply with prescribed safety standards. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for one year on first conviction, and a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for two years on subsequent conviction.

     Members of the public with information relating to suspected unsafe toys or children’s products may make a report via Customs’ 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).
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East Asia