Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (September 2) that due to big waves, red flags have been hoisted at Trio Beach, Kiu Tsui Beach and Hap Mun Bay Beach in Sai Kung District. Beach-goers are advised not to swim at these beaches.

Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible and repeat it at suitable intervals:

     Members of the public are advised to report any street flooding that comes to their notice to the Drainage Services Department by calling the 24-hour drainage hotline on 2300 1110.

     As the rainstorm warning has been issued by the Hong Kong Observatory, the Labour Department (LD) reminds employers and contractors that they should adopt necessary work arrangements and take suitable safety measures to protect the safety of their employees when they are carrying out electrical work or handling electrical plant.

     A spokesman for the LD said today (September 2) that employers and contractors should avoid assigning employees to carry out electrical work (like electric arc welding work) or handle electrical plant at places affected by rainstorms, and should refer to the "Code of Practice in times of Typhoons and Rainstorms" and the "Guide on Safety at Work in times of Inclement Weather" issued by the LD.

     Even if electrical work is carried out or electrical plant is handled at places not affected by the rainstorm, suitable safety measures must still be adopted to prevent electric shock as the air would be more humid. Such measures include:

(i) Ensure that all live parts of an electrical installation are isolated from the power supply source and rendered dead, and the isolation from the power supply source must be maintained as long as electrical work is being carried out;

(ii) Before carrying out any electrical work or handling any electrical plant, cut off and lock out the power supply source, then test the circuit concerned to confirm it is dead and display suitable warning notices, and issue a work permit thereafter;

(iii) Ensure that protective devices (such as suitable and adequate fuses and circuit breakers) for the electrical installations or electrical plant have been installed and maintained in good working order, and portable electric tools must be double-insulated or properly earthed;

(iv) Provide suitable personal protective equipment such as insulating gloves and insulating mats for employees; and

(v) If live electrical work is unavoidable, a comprehensive risk assessment should be conducted by a competent person and the appropriate safety precautions should be taken to remove or properly control the electrical hazards involved before such work can proceed.

     In addition, employees should co-operate with the employer or contractor to follow the safety instructions and use the safety equipment provided.

     The LD has published guidebooks and leaflets on electrical work safety. These safety publications are available free from divisional offices of the department or can be downloaded from its website (www.labour.gov.hk/eng/public/content2_8.htm).

     Should there be any questions about occupational safety and health matters, please contact the Occupational Safety Officer of the LD at 2559 2297.

     Traffic conditions were mostly smooth and public transport services were generally adequate to meet demand this morning on the first school day today (September 2), the Transport Department said.
 
     The department's Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre (ETCC) has been closely monitoring the traffic situation and public transport services since 5.30am today. Staff were deployed to monitor the traffic and transport situation on-site at various major public transport interchanges and school areas. They provided updated information to the ETCC for arranging public transport service enhancements or informing the Police regarding traffic regulation when necessary.
 
     As in previous years, the overall road traffic, including major trunk roads, cross-harbour tunnels and especially the traffic in school areas, was busier than usual on the first school day. However, the traffic on major trunk roads and cross-harbour tunnels was generally smooth. For public transport services, except service disruptions on MTR Kwun Tong Line and Tsuen Wan Line, other MTR and bus services maintained normal.
 
     "Students are reminded to familiarise themselves with the public transport routes to be taken to school during the first few days of the new school term to determine the most suitable travel patterns," a department spokesman said.
 
     The department will continue to closely monitor the traffic situation and public transport services in the next few days when more schools begin to resume their normal school hours. Close liaison with major public transport operators and relevant government departments will also be maintained.
 
     The spokesman reminded students to allow more time for travel and pay attention to road safety. Those living on the outlying islands or attending schools on the outlying islands are advised to check in advance the ferry schedules, the vessel types to be used and journey times on their intended ferry trips. Meanwhile, in view of possible congestion in school areas, motorists should avoid driving to these areas.
 
     Drivers of nanny vans and school buses are also reminded to drive carefully, especially on steep roads, in narrow lanes or at locations where driving in reverse is necessary. Overloading is prohibited and they are not allowed to leave students unattended in the vehicles. An escort should be provided on board when serving kindergarten or primary school students.
 
     The road traffic, especially on major trunk roads and in some cross-harbour tunnels, is likely to become busier as compared with the situation in the summer holidays. Passenger demand for public transport services will also increase sharply. Members of the public are advised to allow more time for their trips during the morning peak hours.
 
     Members of the public should pay attention to the latest transport and traffic news on radio and television before leaving home. For enquiries, please call the department's hotline at 2804 2600 or the 1823 Call Centre. They can also download the department's mobile application "HKeMobility" to obtain the latest special traffic and transport arrangements.
 
     For enquiries on schedules of bus, ferry or railway services, please call the following hotlines or visit the websites of the major public transport operators:
 

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible and repeat it at regular intervals:

     Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (September 2) that the lifesaving services at Hap Mun Bay Beach, Kiu Tsui Beach and Trio Beach in Sai Kung District have resumed. The lifesaving services at the three beaches were suspended earlier on as lifeguards were unable to go to the beaches by ferries due to rough sea conditions.