Tag Archives: China

     Owing to the thunderstorm warning, the flag-raising ceremony to be conducted at Golden Bauhinia Square, Wan Chai at 8am today (June 17) will be cancelled.      If the thunderstorm warning is cancelle… read more

     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 (June 17) 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 Adverse Weather and ‘Extreme Conditions'” 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. read more

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 … read more

     Over 100 dragon boat crews from across North America and overseas converged at Centre Island, Toronto, Canada, on June 14 and 15 (Toronto time) to compete for glory at the 37th Toronto International Dragon Boat Race Festival, supported by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Toronto) (Toronto ETO).
      
     Organised by the Toronto Chinese Business Association, the mega event attracted thousands of people to celebrate the Chinese tradition that blends athleticism and cultural heritage.
      
     Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Festival, the Acting Director of the Toronto ETO, Mr Gavin Yeung, remarked that the Toronto ETO is pleased to continue supporting the Festival. “Hong Kong brought this water sport to Canada almost four decades ago,” he said. “The dragon boat race signifies the strong and enduring ties between Hong Kong and Canada.”
      
     Mr Yeung shared that Hong Kong, as the events capital of Asia, stands as a globally connected city that hosts world-class events, including mega sports competitions, international conferences and cultural exhibitions, attracting tourists around the world. 
      
     “A notable highlight is the newly opened Kai Tak Sports Park,” he said. “Spanning over 28 hectares, this multipurpose venue is the largest sports, entertainment and mega event complex in Hong Kong.” Highlighting the concept of “tourism is everywhere” in Hong Kong, he encouraged Canadians to visit Hong Kong and discover the many exciting developments in Asia’s world city.
      
     The Toronto ETO also set up a Hong Kong pavilion with a mini-exhibition to showcase the history of dragon boating in Hong Kong. Cheering for their favourite teams while exploring the cultural favours, visitors enjoyed an unforgettable weekend.
      
     Besides Toronto, the Toronto ETO also celebrated dragon boat festivals in different cities across Canada. The festivals in Vancouver and Ottawa will be held from June 20 to 22 (Vancouver and Ottawa time) respectively. 

        

     The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (June 16) urged the public not to consume several kinds of prepackaged candies, as the products might contain mineral oils (mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons (MOSH) and mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH)). The CFS urged the public not to consume the products concerned, regardless of batches. The trade should stop using or selling the affected products immediately if they possess any of them. 

     Product details are as follows:

Product name: 
(1) Jolly Rancher Hard Candy
(2) Jolly Rancher ‘Misfits’ Gummies
(3) Jolly Rancher Hard Candy Fruity 2 in 1 
(4) Jolly Ranchers Berry Gummies
Manufacturer: The Hershey Company

     A spokesman for the CFS said, “The CFS noted a notice issued by the British Authority indicating that the above-mentioned products might contain mineral oils MOSH and MOAH. The products are not compliant with their local law and all batches of products concerned are being recalled. 

     After a preliminary investigation, the CFS confirmed one local supplier, Wahcom Limited had imported one of the affected products, Jolly Rancher Hard Candy into Hong Kong.”

     The supplier concerned has voluntarily stopped sales, removed the affected products from shelves and initiated a recall. Members of the public may call the supplier’s hotline at 2442 2677 during office hours for enquiries about the recall. 

     According to the Mineral Oil in Food Regulations (Cap 132AR), no person shall use or permit to be used any mineral oil in the composition or preparation of any article of food intended for sale for human consumption.

     â€‹The CFS will alert the trade to the incident and will continue to follow up and take appropriate action. An investigation is ongoing. read more