Shing Tai Interior Decoration Engineering Co Limited, which illegally demolished an asbestos cement sheet structure at the podium of Sun Fung Mansion at Lyndhurst Terrace in Central, was convicted today (April 30) at Eastern Magistrates' Courts for contravening the Air Pollution Control Ordinance (APCO). Another renovation works contractor was also convicted at Eastern Magistrates' Courts on April 23 for the illegal demolition of an asbestos canopy at the external wall of a building located at 169-170 Gloucester Road in Wan Chai. The two contractors were fined a total of $24,000.

     An Environmental Protection Department (EPD) spokesman said that complaints were received last October and November about the illegal demolition of an asbestos cement sheet structure at the external wall of a composite building in Wan Chai, and at the podium of a building in the commercial area of Central by works contractors. The EPD conducted investigations and found that the asbestos removal works at both locations were not carried out in accordance with the statutory requirements, as no registered asbestos contractor was hired to conduct the removal works and the EPD had not been notified prior to the commencement of the works. After evidence collection, the EPD initiated prosecutions against the contractors under the APCO.

     ​The spokesman said that, to safeguard public health, asbestos abatement works at commercial and industrial buildings or residential buildings must be carried out by a registered asbestos contractor in accordance with the statutory requirements and the code of practice on asbestos control to prevent the release of asbestos fibres from affecting the workers and public health. Offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $200,000 and six months' imprisonment. Anyone failing to give not less than 28 days' written notice to the EPD of the commencement date of the asbestos abatement work is also liable to a maximum fine of $200,000.

Ends/Monday, April 30, 2018
Issued at HKT 16:30

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