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The Boilers and Pressure Vessels Authority (the Authority) today (February 25) suspended an air receiver inspector (ARE) from duty for four months under section 5A(1)(c) of the Boilers and Pressure Vessels Ordinance, Chapter 56 (the Ordinance).
A spokesman for the Authority said that during an inspection, the Authority found that the appointed ARE had failed to properly discharge his duties under the Ordinance, with the actual diameter of an air receiver substantially larger than the diameter as certified by the said ARE. The assigned working pressure for the concerned air receiver was higher than the actual maximum permissible working pressure corresponding to the actual diameter. This rendered it unsafe to use and operate the equipment. "Taking into account the gravity of the omission, the representation by the ARE and the advice by interested parties in the industry, the Authority considered it necessary to suspend the ARE to deter such misconduct," the spokesman said. "The suspension will not affect the validity of other certificates issued by the appointed air receiver inspector under the Ordinance.
"The system of appointment for examiners under the Ordinance serves the important function of ensuring the proper certification and inspection of boilers and pressure vessels. As part of its on-going programme of monitoring the performance of appointed examiners, the Authority conducts regular random inspections to workplaces where such equipment is installed. Appointed examiners who fail to discharge their duties properly may be revoked or suspended," the spokesman warned.
Enquiries on the matter may be directed to the Boilers and Pressure Vessels Division of the Labour Department at 2975 6424.
Ends/Friday, February 25, 2011
Issued at HKT 16:00
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