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A spokesman for the Fire Services Department (FSD) said today (April 6) that the department raided an unlicensed warehouse at Ping Che, Sha Tau Kok, yesterday and seized a quantity of dangerous goods.
"Acting on a complaint, the FSD's Fire Protection Task Force conducted an operation at around 3pm yesterday and raided a warehouse located at the intersection of Ng Chow Road and Ng Chow South Road, Ping Che. The warehouse, measuring about 1 300 square metres, was found to have stored Category 2, 3, 4 and 5 dangerous goods without a valid licence for storage of dangerous goods," the spokesman said.
The FSD immediately cordoned off the warehouse and dispatched personnel of the Dangerous Goods Division to handle the case. Other operational personnel including those from the Hazardous Materials (HazMat) Team were also deployed to assist in checking the dangerous goods for leakages. They also helped to ensure that the process of investigation and subsequent conveyance of the dangerous goods to licensed dangerous goods warehouses would be conducted safely.
Initial investigation revealed that about 4 000 compressed gas cylinders of various types and two tank containers carrying Category 2 dangerous goods, some 5 000 litres of Category 3 dangerous goods, some 1 000 litres of Category 4 dangerous goods and some 5 000 litres of Category 5 dangerous goods were found at the warehouse.
No leakage of dangerous goods from the containers was found. The FSD immediately collected samples of the dangerous goods with the assistance of personnel from the Government Laboratory, and will continue with the investigation.
"The department has detained a man for investigation and will gather evidence for future prosecution. In addition, FSD personnel will remain at the scene until all dangerous goods have been removed to licensed dangerous goods warehouses safely," the spokesman added.
Under the Dangerous Goods Ordinance (Cap 295), no person shall manufacture, store, convey or use dangerous goods exceeding an exempt quantity without a valid licence. Upon conviction, the person shall be liable to a maximum fine of $25,000 and imprisonment for six months.
The FSD calls on members of the public to report any over-storage of dangerous goods through the FSD”¦s hotline 2723 8787 so that appropriate enforcement action can be taken.
Ends/Wednesday, April 6, 2016
Issued at HKT 20:48
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