Squatter hut occupant convicted for permitting use of asbestos cement sheets for roofing maintenance
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A spokesman for the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) said that in September last year, the department's enforcement inspectors conducted a surprise inspection at the above squatter hut and found that there were asbestos cement sheets at the rooftop, which was inconsistent with the EPD's records. After investigations by EPD staff, it was confirmed that someone had used asbestos cement sheets during roofing maintenance. The squatter hut occupant was subsequently prosecuted in accordance with the APCO after evidence gathering by the EPD.
To safeguard public health, the Government brought into force the Air Pollution Control (Amendment) Ordinance 2014 in April 2014 to completely ban the import, transhipment, supply and use of all forms of asbestos. All asbestos-containing materials (including asbestos cement sheets) are not allowed to be used in Hong Kong in any form. Any person or company still storing asbestos-containing materials should hire registered asbestos contractors to dispose of them properly. This is the first convicted case involving the use of asbestos-containing materials since the Amendment Ordinance came into force.
The spokesman reminded members of the public not to use or permit the use of asbestos-containing materials (including asbestos cement sheets) in any form. Otherwise, it is an offence. Offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $200,000 and six months' imprisonment.
Ends/Tuesday, March 27, 2018
Issued at HKT 15:10
Issued at HKT 15:10
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