Buildings Department's response to enquiries on final investigation report on roof structure collapse at CityU sports hall
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The Buildings Department (BD) has provided the investigation results to the Department of Justice (DoJ) for consideration of taking legal actions under the Buildings Ordinance (BO). After thorough examination and consideration of the relevant information, evidence and circumstances of the case, the DoJ has decided that prosecution should not be instigated. The BD is unable to disclose the relevant legal advice as it is subject to legal professional privilege. Nevertheless, the BD is seeking further legal advice from the DoJ as to whether disciplinary action should be taken against the relevant persons registered under the BO. It is not appropriate to disclose and comment on the names of the relevant persons at this stage.
As to whether greenery covers constitute building works, the matter cannot be generalised. In general, the factors to be considered include the degree of fixation, permanence, intended use and extent of the greenery covers, associated building works and provision of other facilities in and around the greenery covers, and ease of assembling and removal of the greenery covers. The above factors have to be considered in totality before a decision can be made.
The "Introductory Guide on Greening in Buildings" issued by the BD has provided an easy reference to the general public for safe provision of greening in buildings. The Guide reminds the general public on the potential impact of greening on building safety and areas of concern, particularly for situations that have substantial impact on existing building structures such as greening on long-span roof, and the need to seek professional advice as necessary for ensuring building safety.
Besides, the BD has issued a circular letter on "Roof Greening in Existing Buildings", reminding the building industry of the technical issues to be considered in designing and installing roof greening in existing buildings, such as structural issues, loading and drainage systems.
In order to strengthen the control over the safety and quality of building works, the BD has implemented the Supervision Plan System since December 1997. The System sets out the required procedures of site supervision, requires authorized persons to submit supervision plans upon applications for consent for commencement of building works, and regulates the responsibilities and supervision requirements of technically competent persons in site supervision for ensuring building works are in general executed in accordance with the BO and the approved plans. In parallel, the BD has also stepped up efforts in carrying out audit inspections to sites.
In addition, authorized persons, registered structural engineers and registered contractors under the BO are required to supervise the carrying out of building works in accordance with the approval plans, and certify that the works have been completed in accordance with the approved plans and in compliance with the BO and its allied regulations. For applications for occupation permits, the BD will scrutinise the relevant documents as required by the BO, including those related to fire safety provisions and building services, and will conduct on-site audit checks.
Ends/Wednesday, May 31, 2017
Issued at HKT 22:38
Issued at HKT 22:38
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