Non-registered contractor convicted for illegal removal of asbestos roofs
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     A non-registered contractor, L Vogue Design Limited, illegally removed asbestos roofs from the podium of a residential building at 107 Kau Pui Lung Road in To Kwa Wan. It was fined $6,000 today (August 9) at Kwun Tong Magistrates' Courts for contravening the Air Pollution Control Ordinance (APCO).
 
     A spokesman for the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) said that in January this year, a complaint was received about the illegal removal of asbestos roofs during the demolition of a building structure at a residential building at Kau Pui Lung Road in To Kwa Wan. After investigation, the EPD confirmed that the asbestos abatement works 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 prosecution against the contractor under the APCO.

     The spokesman said that, to safeguard public health, asbestos abatement works at all 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/Thursday, August 9, 2018
Issued at HKT 15:30

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