Hospital Authority announces to conduct investigation on quality of cable trunking coating materials used in Kwong Wah Hospital redevelopment project
******************************************************************************************
The spokesman for the Hospital Authority (HA) made the following announcement today (November 1) regarding the quality of cable trunking coating materials used in Kwong Wah Hospital (KWH) redevelopment project:
The HA attaches great importance to the quality of hospital works. In the contract for KWH redevelopment project, it has stipulated that the thickness of the cable trunking coating materials must comply with relevant standards, with proper examination by accredited laboratory; and certificates are verified by on-site professional to ascertain the standards of the materials when they are delivered to the works site. In addition, the HA required project contractors to strictly follow relevant regulations and to properly supervise the works so as to ensure the quality of works project.
Upon receiving media enquiries regarding the thickness of the cable trunking coating installed in KWH new building, the HA immediately launched a series of investigations, including instructed the main contractor to conduct a thorough investigation in the building, entrusted an independent expert to conduct review and arranged to dismantle part of the trunking for testing in accredited laboratory:
- On October 18, upon request of the HA, the contractor conducted random testing of cable trunkings at various locations in the building;
- On October 20, the main contractor appointed an authorised person to conduct review and test;
- On October 29, the HA entrusted an independent expert to conduct re-inspection, including to conduct sampling thickness test for the cable trunking coating, to review the testing instruments and measurement methodology used by the main contractor, etc; and
- Independent expert will take sample from the site for thorough testing in accredited laboratories later, including to measure the weight and thickness of the cable trunking coating materials with sophisticated laboratory equipment to verify their quality standards.
The coating of cable trunking is mainly used for rust prevention, which does not affect building structural, patient and staff safety. For prudence, the HA entrusted an independent expert to review and analyse the relevant data. A formal report to the HA will be submitted by the independent expert later. The HA has also written to the main contractor to request a report to explain the standard of the materials in details and to ensure the quality of the project in accordance with the requirements stipulated in contract terms.
The HA attaches great importance to the quality of works project. If any incompliance of standard is found in the materials, the HA will strictly pursue relevant liabilities and require the main contractor to take necessary remedial measures following the contract. If the incident involves criminal elements, the HA will report to law enforcement authority for further actions.
Ends/Wednesday, November 1, 2023
Issued at HKT 20:45
Issued at HKT 20:45
NNNN