Figure 14.1 Proposed
Alignment and Work Areas
Background
14.1
This section of
the EIA presents a summary of the analysis and findings of the Hazard to Life Assessment
(also referred as Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA)) undertaken for the
proposed Cross
Harbour Section of the Shatin to Central Link (SCL) project to form the north-south rail corridor
(HUH-ADM).
14.2
The Project, SCL (HUH-ADM), consists of the construction
of an underground railway extension from HUH station to ADM station, involving nearly 6 km to be constructed in tunnels.
The route will encounter a variety of ground conditions, urban environment, and
a number of specific constraints in some localised areas. The majority of the
tunnelling will be by mechanical methods but there will be blasting required in
certain sections.
14.3
The selection of construction methods has been optimised to minimise, as
far as possible, the use of explosives depending on the type of material to be
excavated. Only two sections of the construction will require the use of
explosives. These are:
·
ADM
Overrun Tunnel to the south of the new Admiralty Station: The approximately 900 m long section
of tunnels would be excavated within granites and fractured tuffs using drill
and blast method; Mines Division will deliver explosives directly to this works
area; and
·
Cross
Harbour Immersed Tube Tunnel (IMT): The majority of the trench excavation for the IMT is anticipated to be
formed in soft ground. However, underwater blasting works may be required when
bedrock or large boulders are encountered.
14.4
As shown above, a substantial length of the tunnels and adits will be
excavated in rock. A significant amount of explosives will be required for the
construction of tunnels and adits, and for the removal of bedrock and boulders
if encountered.
14.5
Mines Division will be responsible for delivering explosives directly to
works areas for the rock excavation of the ADM Overrun Tunnel. The
transportation of explosives by Mines Division directly to sites is under Mines
Division’s responsibility and falls outside the scope of this Environmental
Impact Assessment (EIA).
14.6
The construction of the IMT may require some blasting works, and for
this, explosives will be delivered from the TKO Area 137 Pier by Contractors
delivery vessel to the works pontoon in
Legislation requirement and evaluation
criteria
14.7
The
key legislation and guidelines that are
considered relevant to the development of the proposed SCL (HUH-ADM)
project are as follows:
·
Dangerous
Goods Ordinance, Chapter 295;
·
Environmental
Impact Assessment Ordinance (EIAO), Chapter 499; and
·
The
EIA Study Brief (ESB-193/2008), Section 3.2 and Section 3.4.9.
14.8
Under Section 5(7) of the
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Ordinance (Cap. 499) (EIAO), the Director
of Environmental Protection (Director) from the Environmental Protection
Department (EPD) has issued a Study Brief No. ESB-193/2008 for this project
(EIA Study Brief). Section 3.4.9 of
the EIA Study Brief specifies that a Hazard to Life Assessment should be
conducted for the Project. The relevant EIA Study Brief requirements for this
study are quoted in Table 14.1.
Table 14.1 EIA
Study Brief – Hazard to Life Requirements
|
3.4.9 |
Hazard to Life |
|
3.4.9.1 |
If the Project will involve use of explosives, the Applicant shall
describe the statutory/licensing requirements with respect to explosives
under the Dangerous Goods Ordinance (Cap. 295). The Applicant shall also
document any guidelines and/or advice obtained from relevant departments/
authorities on the proposed transport and storage of explosives for the
blasting activities. |
|
3.4.9.2 |
If the proposed use of explosives for rock blasting is required
and the location of overnight storage of explosives is in close vicinity to populated
areas and/or Potentially Hazardous Installation site, the Applicant shall
carry out hazard assessment as follows: (i) Identify hazardous scenarios associated with the storage
and transport of explosives and then determine a set of relevant scenarios
to be included in a Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA); (ii) Execute a QRA of the set of hazardous scenarios determined
in (i), expressing population risks in both individual and societal terms; (iii) Compare individual and societal risks with the criteria
for evaluating hazard to life stipulated in Annex 4 of the TM; and (iv) Identify and assess practicable and cost-effective risk
mitigation measures. (e.g. selection of the shortest practicable road
transport routes to and from the magazine). |
|
3.4.9.3 |
There is a pair of submarine town gas pipelines between Hung
Hom and (a) contact the Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited (HKCG)
to obtain the setting out information of the submarine pipelines and
consult/liaise with the HKCG on the proposed construction method of the
Project in the vicinity of onshore/offshore town gas pipelines and
associated town gas installations with respect to gas safety, gas supply
inventory and gas security; and (b) describe measures identified to avoid and minimize the
hazard to life issue in relation to fuel gas safety. |
14.9
In view of the fact that there is no overnight
storage of explosives as part of the Project, consistent with the conditions
stipulated in Section 3.4.9.2 a
Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA) of the storage and transport of explosives is
not required. This section of the EIA addresses the remaining EIA Study Brief
requirements, namely Section 3.4.9.1
with regard to the statutory/licensing
requirements with respect to explosives under the Dangerous Goods Ordinance
(Cap. 295), and any guidelines and/or advice
obtained from relevant departments/ authorities. This section also addresses Section 3.4.9.3 hazard to life issues
with regard to the submarine gas pipelines between Hung Hom and
14.10
With reference to the EIA Study Brief, no work areas will be located in
the consultation zone of any Potentially Hazardous Installation (PHI). It is
noted that the LPG filing station near
Project Overview
14.11
The Project comprises the
following key elements:
·
Interfaces with existing stations such as Hung Hom Station and Admiralty
Station;
·
Interfaces with other railway extensions such as South Island Line East (SIL(E))
at Admiralty Station (part of SIL(E) project);
·
New station at Exhibition;
·
Railway alignment sections including:
-
Hung
Hom Landfall: The section of the tunnel will extend from the southern side of
the North Flood Gate Building (NFGB) to the interface with the IMT located
approximately 50 m south of the Hung Hom Bypass. It is proposed that the
approximately 130 m long tunnel will be constructed using cut and cover method.;
-
Cross
Harbour Tunnel: Approximately 1.3 km cross harbour tunnel between Causeway Bay
Typhoon Shelter (CBTS) and the Hung Hom Landfall will be constructed by the
Immersed Tube Tunnel (IMT) method. The majority of the trench excavation for
the IMT is anticipated to be formed in soft ground. However, underwater
blasting works may be required when bedrock or large boulders are encountered;
-
South Ventilation Shafts, Plant Rooms and Emergency
Access (SOV) and adjacent tunnel: The SOV will be a permanent structure for the
proposed tunnel. It is envisaged that rockhead will be encountered at SOV,
mechanical breaking would be adopted for rock excavation. The connecting tunnel
from SOV running across the CBTS to an interface point with the IMT is proposed
to be constructed using cut and cover method;
-
EXH-SOV
Tunnel: The tunnels run along the northern shoreline of
-
Exhibition
station: The station will become an interchange station with the future North
Island Line. Cut and Cover excavation will be used;
-
ADM-EXH
Tunnel: The tunnels in this section will be constructed using TBM method;
-
Admiralty
Station: The station would be extended and become an integrated station for the
existing Tsuen Wan Line, Island Line and the proposed South Island Line (East)
and Shatin to Central Link. The design of the Admiralty Station and
construction of SCL enabling works inside Admiralty Station will be conducted
by the SIL(E) project;
-
ADM
Overrun Tunnel: This section of running tunnels is proposed to be constructed
to the south of the new ADM station. The approximately 900m long section of
tunnels would be excavated within granites and fractured tuffs using drill and
blast method. There will also be certain sections where mechanical excavation
instead of blasting will be used due to vibration restrictions (sensitive
receivers);
-
Construction works include ancillary shafts and
structures e.g. Convention Avenue Launch Shaft.
14.12
The proposed Project alignment and work areas are shown in Figure 14.1.
14.13
Two categories of explosives will be used for
the construction by Drill and Blast (D&B) methods and for underwater blasting works where
bedrock or large boulders are encountered. These are:
·
Initiating explosives: cartridged emulsion explosives, detonating cord
(D&B only) and detonators;
and
·
Blasting
explosives: bulk emulsion explosives manufactured at the blast site (D&B
only) or, in close proximity to sensitive receivers (i.e. with MIC less than 2
kg), cartridged emulsion explosives.
14.14
Cartridged emulsion, detonating cord
and detonators will
be delivered by Mines Division. These
explosives are
classified as an explosive Class 1.1D under United Nation (UN) Classification
(ref.3) and as a Category 1 (Explosive and blasting agents)
Dangerous Goods under the Hong Kong Dangerous Goods Ordinance.
14.15
Detonators will also be used
to initiate the blast at the working face. As used in this project, they are classified as Class 1.4B or 1.4S
explosives under the UN classification system and Category 1 (Explosives and
Blasting Agents) under the Hong Kong Dangerous Goods Ordinance. Detonators approved for use in
14.16
Bulk emulsion precursor will be transported to the blast
sites by the appointed third party supplier. It is classified
as an oxidising agent Class 5.1 under the UN Classification system and as Category 7, i.e. strong supporter of combustion under the Hong Kong
Dangerous Goods Ordinance. Prior to
sensitizing, it is
not considered as an explosive, and hence outside
the scope of this Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
14.17
Explosives
classified as Class 1.1 are defined as substances and articles which have a
mass explosion hazard while Class 1.4 explosives present no significant hazard
outside the packaging. To comply with the classification, it is required to
ensure that the explosive is safe to transport, to pass a series of
classification tests in accordance with the UN Test Manual, 5th
Revised Edition (ref.4). Due to different properties of explosives, a
compatibility class is also assigned, as applicable to this Project. Type “B”
is defined as “An article containing a primary explosive substance and not
containing two or more protective features” and type “S” is defined as “The
substance or article so packed or designed that any hazardous effects arising
from accidental functioning are limited to the extent that they do not
significantly hinder or prohibit fire fighting or other emergency response
efforts in the immediate vicinity of the package”.
Statutory/ Licensing Requirements
14.18
The statutory /
licensing requirements with respect to the explosives (Cat. 1 Dangerous Goods)
or the oxidizing substances (Cat. 7 Dangerous Goods) used to prepare explosives
at the construction work area as well as relevant government departments/
authorities’ advice and practice for the blasting activities are summarized
below.
Category 1 Explosives and Blasting Agents
·
Responsible
authority: The Commissioner of Mines
·
Applicable
regulations/ guidance notes:
-
Supply
of detonators and cartridged emulsion explosives (under the Dangerous Goods
(General) Regulations Cap. 295B);
-
Approved
explosives for blasting in
-
Blast
design (under the Dangerous Goods (General) Regulations Cap. 295B);
-
Blast
loading and execution (under the Dangerous Goods (General) Regulations Cap.
295B);
-
Explosives
produced at site (under Regulation 31A of the Dangerous Goods (General)
Regulations Cap. 295B); and
Controlling Dangerous Goods in Hong Kong Waters
·
Responsible
authority: Dangerous
Goods Unit (DGU), Marine Department
·
Applicable
regulations/ guidance notes:
-
Regulating
the movement of dangerous goods in Hong Kong waters and carrying out inspections
(in accordance with the Merchant Shipping (Safety)
(Dangerous Goods and Marine Pollutants) Regulation, Cap. 413H; and the
International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code);
-
Explosives load per vessel (in accordance with Carriage of Explosives Substances,
Class 1) which should follow the general requirements
for Ocean-going
Vessels (OGV) and River-trade Vessels (RTV) carrying dangerous goods in
Hong Kong waters:, including:
o
Furnish the Director of Marine with the
Dangerous Goods Manifest;
o
Dangerous goods shall be
labelled, placarded, marked, packaged and documented in accordance with the
provisions of the IMDG Code;
o
Stowage and segregation of
dangerous goods shall comply with the provisions of the IMDG Code and the
Document of Compliance for carrying dangerous goods on the vessel; and
o
Comply with the local
regulations.
-
Class 1: Explosives:
o
Division 1.1: substances and
articles which have a mass explosion hazard
o
Division 1.2: substances and
articles which have a projection hazard but not a mass explosion hazard
o
Division 1.3: substances and
articles which have a fire hazard and either a minor blast hazard or a minor
projection hazard or both, but not a mass explosion hazard
o
Division 1.4: substances and
articles which present no significant hazard
o
Division 1.5: very insensitive
substances which have a mass explosion hazard
o
Division 1.6: extremely
insensitive articles which do not have a mass explosion hazard
-
Anyone who wants to import explosives into
-
Except with the permission of the Director
of Marine, the vessels should remain and handle explosives in the Western Dangerous
Goods Anchorage (WDGA), or in the designated anchorage if the vessels’ length
or draught exceeds the limitation of WDGA; and
-
The maximum Net Explosives Quantity (NEQ)
of Class 1 dangerous goods (DG) allowed onboard a vessel at any time within the
waters of
·
Local Vessels General
Requirements for Carrying Dangerous Goods:
-
Any local vessel used for carrying
dangerous goods shall possess a Declaration of Fitness (DoF) for the carriage
of such dangerous goods.
-
Any local vessel used for carrying any
dangerous goods shall carry at least a person who has completed a recognized
training course when dangerous goods containers are being loaded, unloaded or
handled.
-
A Removal Permit is required for the
carriage of Dangerous Goods of Class 1, Explosives. For other dangerous goods,
a carriage permit is required. The
validity of the Removal Permit is for a day (restricted from 07:00 hours to
19:00 hours)
·
Application for Removal of Explosives:
-
In order to transport explosives in
o
Person intends to carry Class 1 Dangerous
Goods (DG) (Explosives) for use/storage in
o
Person intends to carry Class 1 DG by a
local vessel in Hong Kong waters, shall apply for a Removal Permit in accordance
with the Dangerous Goods (General) Regulations.
o
The maximum Net Explosives Quantity (NEQ)
of Class 1 DG allowed onboard a vessel at any time within the waters of
o
Removal Permit is valid for one day only
(restricted from 07:00 to 19:00 hours).
-
When applying for a Removal Permit, the
applicant shall provide full details required in the Application Form as set
out below:
o
Vessel’s Name and Operating Licence Number
o
Date
o
Container Number (if available)
o
Cargo Description (e.g. Proper Shipping
Name, IMDG Class and UN Number)
o
Place of Loading (specified the location)
o Place of Discharging (specified the location)
o
Destination (final place of DG to be
discharged)
-
The completed application form should be accompanied (in addition to the
fee) by the following:
o a copy of a valid “Declaration of Fitness”;
o a copy of a valid “Operating Licence”;
o
a copy of a valid “Certificate of Training for Basic Handling of Dangerous Goods (Local
Vessels)”;
·
In addition to the above
conditions, the Merchant Shipping (Safety) (Dangerous Goods and Marine
Pollutants) Regulation, Cap. 413H, includes certain requirements on the stowing
of explosives on-board such that:
-
explosives are stowed in a compartment in
which any electrical apparatus and cables are so designed and used as to
minimize the risk of fire or explosion;
-
detonators are effectively segregated from
all other explosives;
-
the stowage and segregation of explosives
are in accordance with the IMDG Code; and
-
where such explosives are required to be
stowed in a magazine, such magazine is kept securely closed while the ship is
at sea.
·
Explosive delivery vessel design features and safety requirements under
Code Of Practice - Safety Standards for Classes I, II and III Vessels (ref 5),
-
Class II vessels to be used, consideration should be given in particular
to Chapter X: Special
Requirements For Vessels Carrying Dangerous Goods, which describes the requirements in regard
to hull construction, windlass and signals.
·
Navigators should fully comply with all
international and local regulations, in particular, the International
Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972; and navigate and operate the vessels with a good
seamanship manner at all times.
Category 7 Strong Supporters of Combustion
·
Responsible
authority: Fire Services Department
·
Applicable
regulations:
-
Storage
of oxidizing agents (under Dangerous Goods (General) Regulations Cap. 295B)
14.19
This Project will use cartridged emulsion explosives as initiating
explosives. For blasting explosives, bulk emulsion will be used; however,
cartridged emulsion explosives may be used as blasting explosives in close
proximity to sensitive receivers. Cartridged emulsion will also be used for the
underwater blasting.
Impact of construction activities on Towngas
submarine pipelines
14.20
A pair of
submarine pipelines (Towngas) are situated between Hung Hom and
14.21
Fuel gas safety
matters are controlled under the Gas Safety Ordinance (Cap. 51). The “Code of
Practice (COP) on Avoiding Danger From Gas Pipes” requires safety measurements
to be taken to avoid any potential damage to the gas pipelines for works
involving the “use of explosives” within 60 m of the gas pipelines.
14.22
Following a
consultation with
14.23
Figure 14.2 shows the
alignment of the gas pipelines relative to the proposed SCL (HUH-ADM) alignment. The
separation distance between the railway alignment and the Towngas pipelines at
the nearest point is estimated to be about 260 m. This is significantly greater
than the 60 m distance as required by the COP on the “use of explosives” and
the 50 m distance as required by the “no-dredging and no-anchoring zone”.
14.24
The ground
vibration peak particle velocity (PPV) generated by the underwater blasting at
260 m is about 8 mm/s (for the maximum chargeweight of 25 kg), which is far
below the allowable peak particle velocity of 25 mm/s capable of causing
pipeline damage.
Figure 14.1 Proposed
Alignment and Work Areas
Measures Identified To
Avoid And Minimize The Hazard To Life Issue In Relation To Fuel Gas Safety
14.25
The SCL section
crossing
· The IMT alignment has been
optimised as far as possible to avoid the need for rock excavation. A
preliminary geological survey indicates 2 zones where blasting may be
necessary;
· The water layer on top of the
blast area would serve a purpose as a flyrock protective measure to contain any
rock fragments or debris generated from blasting;
· The charging time by the diver
shotfirer would be undertaken when the required tidal range has been reached;
· Charge shall be taped on semi cut
pipe within the rock in order that there will be no blast directly into the
water. The shock wave pressures will be reduced as much as possible;
· The installation of an air-bubble
curtain created by production of bubbles from a perforated compressed air hose
placed on the seabed in the vicinity of the blasting area;
· In terms of the construction
sequence, sediment dredging (within the planned IMT works area) should be
conducted prior to underwater blasting. Entrainment of suspended solids can
then be minimized during the underwater blasting;
· If only oversized boulders, but
not bedrock are encountered, the powder factor and drill depth shall be reduced
as the purpose of the blasting is only to split the oversized boulders to a
smaller muckable size. The shorter drilling depth reduces the necessary
explosives quantity per hole and impact to the surrounding environment or
vibration sensitive receivers is significantly milder; and
· Trial blasts should be
implemented to ensure that a safe blasting operation has been carried out and
the ground vibrations at sensitive receivers are within allowable limits.
14.26 Safety measures have been proposed in Section 14.25 to avoid and minimize the hazard to life issue in relation to fuel gas safety for works associated with SCL (HUH-ADM).
14.27
The statutory/licensing
requirements with respect to explosives under the Dangerous Goods Ordinance
(Cap. 295), as described in Section 3.4.9.1 of the EIA Study Brief,
have been described in this report, and any guidelines and/or advice
obtained from relevant departments/ authorities have been documented.
14.28
In view of the fact that there is no overnight
storage of explosives as part of the Project, consistent with the conditions
stipulated in Section 3.4.9.2 of the
EIA Study Brief, a QRA of the storage and transport of explosives is not
required.
14.29
Following
a consultation with HKCG and a review of the relevant Ordinance, Code of Practice
and other HKCG requirements, as necessitated in Section 3.4.9.3 of the EIA
Study Brief, a number of protective measures have been
described to avoid and minimize the hazard to life issue in relation to fuel
gas safety during the construction. Some additional general recommendations
have been made to minimise the risks further and in accordance with best
practices.
14.30
A number of recommendations are provided below based on advice and guidance
obtained from relevant departments/ authorities and in line with best practices
on the proposed marine transport of explosives.
General Recommendations
14.31
Blasting activities should be supervised and audited by competent site
staff to ensure strict compliance with the blasting permit conditions. The
following general recommendation should also be considered:
·
The security plan should address different alert security level to
reduce opportunity for arson / deliberate initiation of explosives. The corresponding
security procedure should be implemented with respect to prevailing security
alert status announced by the Government.
·
Adverse weather working guideline should be developed to clearly define
procedure for marine transport of explosives during thunderstorm, bad
visibility (fog) etc.
·
In case a blast cannot proceed after the Contractor’s explosives
delivery vessel has already accepted delivery at the TKO Area 137 Pier,
contingency plans should be developed subject to prior
discussions with
both Marine Department and Mines Division.
Marine Transport of Explosives
General
Recommendations:
14.32
The following
measures should be considered for safe marine transport of explosives:
·
Detonator compartment shall be isolated from the rest of the explosives.
·
Location for stopping and unloading from vessel to be provided beside
the work pontoon free from obstacles, hot work, etc. during time of unloading.
·
Develop procedure to ensure that berthing space at the pontoon is
available for the explosives vessel. Confirmation of berthing space should be
communicated to vessel captain before delivery. If berthing space at the
pontoon cannot be secure, delivery should not commence.
·
During preparation of the explosives at the works pontoon, hot work or
other activities should not be permitted in the vicinity of the explosives
offloading or preparation activities.
·
Ensure lining is provided within the hold on the vessel and in good
condition before transportation.
·
Ensure that packaging of detonators remains intact until handed over at
blasting site.
·
Emergency plan to include prevention of fire spreading and reducing
likelihood of prolonged fire leading to explosion.
·
Use only experienced captains with good safety record.
·
Ensure that cartridged emulsion packages are damage free before every
trip.
·
During preparation of the explosives at the works pontoon, special
precautions may need to be taken around the pontoon area as the marine traffic
is only halted/evacuated once all the blastholes have been charged and the
blast is ready to be fired.
Contractors Licensed Vessel Recommended Safety Requirements:
·
Contractor vessel
safety equipment etc. to be as per Mines Division vessel;
·
Vessels shall be
brand new, dedicated explosives transport vessels and should be maintained in
good operating condition;
·
Daily checks on
vessel integrity;
·
Regular monthly
vessel inspections;
·
Vessel log book in
which monthly inspections and maintenance requirements are recorded; and
·
Mobile telephone
and radio equipped;
·
Vessels shall
posses a Declaration of Fitness (Dof) Certificate.
Recommended
Requirements for the Captain of the Explosives Vessel:
14.33 The Captain shall:
·
comply with the licensing requirements of the Marine Department;
·
pass a medical check and is assessed as fit to drive explosives vessels;
·
not be dependent on banned substances;
14.34 Some of the following requirements may also apply to the vessel crew.
The Captain is required to attend relevant training courses recognized
by the Commissioner of Mines. The training courses should include the following
major subjects, but not limited to:
·
the laws and Regulations relating to the transport of explosives;
·
security and safe handling during the transport of explosives;
·
has attended training courses provided by the explosives manufacturer or
distributor, covering the following:
-
explosives identification;
-
explosion hazards; and
-
explosives sensitivity.
·
the dangers which could be caused by the types of explosives;
·
the packaging, labeling and characteristics of the types of explosives;
·
the use of fire extinguishers and fire fighting procedures; and
·
emergency response procedures in case of accidents.
The captain should additionally be responsible for the following:
·
The Captain shall have a full set of Material Safety Data Sheets ( MSDS
) for each individual explosive aboard the vehicle for the particular journey;
·
The MSDS and Removal Permit ( where applicable ) shall be produced to
any officer of the Mines Division of CEDD upon request;
·
A card detailing emergency procedures shall be kept on board and
displayed in a prominent place;
·
Before leaving the Pier the Captain together with and/or assisted by the
shotfirer shall check the following:
-
Packaging integrity and labeling;
-
Check that the types and quantities of explosives loaded onto the vessel
are as stipulated in the Removal Permit(s);
-
Check that the explosive load does not exceed the quantities stated in
the removal permit;
-
Check the condition and integrity of the cargo compartment or box;
-
Check that detonators are not loaded in the explosives cargo compartment
and vice versa;
-
Check that the cargo is secured and cannot be damaged during the
delivery;
-
Ensure that the appropriate signals are displayed before leaving the
pier;
-
Be competent to operate all equipment onboard the vessel including fire
extinguishers and the vessel emergency cut-off switches;
-
Prohibit smoking when the vessel is loaded with explosives;
-
When explosives are loaded, ensure the vessel is not left unattended;
-
Be conversant with emergency response procedures.
Specific Recommended Requirements for the Explosives Vessel Crew:
·
When the vessel is loaded with explosives, it shall be attended by the
Captain and at least one (1) other person (next in rank below the Captain)
authorized by the Marine Department. The crew shall:
-
Be the assistant to the Captain in normal working conditions and in case
of any emergency;
-
Be conversant with the emergency response procedures;
-
Be competent to use the fire extinguishers and the vessel emergency
cut-off switches.
·
One of the crew should be equipped with mobile phone and the relevant
MSDS and emergency response plan.
Type
of Explosives & their Disposal
14.35
For explosive selection, the following should be considered
·
Cartridged Emulsions with perchlorate formulation should be avoided;
·
Cartridged Emulsions with high water content should be preferred.
14.36
If disposal is required for small quantities,
disposal should be made in a controlled and safe manner by a Registered
Shotfirer.
14.37
Contingencies should be developed for disposal of large quantities of explosives subject to prior discussions with
Mines Division and Marine Department.
Submarine Towngas Pipelines
General Recommendations
14.38
In addition to
the previously mentioned measures concerning blast design, Section 14.25, the gas pipelines themselves have a concrete coating
and are buried 2-3 metres below the seabed (providing some protection from
flyrock etc.). In case of gas leak, the concerned pipeline can be isolated from
the gas supply network. An emergency response plan should be developed for such
potential incident and in agreement with HKCG.
14.39
Subsequent to
the consultation with HKCG and according to their requirements for works within
the vicinity of submarine gas pipelines the following safety measures are
recommended:
· There should be a procedure to
ensure that the crew do not drop the anchor within the no-anchoring zone
accidentally;
· HKCG should be notified about the
blasting schedule in written format within a reasonable period of time prior to
blasting in order to ensure the gas safety during the construction period.
Also, agreed emergency response plan with HKCG should be established.
· HKCG should be consulted, and
method statement to be forwarded to HKCG for comment, prior to the commencement
of site works (one week in advance); and
· HKCG should be informed
immediately of any suspected damage, by way of their emergency control centre,
telephone: 28806999, which is manned 24 hours.
1.
MTR, Consultancy Agreement No. NEX/2202,
2.
ACDS, Risk from Handling Explosives in Ports, HSC Advisory Committee on
Dangerous Substances,
5.
Code of Practice - Safety
Standards for Classes I, II and III Vessels,
Marine Department of HK, http://www.mardep.gov.hk/en/pub_services/ocean/pdf/lvs_cop123.pdf
6. Gas Safety Ordinance, 1997. An
Ordinance to control, in the interests of safety, the importation, manufacture,
storage, transport, supply and use of gas, and to provide for matters
incidental thereto or connected therewith.
7. Code of Practice on Avoiding Danger from Gas Pipes, Gas Production and
Supply, The Gas Authority, 1997.
8.
General Requirements and Safety Precautions for Construction
Work adjacent to Submarine Gas Pipelines, Hong Kong
