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Copyright © 2012 BEAM Society Limited. All rights reserved.
Page 52
Construction Dust Regulation
Specified Processes Regulation
Smoke Regulation
Fuel Restriction Regulation
Open Burning Regulation
Dust generated by various construction site activities can make a
significant contribution to local air pollution. High levels of dust, combined
with other outdoor air pollutants, can cause respiratory problems. Inhaled
particles may aggravate asthma and bronchitis, and very small particles
may cause cancer. Dust also reduces visibility, dirties clothing and
buildings, and increases the rate of corrosion. All these effects decrease
the quality of life and cost money. Good site practices are the major
mitigation measures for prevention or minimisation of air pollution from
construction activities. Practical guidance on the control of air pollution
during construction is available from the Environmental Protection
Department. Measures include:
effective water sprays to be used to water exposed working areas
that can generate dust;
fine particle materials on site to be enclosed and covered;
wheel washing facilities to be installed and used by all vehicles
leaving the site; and
at the end of the works, all bare surface to be hydroseeded as soon
as possible.
A Guide, published by the Hong Kong Construction Association (HKCA)
[2], aims to enhance the environmental awareness of the construction
industry and to provide steps and practical solutions to identify and
mitigate environmental problems which are often encountered on
construction sites.
The Guide can assist project/environmental managers and engineers to
implement environmental protection on construction sites, starting from
the project planning stage (e.g. tender bidding) to implementation, with
detailed descriptions of environmental impacts and mitigation measures.
Particular attention has been focused on environmental issues and
mitigation measures with regard to various construction activities
including piling, civil and building works.
2
Hong Kong Construction Association (HKCA). Best Practice Guide for Environmental Protection on Construction Sites.
January 2009.