Civil Service Newsletter Issue 118

Explanation of WCAG 2.0 Level Double-A Conformance

Slope upgrading worksat Hing Wah(II) Estate Going the extra mile to provide people-oriented services

Housing Department

Slope upgrading works at Hing Wah (II) Estate.

The Housing Department (HD) is responsible for the management of around 1,700 man-made slopes, and its Geotechnical Engineering Management Unit (the Unit) regularly carries out slope maintenance and upgrading works where necessary to ensure slope safety.

Having considered that the slope for upgrading works at Hing Wah (II) Estate was in close proximity to a school and residential buildings, the project team of the Unit attached great importance to maintaining close communication with stakeholders for better understanding of their needs. When liaising with the special school adjacent to the slope, colleagues learned from a representative of the school that the noise issue arising from the works was a cause for concern as the school served children with mild and moderate intellectual disability who have unique patterns of sensory responses, and specific sounds might trigger anxiety or strong reactions among the students. Therefore, it was hoped that no noisy works would be conducted during school hours (i.e. before 3:30 p.m. on weekdays).

The slope was in close proximity to a school and residential buildings.

A representative of the school for children with mild and moderate intellectual disability indicated that specific sounds might trigger anxiety or strong reactions among the students.

Extensive drilling was required in the slope works. If the works could be conducted in the daytime, the construction time of the project might be shortened for achieving effective cost control. With an innovative and people-oriented mindset, our team had rounds of discussions to address this challenge, and identified a win-win solution by using silenced drilling equipment for the project.

The silenced drilling equipment operating at a lower noise level than general drilling rigs available in the market was first adopted in the slope works undertaken by HD. To better achieve noise reduction effect, the team adjusted the drilling speed and installed a tailor-made sound insulation box on the outer side of the motor. After repeated attempts of calibration, the noise generated during drilling was reduced to a level similar to that of the surrounding sound. Within the school premises, neither teachers nor students were aware of the drilling noise.

The challenging noise problem was eventually resolved and the project was completed eight months ahead of the schedule initially anticipated. The expenditures incurred were also within the original estimates. It was very encouraging that the team received an appreciation letter from the Principal of the school in recognition of the all-out efforts of the project team.

Being people-oriented and innovative, the project team identified a win-win solution for the project after extensive deliberation. — To better achieve noise reduction effect, the project team installed a tailor-made sound insulation box on the outer side of the motor.

Through the above works project, HD has gained a deeper understanding of the significance of the people-oriented service ethos: more targeted services can be provided if we are more caring, communicative and innovative in service delivery, and go the extra mile in our work. Adhering to the service ethos, HD will continue to strive for excellence in serving the public, so as to build a better future for our community.

To better achieve noise reduction effect, the project team installed a tailor-made sound insulation box on the outer side of the motor. — In the appreciation letter, the Principal of the school recognised HD's efforts in noise reduction, which was a great encouragement to our colleagues.