Life@UST - Safety

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WEATHER WARNINGS

When the Thunderstorm Warning, Typhoon Signal No.8, and/or Black Rainstorm Warning is hoisted, you should take necessary precautions as follows:

 

Stay indoors wherever you are and do not leave the building until the signal is lowered and the condition is safe to do so.

Stay away from large windows, structures and objects that are vulnerable to strong wind.

Do not swim or engage in other outdoor water sport activities. Leave water and seek shelter.

Avoid using plugged-in electrical appliances.

Do not touch aerials, water pipes, wire fence and similar metal installations.

Do not handle inflammable materials in open containers.

Do not stand on hilltops or near any highly conductive object. Keep away from trees or masts that are likely to be struck by lightning.

Lightning

Landslides

Lightning

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Due to the lightning current conducted through the ground, you should not lie down especially when the ground is wet. Instead you should crouch down to minimize the area in contact between you and the ground.

 

Drivers using highways and flyovers should be alerted to strong gusts.

Small boats on the open sea should watch out for the approach of swells or waterspouts.

You should listen to radio and TV broadcasts for weather updates.

Landslides

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About three to four hundred landslides are reported each year, mostly in the rainy summer season. Occasionally, severe landslides can cause casualties, damage properties and block roads.

Landslide warnings will be issued (by the Hong Kong Observatory in consultation with the Geotechnical Engineering Office) based on the latest weather information.

 

When the landslide warning is issued, local radio and television stations are notified and are requested to broadcast the warning to the public at regular intervals, together with advice on precautions that should be taken. You can also obtain the latest weather warning at the Hong Kong Observatory’s website.

When the Landslide Warning is in force, you should cancel non-essential appointments; stay at home or in a safe shelter. Avoid walking or standing close to steep slopes and retaining walls.

If you receive a notice to evacuate because of landslide danger, or if you believe that your home is endangered by an unstable slope or retaining wall, or overhanging boulders, you should make immediate arrangements to move to a safe shelter.

Once the Landslide Warning is issued, temporary shelters will be provided by the Home Affairs Department (HAD). If necessary, you may call the HAD Emergency Hotline at 2835 1473 to locate the temporary shelter nearest to you.

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Hong Kong Observatory Warnings: Definitions and Meanings

Observatory warnings are issued by the Hong Kong Observatory to the public through television, radio, and the Internet during adverse weather conditions. For details, please refer to: https://www.hko.gov.hk/textonly/v2/explain/intro.htm.

During times of severe weather, classes and exams may be affected. For details, refer to the ‘Academic Regulations’ section.

 

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LAB SAFETY

Many accidents that occur here are preventable. Remember to observe safety rules and exercise care under all circumstances. All students taking courses that require the use of laboratory facilities and machinery must abide by strict laboratory safety guidelines.

 

Health, Safety and Environment Office (HSEO)

HSEO operates a safety training module catered to individual departments. You will learn more about your safety training requirements through your departments.

All informational aspects on personal and environmental safety are disseminated through the HSEO. To find out more about the safety and environmental policies and procedures at HKUST, please consult the HSEO website.

 

TERRORISM

The overall risk of a terrorist attack is considered low in Hong Kong. It may involve intentional spreading of infectious agents, such as anthrax bacteria or small pox virus, toxic chemicals like sarin gas, or radioactive substances, called bioterrorism.

The following guidelines should be followed in case of finding such suspected or confirmed terrorist attack:

 

If you receive a suspicious parcel or letter, do not open it. On campus, dial Ext. 8999 to reach the Security Control Center or on the Direct Line: 2358 8999. Contact the nearby duty security guard if no telephone is available. If you are outside the campus, call the Police on 999.

If you find something suspicious after opening the parcel or letter, do not panic. Put the parcel down and cover the item with minimal disturbance. Thoroughly wash your hands or body parts that might have been exposed with warm water and soap, and remove potentially contaminated clothing if necessary. Then call the Security Control Center on ext. 8999 or on the Direct line 2358 8999. If you are outside the campus, call the police on 999.

If you learn about a suspected or confirmed attack in the same building you are in, evacuate in an orderly manner and follow the instructions of Security or law enforcement personnel.

If there is a suspected or confirmed attack in the vicinity, stay indoors and pay attention to public announcements through TV or radio.