|

The Association strives to
represent all its membersˇ¦ best interests. In the past, we
negotiated with the government on various contract terms to
protect the interests of our members and fairness competition
in our trade. Besides, we also participated in government
work groups in drafting new policies or code of practice for
the industry.
Labour
Rate Arrangement
Prior to the Associationˇ¦s negotiations on this issue, public
projects had fixed prices when the tenders were bid for, despite
the labour prices constantly fluctuating and incurring extra
costs to successful bidders. We have succeeded in having labour
rates arrangements according to the labour index.
„H„G
Listing of Brands of Air-conditioning
Equipment in Contracts
Before our negotiation, it was the normal practice of government
engineers of listing a particular brand of air-conditioning
equipment in contracts. It led to potential monopoly situation
from the listed equipment suppliers. The Association negotiated
having more than one brand listed in the contracts so as to
avoid a monopoly situation.
„H„G
Government-Specified Air-Conditioning
Types
In the 60ˇ¦s and 70ˇ¦s, water supply was often controlled ˇV
therefore, most air-conditioning systems used air cooling
and only buildings near the harbour could use a water-cooled
system. There were two types of air-cooled systems; the reciprocating
system sold by many companies and a centrifugal system offered
by only one company. For some public housing projects, the
centrifugal system was being specified. Finally, the Association
succeeded in deleting the specification of types of air-conditioning
ˇV allowing for fairer competition.
„H„G
Code of Practice for Window
Units Installation
In 1987, we issued Code of Practice for window units installation
with an aim to ensure window units are fixed properly and
safe. This Code of Practice was included in the Electrical
& Mechanical Services Departmentˇ¦s specification for window
unit installation.
„H„G
Certification for Fibre Glass
Insulation Workers
In 1995, following series of discussion with Architectural
Services Department, we organized the 1st Training Course
on Fibreglass Insulation Installation. It was specified in
the A/C Specifications of Building Services Branch of Architectural
Services Department that all insulation workers working on
Architectural Services Department projects have to possess
the Certificate of Attendance of Training Course on Fibreglass
Insulation organized by the Association. Later, similar requirements
were stated in the Specifications of Hong Kong Housing Department
& some other consultants.
„H„G
Ventilation Circular from
Fire Services Department
In 1997, the Association participated in the Working Group
under Fire Services Department to review and revise the Ventilation
Circular.
„H„G
Code of Practice for Energy
Efficiency of Air Conditioning Installations
In 1996, the Association had representative to sit on the
Energy Efficiency & Conservation Sub-Committee of the
Hong Kong Government of the Energy Advisory Committee to draft
the Code of Practice for Energy Efficiency of Air Conditioning
Installation. Formal Code of Practice was issued in 1998.
„H„G
Code of Practice for min.
Fire Service Installation and Equipment
In 1998, the Association participated in the Working Group
under Fire Services Department to review and to revise the
Code of Practice for min. Fire Service Installation and Equipment
especially the sections on Ventilation and Air Conditioning
Controls, Smoke Extraction System, Staircase Pressurization
System.
„H„G
|