The Architectural Services Department has submitted its investigation report into the collapse of a metal gate at the Social Welfare Department's Hang Ngai Manufacturing & Hostel in Hung Hom on May 5.

It covers the processing of the repair application for the gate, repairs conducted before the incident, initial examinations of the gate after the incident, the work report of the contractor and proposed improvement measures on minor maintenance works in Government buildings.

However, the report's findings cannot be disclosed yet as Police are investigating the incident and the Coroners' Court will decide whether a death inquest should be held.

The Development Bureau will study the proposed improvements and take follow-up action to preventing recurrences. The Legislative Council's Panel on Development will be briefed May 26.

Safety checks

Immediately after the incident the Architectural Services Department inspected 45,000 metal gates installed at exits and entrances of 8,000 government premises. It confirmed no gate of the same design with top-and-bottom pivots as used in Hang Ngai is in use.

All gates inspected were found to be safe. About 3%, or 1,350 gates required follow-up action on general maintenance. The department estimated more than 90% of the maintenance work can be done by late May, with the remainder to be completed by mid-June.

On the day following the incident the department asked other departments to urgently inspect installations and facilities like doors, windows and metal gates in their premises, and to inform it immediately if problems were found.

It will issue internal guidelines on maintenance work for doors, windows and metal gates to raise the risk awareness of frontline repair and maintenance staff and contractors.