As Super Typhoon Ragasa approaches, the question of whether to run air conditioning during a storm has been a topic of debate. Inspector Lai, director of the Building Inspection Center, stated on a radio program today (Sept. 23) that air conditioners generally have safety designs, and he believes it may not be a problem to keep them running, but exhaust fans should not be turned on.
Lai explained that when an air conditioner starts up, its motor is running, and during strong winds, some people worry that excessive wind pressure could cause overheating and damage the motor. However, he views this as a risk management issue and personally believes that it is still okay to use the air conditioner. In fact, air conditioners have overheating protection features, which will automatically shut them down if the motor's rotation frequency becomes too high. As for exhaust fans, he advises against using them, as they create additional wind pressure, making it easier for strong winds to enter the building.
During stormy weather, it is common for citizens to capture videos of construction site cranes swaying dangerously. Chau Sze Kit, chairman of the Construction Industry Council, mentioned on the same program that this is actually a safety measure. In preparation for strong winds, construction sites generally loosen the crane's joints to "release some tension," allowing the crane to move naturally. "Fighting against the wind is more dangerous," he cautioned, as a break could lead to more severe consequences. Under normal circumstances, as long as inspections are thorough and the base is sufficiently stable, the crane should not collapse. He noted that completely disassembling the crane would take a long time and is not practical.
He also pointed out that both the government and the industry are currently very concerned about construction site safety. Authorities will remind the industry, and site supervisors will conduct inspections, rechecking before the storm, such as ensuring there are no missing connectors and that construction areas have not been damaged.
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