政府工 - 屋宇測量師 (屋宇署)

Summary

Cheung Hin Man, a building surveyor, shares his journey from childhood passion to his career overseeing the life cycle of buildings. Known as 'building doctors,' surveyors manage everything from design and construction to safety inspections, repairs, and demolition. They ensure compliance with building regulations, handle emergencies, and monitor the condition of both new and old structures. Cheung highlights the responsibility and dedication required, as well as the rewarding nature of his work, including a memorable project inspecting aging buildings after a collapse. The role blends technical expertise, communication skills, and a strong sense of service to the community.

Takeaways

• 😀 Building surveyors play a crucial role in the safety and longevity of buildings, overseeing design, construction, aging, and demolition.
• 😀 Building surveyors are often referred to as 'building doctors' due to their role in diagnosing issues and providing solutions for buildings.
• 😀 Their responsibilities include reviewing new building plans, inspecting construction sites, issuing safety certificates, and handling building emergencies.
• 😀 They ensure compliance with the Buildings Ordinance to uphold construction safety and quality standards.
• 😀 Surveyors conduct mandatory inspections, including those for fire safety, window maintenance, and overall building health to prevent neglect.
• 😀 The job requires extensive knowledge of building design, construction processes, the Building Ordinance, and technical guidelines.
• 😀 Effective communication skills, good judgment, and a calm demeanor are essential for handling both regular duties and emergencies.
• 😀 To become a building surveyor, one must join a professional body like the Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors and pass the Common Recruitment Examination.
• 😀 Career progression in building surveying includes various ranks, from building surveyor to senior roles such as chief building surveyor.
• 😀 The profession offers opportunities for regular reassignments to build experience in different aspects of surveying, promoting career development.
• 😀 The role of a building surveyor is more than a job—it is seen as a calling to contribute to a safer and more hygienic built environment.

Q & A

What is the role of a building surveyor?

A building surveyor is responsible for overseeing the design, construction, aging, and demolition of buildings. They ensure safety, diagnose issues, and provide solutions throughout a building's life cycle.

Why are building surveyors referred to as 'building doctors'?

Building surveyors are called 'building doctors' because they diagnose problems in buildings, from design issues to aging and damage, and prescribe solutions to maintain safety and quality.

What are the four stages of a building's life that building surveyors oversee?

Building surveyors are involved in four stages: the birth (design and construction), aging (maintenance and inspection), sickness (diagnosing and repairing issues), and death (demolition).

What are some of the key responsibilities of building surveyors?

Building surveyors are responsible for reviewing and approving building plans, inspecting construction sites, enforcing building safety standards, issuing certificates of completion, handling emergency works, and inspecting older buildings for safety.

What skills are important for a building surveyor to possess?

Important skills for a building surveyor include technical knowledge of building design and construction, good communication, observation, and judgment, as well as the ability to stay calm and make sound decisions in emergencies.

What qualifications are required to become a building surveyor in Hong Kong?

To become a building surveyor, one must join a professional organization like the Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors or the Hong Kong Institute of Architects, pass the Common Recruitment Examination, and meet language proficiency requirements.

How does the Hong Kong Buildings Department support the career development of building surveyors?

The Buildings Department offers regular reassignments to surveyors to help them gain experience in various areas of building surveying, improving their knowledge and skills for future career advancement.

What did Cheung Hin Man find memorable about his work after a building collapse on Ma Tau Wai Road?

Cheung Hin Man recalls inspecting older buildings as part of a special project after a collapse, and the gratitude expressed by elderly residents for the safety checks, which made him feel his work was meaningful.

What are the different ranks of building surveyors in the Buildings Department?

There are four ranks for building surveyors in the Buildings Department: Building Surveyor, Senior Building Surveyor, Chief Building Surveyor, and Government Building Surveyor.

Why is the work of a building surveyor considered a 'calling' by Cheung Hin Man?

Cheung Hin Man views his work as a calling because it allows him to use his professional knowledge to serve society, ensure building safety, and contribute to creating safe and hygienic environments.