1. What is EMSD's role in Hong Kong?

EMSD, the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, plays a dual role in Hong Kong. Firstly, we act as a regulatory body and law enforcement department with regard to electricity, gas, lift and escalator safety, and a number of related E&M safety areas. Our second role is to provide E&M engineering solutions and services to other government departments and public sector organisations in Hong Kong.

We are also charged with supporting government initiatives in Hong Kong. These include promoting energy efficiency, the use of alternative energy sources such as LPG for vehicles, as well as improving indoor air quality in government buildings.

2. How large is the department?

The department has some 4,000 employees, of whom about 250 are professional engineers and over 4,000 technicians and skilled workers. A further 1,000 specialist staff are seconded to other government departments.

3. What is the Electrical and Mechanical Services Trading Fund?

The Electrical and Mechanical Services Trading Fund (EMSTF) is the trading arm of the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, providing E&M services to customers. It operates in a Trading Fund mode, as opposed to the traditional government "vote funding" model, to provide more flexible, cost-efficient and customer-oriented services to customer departments and organisations.

4. What does "untying" mean?

"Untying" is the process under which EMSD customers enjoy a choice of either continuing to use EMSD services, or to use alternative E&M service providers in the market. The entire process is taking place over a 4-year phased development programme which began in August 1999.

5. Has "untying" created an impact on EMSD ?

Over the past few years, EMSD has successfully made the transition into a more customer-focused and efficient organisation with a dynamic work culture. Productivity has improved by 22.9 per cent in less than seven years, while overall business volumes have increased. The effects of "untying" have been highly positive.

6. Where can I find information on E&M safety?

We publish a wide range of bilingual booklets and leaflets on electrical safety, gas safety, lift and escalator safety, as well as tips on energy savings. They can be obtained from all District Offices.

You can also find key E&M safety information on this website, either by looking under the relevant sections under Protecting Public Safety or by going to the "Public Education" section. The latter section also contains an interactive self-assessment quiz to test your knowledge on E&M safety.