How To Apply For Approval As A Competent Person For
Locating Underground Electricity Cables

Background

The Electricity Supply Lines (Protection) Regulation (the "Regulation"), made under the Electricity Ordinance, Cap. 406, prescribes certain requirements such that the works activities carried out in the vicinity of underground electricity cables or overhead electricity lines do not prejudice safety or the continuity of the supply of electricity. The Regulation prohibits the carrying out of certain works in the vicinity of an underground electricity cable or overhead electricity line unless all reasonable steps have been taken to ascertain the existence of such cable or line together with certain information relating to it.

In the case of an underground electricity cable, those reasonable steps include (i) the undertaking of an investigation by a competent person for the purpose of ascertaining within the proposed works site and its vicinity the existence, alignment and depth of any such cable and (ii) the provision of a written report by the competent person on his findings.

Who Should Apply

Any person who wishes to be a competent person for the purposes of the Regulation should apply to the Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services (DEMS).

Approval Requirements

To be qualified for approval as a competent person, the applicant should have the qualifications and experience listed in one of the following paragraphs, i.e. (a) or (b) : -

1. The applicant has attended and passed a course in the locating of underground electricity cables which has been approved by DEMS, and during the period of 3 years immediately preceding his application, has had not less than 6 months' practical experience in locating underground electricity cables, or has had such other practical experience as DEMS may consider relevant and equivalent; or
2. In the opinion of DEMS, the applicant is by reason of his knowledge and practical experience capable of carrying out the work of locating underground electricity cables in a competent manner.

How to Apply

Applications for approval as competent persons may be made to the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD). The proceduresfor new, renewal and variation of conditions of approval as a competent person are as follows:

A. For submissions in person or by mail:

1. Obtain an application form (Form CPA1 - New/Renewal/Variation of Conditions of Approval as a Competent Person) from:
   • Customer Services Office, EMSD, G/F, 3 Kai Shing Street, Kowloon, Hong Kong;
   • EMSD telephone hotline: 1823 Citizen's Easy Link;
   • District Offices; or
   • Download here
2. Complete the application form according to the requirements stipulated in the "Notes to Form CPA1" attached to it.
3. Submit the completed application form together with supporting documents and an application fee in person or by mail to EMSD's Customer Services Office.

B. For electronic submissions:

Submission through the web: select "Electronic Submission" at EMSD website and complete the application according to the instructions given.

Renewals of approval as a competent person should be made at least one month before and no earlier than four months before the expiry date.

Application fees are not refundable. A certificate of approval as a competent person is valid for a period of three years.

Enquiries

Enquiries may be directed to the Customer Services Office, EMSD at G/F, 3 Kai Shing Street, Kowloon, Hong Kong at between 9:00 a.m. - 5:15 p.m., Monday to Friday (closed on Saturday, Sunday and public holidays). Telephone hotline: 1823 Citizen's Easy Link.

Note:  This is not a legal document and provides general information only.

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