As Hong Kong's Gas Authority, the Director of EMSD is responsible for the enforcement of the Gas Safety Ordinance and acts as Hong Kong's regulator on gas safety. EMSD therefore actively works to establish gas safety standards and to implement safe working practices in the importation, manufacture, storage, transport, supply and use of Towngas, Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and Natural Gas.

Activities first commenced in 1982. Initial priority was given to improving gas safety followed by the drawing up of safety legislation in monitoring, regulating and controlling activities within the industry. As a result, the Gas Safety Ordinance was implemented in 1991 forming the regulatory framework for the industry in Hong Kong. With the establishment of the legislation, EMSD is primarily involved in the enforcement of gas safety practices and its safe utilisation through:

• Maintaining and administering a Register of gas supply companies, gas contractors and installers, monitoring their performance and enforcing safety measures when necessary.

• Monitoring, inspecting and approving the construction and operations of both new and existing LPG installations, bulk storage at LPG terminals and the approval of LPG road tankers. We have been heavily involved in the government's recent LPG vehicle initiative, being introduced to help improve the environment. On a similar basis, we also monitor and regulate the natural gas facilities at Black Point and Castle Peak power stations, as well as the Towngas production plants, storage systems and transmission and distribution network throughout Hong Kong.

• Apart from preparing and approving safe codes of practice for gas installations, we also ensure gas safety with random inspections of licensed food premises and the approval of domestic gas appliances for use in Hong Kong.

• An ongoing public education programme, ranging from widespread promotional and media campaigns to roadshows, special events and competitions also takes the safety message to the public.