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. A code
for cylinder LPG distributors in Hong Kong is also under
preparation.
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.
