Cover girl

Reporter: R
Ella: E

Title
R:	Hi! Ella, how are you? I know you have been busy with your career in the show business. Do you have any pastimes?
E:	I don't go out often for entertainment. I have many modern electrical products at home, so I prefer to relax at my comfortable home and enjoy the audio-visual entertainment they provide.
R:	You mentioned electrical products. Will you be acquiring some new electrical products?
E:	Oh, yes. I am thinking of buying a new split-type air-conditioner. Do I need to get a registered electrical contractor or a registered electrical worker to install it?
R:	According to the Electricity Ordinance, any electrical product (like split-type air-conditioners or ventilation fans) which receives power supply from a connector (e.g. a fuse) instead of a socket outlet must be installed by a registered electrical contractor or a registered electrical worker.
E:	I am actually thinking of hiring an electrical contractor to renovate our home, including the replacement of fixed electrical installations in the bathroom. Is there anything that I need to remind the registered electrical contractor in carrying out the work?
R:	The registered electrical contractor responsible for the work must carry out any alteration or addition according to the latest edition of the Code of Practice for the Electricity (Wiring) Regulations (the CoP). As this involves electrical work in the bathroom, the contractor must pay attention to Code 26A(3) of the CoP regarding the requirements on electrical equipment in bathrooms. Code 26A(3)(a) of the CoP states that "Except for SELV, for a circuit supplying equipment in a room containing a fixed bath or shower, where the equipment is simultaneously accessible with exposed conductive parts, the characteristics of the protective devices and the earthing arrangements should be such that, in the event of a fault to earth, disconnection occurs within 0.4s. all circuits supplying electrical equipment with exposed conductive parts within 2.25m height above finished floor level should be protected by one or more residual current device (RCD) with a residual operating current not exceeding 30mA."
E:	Thanks so much for your professional advice. Now I know what we must pay attention to in the installation of a split-type air-conditioner and the replacement of fixed electrical installations in the bathroom.
R:	Thanks so much for giving us this interview, and paying attention to home electrical safety. We wish you every success in your show business career.

Feature Article 1 - Safety first for the sake of yourself and others

Most Hongkongers have to work hard for a living and to support their families. Some may neglect their personal safety at work with fatal consequences. If you ask your loved ones whether they would rather see you lose your job or have a fatal accident, they would surely prefer the former. There have been a number of electrical accidents of a similar nature recently. Unfortunately, the workers involved no longer have the chance to ask their loved ones this question. Does your job mean anything at all if you are no longer alive?

Incident 1

This electrical incident involves an electrical worker doing maintenance work. On finding that a set of exit lights could not be turned on, the electrical worker climbed up the false ceiling for an inspection and to carry out repair work. Unfortunately, this worker died of electrocution during the inspection.
It was found after investigation that the causes of the incident were as follows:

1. The worker did not cut off the power supply before inspecting the exit lights;
2. The worker did not wear any suitable clothing when working inside the false ceiling. He failed, too, to take adequate protective measures, such as wearing insulating gloves;
3. The worker came into contact with some cut cables before the incident, but kept on with the repair work despite knowing that the wiring was energised; and;
4. The worker was not a registered electrical worker (REW). The REW responsible for supervising his work when the incident occurred had not made any suitable risk assessment and arrangement for live work, but allowed the worker to continue with the repair work.

Incident 2

This electrical incident involves an electrical worker doing fitting-out work. The worker was carrying out indoor air-conditioning installation work at height when he was found lying unconsciously on the floor. Preliminary examination by a forensic pathologist confirmed that it was highly probable that the cause of the worker's death was electrocution.

It was found after investigation that the possible causes of the incident were as follows:

1. The worker did not cut off the power supply before carrying out the indoor air-conditioning installation work;
2. The worker did not wear any suitable clothing when installing indoor air-conditioning installation. Risk assessment was not conducted, nor were adequate protective measures taken, such as wearing insulating gloves;
3. The worker may have come into contact with some cut cables before the incident, but it was very likely that he had not conducted any test to confirm whether the wiring concerned was still energised.
4. The worker was not an REW, and no REW was present to supervise his work when the incident occurred; and
5. The miniature circuit breakers (MCBs) inside the distribution board were not properly installed. The direction of the ON/OFF switches of the MCBs was not the same as the direction of the ON/OFF signs indicated on the distribution board panel, which might be misleading to the electrical worker.

Incident 3

This electrical incident involves an REW doing installation work on a construction site. The REW was installing ceiling lights when he was found lying unconsciously on the ground. Preliminary examination by a forensic pathologist confirmed that it was highly probable that the cause of the worker's death was electrocution.
It was found after investigation that the possible causes of the incident were as follows:

1. The worker did not cut off the power supply before installing the ceiling lights;
2. The worker did not conduct any risk assessment when installing the ceiling lights, nor did he take any adequate protective measures, such as wearing insulating gloves; and
3. The worker may have come into contact with some cut cables before the incident, but it was very likely that he had not conducted any test to confirm whether the wiring concerned was still energised.

Conclusion

To conclude, the above 3 cases have some common features. If the workers involved, their working partners and companies had taken heed of the following important points, the accidents could have been avoided.

1. The electrical work should be carried out by an REW of a suitable grade;
2. Prior to conducting any electrical work on a construction site, the REW should confirm whether the temporary electricity supply system has been installed with a residual current device for leakage protection. In addition, if there is a metallic fixed installation near the workplace, the REW should make sure that the metallic fixed installation has been properly connected to equipotential bonding, and is within the equipotential zone. Moreover, if it is not necessary for the electrical work to be performed under live conditions, the power supply of the electrical installation should be cut off, isolated and locked, and suitable warning notices should be displayed near the installation;
3. Even though the power supply has been cut off, care should be taken to examine whether the metallic parts of the electrical installation and the metallic fixed installation nearby are energised. Make sure that the installations are not energised before carrying out any electrical work. The REW should use suitable personal protective equipment and tools when performing electrical work to prevent danger arising from the possible failure of other circuits, so as to reduce the risk of accidents;
4. If the cutting off of power supply may affect the daily operation of the building, the REW should inform the registered electrical contractor (REC) accordingly so that the REC can discuss with the owners or property management company before the commencement of work. Arrangements should be made as far as possible to cut off the power supply of the installations, so that the electrical work can be conducted when the installations are not energised;
5. If circumstances on site make it impossible to cut off and isolate the electricity supply of the installations, the work should be carried out by an experienced REW. If the electrical work has to be carried out under live working conditions, proper risk assessment and relevant arrangements should be made by the REC, REW or the registered safety officer (RSO) beforehand, and suitable personal protective equipment and tools should be used in the course of the work; and
6. For incident 2, the direction of the ON/OFF switches of the MCBs should be the same as the direction of the ON/OFF signs indicated on the distribution board panel to avoid unnecessary misunderstanding.

Code 4 "General Safety Requirements" of the Code of Practice for the Electricity (Wiring) Regulations (the CoP) provides that where practicable, work on electrical equipment should be carried out after the equipment has been isolated. REWs should learn from the above accidents and avoid performing work on energised installations as far as possible. They should also strictly comply with Code 4I "General Safety Practices" of the CoP, including: Check before Act, Isolate and Lockout, De-energize, and taking appropriate safety measures. If the electrical work involves maintenance of the switchboard or cabinet of a client, the REW should isolate and lock the main switch of the cabinet. Where live work is unavoidable, the REW must take extreme care in carrying out the work, and strictly observe all the requirements and safety precautions provided in Appendix 15 of the CoP.

Electrical safety is certainly not a novel concept to you all. You have been repeatedly reminded of the need for electrical safety ever since the first day of your apprenticeship. Indeed, you have been reminded so many times that you may have become tired of the message and dismiss it altogether. You may often think that there is a higher chance of winning the Mark 6 lottery than an electrical accident happening to you. Taking chances and disregarding safety is the main cause of accidents. It is hoped that you will always remember the following motto and always stay on your guard to ensure work safety.

Electrical Accidents Destroy Families and Wreck Lives
Be Alert to Prevent Accidents

Feature Article 2 -  Work Completion Certificate

We have recently received some enquiries regarding the Work Completion Certificate (WR1) and the Work Completion (Part of an Installation) Certificate (WR1(A)), and would like to take this opportunity to brief trade members on the requirements and procedures for the issuance of such certificates.

Legal Requirements

According to the Electricity (Wiring) Regulations, a fixed electrical installation should, after completion of electrical work (including repair, alteration or addition) and before it is energised for use, be inspected, tested and issued with a Work Completion Certificate (WR1) by the registered electrical worker responsible for the electrical work to confirm that the technical and safety requirements of the Ordinance have been met. The registered electrical worker should also submit the duly signed Work Completion Certificate for endorsement by the registered electrical contractor that employs him. The registered electrical contractor should keep the certificate for a period of at least five years.

The issuance of Work Completion Certificate (WR1) is a statutory requirement. A Work Completion Certificate (WR1) must be issued by the registered electrical worker and the registered electrical contractor after the completion of works, regardless of whether the issuance of the certificate is included in the works contract or not.

Issuing procedures

For a fixed electrical installation which is divided into several parts, the individual parts may be inspected, tested and certified by different registered electrical workers.

After receiving the Work Completion (Part of an Installation) Certificates (WR1(A)) issued by other registered electrical workers for individual parts of a fixed electrical installation, a registered electrical worker may issue a single Work Completion Certificate (WR1) that covers a number of or all of the individual parts of that installation, as long as he is satisfied that the relevant WR1(A)s are completed and signed by registered electrical workers of the appropriate grade.

Feature Article 3 - Safety of Household Electrical Products

Household electrical products supplied in Hong Kong and operating at a voltage exceeding 50V a.c. or 120V d.c are regulated by the Electrical Products (Safety) Regulation (the Regulation). Household electrical products are classified into prescribed products and non-prescribed products. According to relevant regulations, prescribed products, apart from complying with the basic requirements of international safety standards, must also conform with the specific safety specifications listed in Schedule 2 of the Regulation. At present, prescribed products include plugs, adaptors, lamp holders, flexible cords, extension units and unvented thermal storage type electric water heaters. The relevant specific safety specifications are set out in paragraph C1 1.1 of the Guidance Notes for the Electrical Product (Safety) Regulation. Household electrical products that are not covered by Schedule 2 are non-prescribed products, which only have to comply with the requirements of international standards.

Under the Regulation, suppliers of household electrical products must make sure that the products have been issued with a valid Certificate of Safety Compliance before they are supplied in Hong Kong. In this regard, EMSD has published the Guidance Notes for the Electrical Product (Safety) Regulation, which has been uploaded onto the EMSD web page.

Paragraph B8 under Part III of the guidance notes sets out in detail the requirements that have to be met for the issuance of a valid Certificate of Safety Compliance, while paragraph CI 1.2 sets out the international standards that the more common household electrical products must comply with. With new generations of household electrical products appearing on the market in a shorter time than ever before, you are advised to refer to the web page of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) for the safety standards of products that have not been listed in paragraph C1 1.2.

Feature Article 4 - Updates on International Safety Standards

Apart from meeting the requirements of the Electrical Products (Safety) Regulation, suppliers of household electrical products should in general make sure that the products they supply also conform to the applicable IEC safety standards. Moreover, the electromagnetic field (EMF) of household electrical products must not produce radiation which is likely to cause danger to the public. In this connection, EMSD and the local electrical trade have reached an agreement that in addition to the relevant safety standards, household electrical products imported into Hong Kong on or after 1 January 2011 must also comply with the EMF safety standards. The applicable standard is IEC 62233 or EN 50366 or EN 62233, but these standards do not apply to electrical products such as audio, video and information technology equipment as well as luminaires. The EMF standard applicable to audio, video electrical products is IEC 60065, while the EMF standards for information technology equipment and luminaires are IEC 60950 and IEC 60598-1respectively.

Although the current IEC standard (IEC 60335-1 5th Edition) was last revised in 2010, the corresponding European Standard EN 60335-1 is yet to be promulgated. EMSD will study the main differences between the old and new editions of relevant standards, with reference made to the practice of other countries in adopting the latest editions of these international standards. Consultation will also be held with the trade in order to draw up a mutually agreed compliance schedule for the above new editions of international standards.

News-in-brief 1 - Registered Electrical Workers and Contractors Must Apply for Registration Renewal in Time

The Electricity (Registration) Regulations requires that registered electrical workers (REWs) and contractors (RECs) should submit to EMSD applications for renewal of registration at least 1 month before, and no earlier than 4 months before, the expiry date of the current registration. All REWs and RECs are reminded again to submit their renewal applications within the above-mentioned period. Applications submitted after the expiry date of the current registration will be treated as new registration applications, and will be assessed in accordance with the prevailing statutory requirements. These include requiring the applicants to possess recognised academic qualifications on electrical engineering and relevant electrical work experience. If an applicant does not possess the required academic qualifications and is thus unable to fulfill the registration requirements that apply, the application will be rejected regardless of the previous registration history of the applicant.

In addition, the renewal of registration will be effective from the date of approval. Any electrical worker or contractor who carries out electrical work or undertakes business as an electrical contractor during the period from the day after the expiry date of the certificate of registration to the day before the effective date of the renewal of registration commits an offence and shall be liable upon conviction to imprisonment for 6 months and a fine.

According to the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Scheme, all REWs are required to have completed two modules of training, including Module 1: "Legislative and Safety Requirements" and Module 2: "Technical Knowledge", before submitting their renewal application.

For details of the CPD Scheme, please visit the EMSD web page.

News-in-brief 2 - Use Specification Conforming Materials and Electrical Apparatus

Cases have been brought to the attention of EMSD recently involving the alleged use of non-compliant materials and electrical apparatus (e.g. power cords) by some individuals or contractors in their electrical work, presumably for the purpose of cutting costs. This practice will create safety hazards for the electrical installations concerned.

We therefore appeal to all registered electrical contractors and registered electrical workers that only materials and electrical apparatus conforming to relevant international safety standards and issued with Certificates of Safety Compliance should be used when designing, constructing and installing electrical installations, so as to ensure that the electrical installations comply with the safety requirements of the Code of Practice for the Electricity (Wiring) Regulations and to avoid electrical accidents.

Anyone who contravenes the requirements of the Electricity Ordinance will be subject to prosecution or disciplinary action.

News-in-brief 3 - Application for Renewal of Approval as a Competent Person

All competent persons engaged in the detection of electricity cables should note the expiry date of their Certification of Approval. If their certificate is due to expire soon, they should apply for renewal of approval as soon as possible. To meet the renewal requirements, they should, within the period of 3 years immediately preceding the application, have had not less than 3 months' practical experience in locating underground electricity cables.

Application for renewal of approval as a competent person should be made at least one month in advance, but no more than 4 months before the expiry of the current approval. A renewed approval shall be valid for a further period of three years after the expiry date of the current approval. It should be noted that any renewal application submitted after the expiry of the current approval will not be accepted. In such cases, the applicant is required to submit a new application.

Applicants for renewal of approval should submit the application form CPA1, certificates of services or employment and three underground electricity cable detecting reports. Application form CPA1 can be obtained from:

1. Customer Services Office, G/F, EMSD Headquarters, 3 Kai Shang Street, Kowloon Bay;
2. District Offices; or
3. Government Forms Website of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

Completed application form can be submitted through the following methods:

1. By submitting the application in person at the Customer Services Office, G/F, EMSD Headquarters;
2. By post to the Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services at EMSD Headquarters, 3 Kai Shang Street, Kowloon Bay;
3. By electronic submission through EMSD homepage; or
4. By putting the application form into the drop-in box located at G/F lobby of EMSD on Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

A Word from the Chairman of the Electrical Safety Advisory Committee (ESAC)

I, Chung Fuk-wai, am honoured to be appointed as Chairman of the new ESAC by the Secretary for Environment. I am a registered professional engineer with many years of experience in the profession. I am currently the director of an engineering consulting company and a member of the Electricity Ordinance Appeal Board Panel.

Members of the new ESAC were officially appointed in April this year. They come from the electrical trade, academia, the power companies, the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers, the Consumer Council, the Occupational Safety and Health Council, the Home Affairs Department and the community at large. The Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services is also a member of the Committee. Since its inception in 2000, the role of the ESAC has been to advise the Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services on matters pertaining to electrical safety in Hong Kong, so as to ensure that the enforcement of relevant legislation is in keeping with public and current needs. Good progress has been made in terms of its efforts to heighten public awareness of electrical safety, encourage electrical trade members to pursue continuing education, and to promote power suspension before electrical work among electrical workers.

I will continue to work with colleagues on the Committee, in line with its established principles, to promote safety both in terms of power supply and consumption, with the aim of enhancing the status of Hong Kong as Asia’s world city.

Simon CHUNG Fuk-wai
Chairman of the Electrical Safety Advisory Committee

Tidbit 1 - The Annual Technical Seminar to move venue to Tsuen Wan Town Hall

The 12th Annual Technical Seminar, moving venue to Tsuen Wan Town Hall for the first time this year, will be held on 19 November 2012 (Monday) at 7:00 p.m. Topics of the seminar include Safety Precautions for Electrical Works at Height plus case studies, and Relay Protection for Electrical Installations, etc.

Those who are interested in attending the seminar may obtain admission tickets at the branch offices of the Hong Kong and Kowloon Electrical Engineering and Appliances Trade Workers Union (Tel: 2626 1927), or download enrolment forms from our website. Completed forms should be returned to the Electricity Legislation Division by fax or mail (Fax: 2895 4929 Address: 7/F, EMSD Headquarters, 3 Kai Shing Street, Kowloon) before 9 November 2012. Enrolment result will be published on our website.

Registered electrical workers attending all sessions of the seminar are deemed as having completed Modules (1) and (2) under the Continuing Professional Development Scheme for Registered Electrical Worker.

Tidbit 2 - EMSD@YouTube Video Channel Now in Service

To heighten public awareness of E&M safety and energy conservation, EMSD launched a new video channel "EMSD, HKSARG" on the video sharing website "YouTube" on 1 July. Members of the public can now view promotional and educational videos on E&M safety and energy conversation, when and where they please, on their computers or mobile devices.

URL of the video channel
http://www.youtube.com/user/emsdgovhk

Electrical Safety Quiz

Feedback

We look forward to receiving your valuable feedback about this newsletter for continuous improvement. Please complete the feedback form below and return it to our Electricity Legislation Division by post, fax or e-mail on or before 30 Nov 2012 (please refer to the contact information at the bottom of this page).

Contact Information

Electricity Legislation Division, EMSD, 3 Kai Shing Street, Kowloon, Hong Kong

1823

2895 4929

info@emsd.gov.hk