Editor's Notes

Winter is upon us. In this issue of E&M Safety Newsletter, we will talk about the Lifts and Escalators Ordinance which was fully implemented on 17 December 2012, the safety awareness on amusement park rides and the Voluntary Energy Efficiency Labelling Scheme for induction cookers. Moreover, to ensure that we can all keep warm in the winter cold and out of harm’s way, Doraemon has tips for you when purchasing and using electric blankets and electric heaters, as well as choosing the right domestic gas water heater and using it properly. As Christmas is around the corner, we wish you a joyous holiday.

Lifts and Escalators Ordinance (Cap. 618) is now in force

The Lifts and Escalators Ordinance (Cap. 618) (the Ordinance) is now in force and replaced the existing Lifts and Escalators (Safety) Ordinance (Cap. 327). The two subsidiary regulations under the Ordinance, i.e. the Lifts and Escalators (General) Regulation (Cap. 618A) and the Lifts and Escalators (Fees) Regulation (Cap. 618B), were also passed in June.

The Ordinance introduces a series of new measures to enhance lift and escalator safety. The new measures mainly cover the following four areas:

Extending the coverage of the legislation

The Ordinance is applicable to all lifts and escalators in both public and private sectors. Coverage of the Ordinance is also extended to persons who have the management or control of lifts/escalators (e.g., property management companies). Regulating the persons who have important roles to play in the daily operation of lifts and escalators is in keeping with the "Common Responsibility" principle, and is instrumental in raising their awareness of lift and escalator safety.

Strengthening the registration regime for personnel engaged in lift and escalator works

The Ordinance introduces a registration system for lift/escalator workers to recognise their technical competence and to institute sanctions against improper and unsafe practices. Moreover, in line with the advancement of lift and escalator technology, there will be more stringent qualification requirements for registered lift/escalator engineers. After the Ordinance becomes effective, registered lift/escalator contractors, engineers and workers are required to renew their registration every five years to ensure that they continue to meet the registration requirements.

Increasing the penalty levels for offences

To achieve the necessary punitive and deterrent effects, the maximum fine for an offence under the Ordinance has been increased to $200,000 and the maximum term of imprisonment is 12 months.

Introducing measures for more effective law enforcement

To promote user surveillance, the Ordinance introduces a new use permit containing concise information of the lift/escalator, such as the expiry date of the use permit. The responsible person may arrange for a registered lift/escalator engineer to conduct annual examination and apply for a new use permit within 2 months of the expiry of the existing use permit. Moreover, the Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services is empowered to issue Improvement Orders to expedite the rectification of non-compliance.

The Ordinance requires that responsible persons for lifts/escalators shall keep a log-book and the registered contractors and registered engineers shall enter information and particulars of their works into the log-book.

The Ordinance requires that registered contractors shall attend to the failure of emergency devices (e.g. emergency lighting, ventilation fan, intercom and alarm) within 4 hours of being informed of the failure. If operation of the lift/escalator is suspended due to an incident, the registered contractor is required to display a notice in a conspicuous position giving the reason of suspension within 4 hours of being informed of the incident.

To help responsible persons for lifts and escalators better understand their responsibilities under the Lifts and Escalators Ordinance (Cap. 618), EMSD has prepared the Guidebook for Responsible Persons for Lifts and the Guidebook for Responsible Persons for Escalators, setting out in a Q&A format the responsibilities of the responsible persons for lifts and escalators under the Ordinance, and other matters relating to lift and escalator maintenance works. The aim of the guidebooks is to ensure that the responsible persons can effectively keep their lifts and escalators in a proper state of repair and in safe working order. The two booklets are available for download at the following EMSD website (Guidance Notes / Guidelines).

Safety Awareness on Amusement Rides

When choosing an amusement ride, we should first know how the ride works and read the safety instructions displayed in the queuing area carefully, paying special attention to the restrictions on physical size and height of passengers. We should also give due consideration to our health conditions, for some amusement rides may be too thrilling or physically demanding. We should carefully consider whether we are suitable for the ride and do not go over our physical limits. If you have any doubts or feeling scared, do not take the ride. Tell the ride operators before boarding and they will direct you to leave through a separate passage. Children, the elderly and the disabled must exercise extra care. Pregnant women and persons under the influence of drugs or alcohol should not take an amusement ride.

Before getting on an amusement ride, we should pay attention to our clothing and personal belongings. Remove all loose articles such as sunglasses and hats. Tie up one’s long hair to prevent injuries caused by hair being tangled up in the ride.

When taking the amusement ride, we should obey the instructions of the ride operators, especially when boarding and alighting from the ride. To avoid accidents, do not unfasten the seat belt or try to leave the seat when the ride is about to start or before it comes to a complete stop. Parents or adults are allowed on certain rides to ensure that children are discouraged or restrained in time from acting in ways that endanger their own safety.

Points to Note When Purchasing and Using Electric Blankets

• Choose and buy branded electric blankets from reputable stores.
• There are generally two kinds of electric blankets: "overblankets" (that are put on top of the sleeping person) and "underblankets" (that are placed below the bottom bed sheet). The overblanket can be used as an ordinary blanket to cover the body. The underblanket, smaller in size and harder, should only be laid on the bed and not to be used to cover the body. For the sake of safety, the overblanket cannot be used as an underblanket, and vice versa.
• Follow the safety instructions in the user manual when using electric blankets.
• Unplug the electric blanket after use. Do not subject the electric blanket to multiple folding. Otherwise, the internal heating elements will be damaged, causing accidents.
• Do not use the blanket folded, so as to avoid localized overheating.
• Regularly check for signs of damage, such as damage of cable insulation, charring, ineffective temperature control unit, etc. To avoid danger, do not use the electric blanket which has any sign of damage.
• Do not thrust any sharp object into the electric blanket. Otherwise, the internal heating elements will be damaged.
• Use only dry cloth to clean the electric blanket.

Points to Note When Purchasing and Using Electric Heaters

• Choose and buy branded electric heaters from reputable stores.
• If abnormalities are identified, such as strange noises and smells, or tripping for unknown reason are detected, stop using the electric heater immediately and arrange for checking and repair by the supplier.
• Do not place any combustible objects or clothes near an electric heater. Otherwise, they may be ignited by the heat from the electric heater, leading to a fire.
• Do not place an electric heater in a humid environment, such as the bathroom, etc. Otherwise, electric leakage or a short circuit may happen to its internal components.
• The electric heater should be powered by a single socket outlet to avoid overload.
• For the sake of safety, switch off power before going out.
• Keep children away from the electric heater.

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 2012. 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

Voluntary Energy Efficiency Labelling Scheme on Induction Cookers Fully Implemented

The Voluntary Energy Efficiency Labelling Scheme currently covers 20 types of household appliances and office equipment, including induction cookers which were added on 24 July 2012. A "Recognition Type" energy labelling system is adopted for induction cookers under the Scheme. Instead of classifying the energy efficiency level of an equipment into different grades, this type of energy label is used as a confirmation that the product has been certified as meeting the specified energy efficiency and performance requirements.

The Scheme aims to better inform consumers in their choice of energy efficient products, enhance public awareness of the importance of using energy efficient products, encourage manufacturers and suppliers to supply more energy efficient products, as well as achieving actual energy saving. With the information on the energy labels, consumers can make wise purchases and help protect the environment by choosing energy efficient products.

For details of the Scheme, please visit the EMSD website at www.emsd.gov.hk . Enquiries about the Scheme may be made to the Energy Efficiency Office of EMSD by post to 3 Kai Shing Street, Kowloon, by phone at 2808 3465 or by email at eepublic@emsd.gov.hk.

Choosing the Right Domestic Gas Water Heater and Use It Properly

Safety Tips for Purchase and Use of Gas Water Heaters

All domestic gas water heaters supplied or sold in Hong Kong must be approved by the Gas Authority of EMSD. The approved domestic gas appliances bear a "GU" mark for identification, so that the consumers can make an informed choice. Non-domestic gas water heaters (for commercial or industrial use) are not subject to this requirement. However, all gas water heaters must comply with the requirements of the gas legislation.

Pursuant to the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations, all newly installed gas water heaters must be room-sealed (balanced flue) type water heaters. The air intake and flue terminal of this type of water heater are on the exterior wall of the flat, so fresh air for combustion is directly drawn from outside and combustion products are directly discharged outside the building as well. The heater does not consume or contaminate the indoor air. This can avoid the accumulation of carbon monoxide indoors, which can be very dangerous. Flats in general are provided with flue apertures suitable for the installation of room-sealed (balanced flue) type water heaters to serve their bathrooms. Please note that it is an offence to install new open-flued (natural draught) gas water heaters or open-flued (fanned draught) gas water heaters serving bathrooms or showers. Offenders are liable to prosecution.

For their own safety, users of domestic gas water heaters should pay attention to the following:

E&M Safety Quiz

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Feedback

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The Editor, E&M Safety Newsletter
Electrical and Mechanical Services Department
3 Kai Shing Street, Kowloon Bay

1823 (Call Centre)

2504 5970

info@emsd.gov.hk