In this issue of the Electricity News , we have invited the new Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services Mr. HO Kwong-wai to address our readers in the "Profile". We will continue to report in a feature article the latest progress on the adoption of the new cable colour code for fixed electrical wiring in Hong Kong. The issues covered include the implementation schedule, the training requirement and the publicity activities etc. It is noteworthy that the Cable Colour Code Training Centre situated in the EMSD was opened on 2 January this year to provide new cable colour code training to trade members. Moreover, there is a feature article on an electrical incident, which aims at reminding readers the importance of isolating the electrical installation completely and ensuring that the relevant part is de-energised before carrying out electrical works.
This is the 10th issue of the Electricity News . We would like to thank our readers for their support and encouragement over the years. We will try our best to improve the Electricity News so that it could enhance our communication with the trade.
The cover girl of this issue of the Electricity News is Karena Lam, a popular movie star in Hong Kong. Karena was born and grew up in Vancouver, Canada. When she was 15, she went to Taiwan for an audition on her own. The audition won her a contract with an agent and her performing career started. Later, Karena came to Hong Kong to develop her career. She starred in several films and was well received by the local audience. Our reporter had an exclusive interview with Karena to understand her experience of electrical safety.
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"Hello, Karena! What have you been busy about recently?" |
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"I am busy with a new film. The film is shot in Hong Kong, Shanghai and Singapore and so I have to travel to these three places frequently." |
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"Have you ever contacted any registered electrical workers? What do you think of them?" |
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"I contacted them when the electrical installations at my home were repaired. All of them are polite and friendly." |
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"Have you or your relatives or friends been involved in any electrical accidents? How do you feel?" |
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"When I worked in Taiwan, I came across a report of an electrical accident in which the curtains next to a socket were on fire because the socket was overloaded. Moreover, a friend of mine was involved in an electrical accident a few years ago. My friend was wearing a gold bracelet. When my friend was plugging in the socket, the gold bracelet touched the live conductor accidentally and a minor explosion occurred. I learned from these accidents the importance of electrical safety. So, I am particularly careful when I use the household electrical appliances now." |
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"How much do you know about the work of the EMSD? Do you have any comments on its work?" |
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"In the past, I knew little about the work of the EMSD. But I browsed the EMSD homepage before the interview. I learned that the work of the EMSD includes ensuring public safety in the use of electricity, gas and lifts and escalators and promoting energy efficiency. These issues are all closely linked with our daily lives and are very important. I am also impressed by the rich content of the EMSD homepage, which enables the public to obtain information about electrical and mechanical safety easily." |
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"What do you think of the overall electrical safety level in Hong Kong?" |
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"Of the major cities I have visited, Hong Kong's electrical safety is at a very high level." |
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"Thank you! What would you like to say to the electrical workers in Hong Kong?" |
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"I would like to urge them to pay attention to electrical safety and energy conservation." |
: Reporter: Karena
Acknowledgement: Filmko Entertainment Ltd.
I am pleased to talk to you here for the first time as the Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services. Electricity is essential to our daily lives, and the enhancement of electrical safety is one of the important missions of the EMSD. With the efforts of the EMSD and the trade over the years, public awareness of electrical safety has been increasing. Moreover, the number of electrical incidents decreased from 337 in 2004 to 199 in 2006, reflecting a significant improvement in the overall electrical safety in Hong Kong. Such achievements are indeed very encouraging. Apart from the efforts of staff of the EMSD, the cooperation and support of the trade and the community are of vital importance to our success.
Looking forward to the future, we will continue to play an active role in ensuring electrical safety. We will pay close attention to the development of the latest international safety standards and electrical technologies. We will maintain close contact with the trade to enhance the safety level and the quality of work of the electrical contractors and electrical workers. I hope you will continue to support our work and make further contributions to the continuous development of the electrical trade in Hong Kong. Our aim is to enable Hong Kong to remain a city of electrical safety.
Lastly, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you every success and good health.
HO Kwong-wai
Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services
A lot of trade members took part in the train-the-trainers workshops
Electrical workers received training in the Cable Colour Code Training Centre
Electrical workers took part in the web-based self assessment after receiving training
Registered electrical workers can check their training records in the
home page (www.emsd.gov.hk) -> Protecting Public Safety -> Electricity -> New Cable Colour Code -> Training fort he Trade -> Training Records)
As before, this issue of the Electricity News will continue to report on the issue that most readers are deeply concerned about - the progress of the implementation of the new cable colour code in Hong Kong.
You may have learned from different channels that from 1 January 2007 onwards, trade members who apply for new registration as registered electrical workers, renewal of registration as registered electrical workers, and change of grade registration of electrical work must have received training on new cable colour code, and the record of training must be sent to the EMSD for registration. The purpose of the training is to facilitate the implementation of the new cable colour code from 1 July this year and ensure the safety of the electrical workers and the public. The training requirement was proposed by the Working Group on the Review of Cable Colour Code in Hong Kong, which is composed of representatives from the electrical trade, and endorsed by the Electrical Safety Advisory Committee. It conforms with the Electricity (Registration) Regulations under the Electricity Ordinance (Cap. 406).
In recent years, the EMSD has been cooperating closely with the trade to provide new cable colour code training for electrical workers, trade workers and staff in government departments. At present, there are mainly 5 types of courses for trade members, including web-based self assessment training, mass-scale training sessions, train-the-trainers workshops, training courses organized by the trade, and training provided by the EMSD's Cable Colour Code Training Centre. Except for the web-based self-assessment training and the training provided by the EMSD's Cable Colour Code Training Centre, the registered electrical workers should request the course organiser to register with the EMSD the training record upon completion of the training course.
The Cable Colour Code Training Centre, which is located on the ground floor of the EMSD's headquarters in Kowloon Bay, was opened on 2 January 2007 to provide trade members with training on the new cable colour code. The opening hours of the Cable Colour Code Training Centre are: Monday to Friday-9:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. (admission until 4:15 p.m.); closed on Saturday, Sunday and public holiday. In the training centre, a video of about 10 minutes' duration will be shown continuously every day to briefly introduce the background information and implementation schedule of the new cable colour code and the main points of the Installation Guidelines. After watching the video and reading through the Installation Guidelines, you may do an assessment. You may choose either taking part in the web-based self assessment training or using the Q & A assessment form. For the assessment, you are only required to answer several simple questions. It will not be difficult for electrical workers to meet the training requirement. If your assessment result does not meet the minimum requirement, you may study the material and do the assessment again later. There is no limit to the number of attempts.
In the last issue of the Electricity News , we introduced the "New Cable Colour Code Web Corner" in the EMSD home page. The number of people visiting the web corner has increased steadily since then. Many electrical workers meet the training requirement for the new cable colour code by completing the web-based self assessment training. Concerning the training requirement, many registered electrical workers inquired whether the EMSD has kept a record of their training. Actually, you may check your own training record in the web corner. Simply click "Training for the Trade" then choose "Training Records". The web corner is rich in content, and the information is updated frequently. Trade members who still have not received any training may visit the web corner to learn about the latest information on training courses and then enrol on the relevant course.
The new cable colour code will be implemented soon. In order to step up promotion of the change to the trade, we have distributed a series of publicity materials through different channels, including pocket cards, stickers, posters and leaflets. These publicity materials are obtainable from the EMSD's Customer Services Office or Cable Colour Code Training Centre at 3, Kai Shing Street, Kowloon Bay. The information can also be downloaded from the "Publicity Material" of the web corner. In addition, a pocket card and sticker are distributed together with this issue of the Electricity News .
Lastly, we would like to remind readers of three matters. Firstly, we learned from an overseas cable certification organization that they had found some new cables for which the colours brown and grey were obviously too pale. The manufacturer concerned had to make improvement before the cables could be certified. To avoid confusion, when purchasing new colour cables, you should pay attention to the shade of the cable colour. Secondly, if you still have not received any new cable colour code training, please complete the training as soon as possible. Receive training now, don't wait until you renew your registration. Thirdly, the registered electrical workers and registered electrical contractors should provide appropriate training to those unregistered electrical workers who perform electrical works under their supervision, or should instruct these workers to take part in a new cable colour code training course. You should monitor the work of unregistered electrical workers to ensure work safety.
Of the electrical incidents which occurred in recent years, the number of incidents involving the registered electrical workers working on fixed electrical installations has been increasing. We would like to emphasize the importance of electrical safety, and urge the electricity trade to pay attention to work safety so as to avoid electrical accidents and injury of workers.
The following electrical incident happened because the registered electrical worker had not isolated the power supply properly when he performed the work:
A minor explosion occurred in the early hours in the switch room of a plant that operated 24 hours a day. A registered electrical worker was injured and sent to hospital. The EMSD investigated into the incident and confirmed that when the incident occurred, the electrical worker concerned was checking faulty equipment in the plant and found that a fuse should be replaced. The electrical worker replaced the fuse with a tool without first isolating the relevant circuit and using an instrument to measure and confirm that it was de-energised. That resulted in a short circuit and an explosion.
From the above case, the registered electrical workers should learn to pay attention to the following two points:
According to Code 4 "General Safety Requirements" of the Code of Practice for the Electricity (Wiring) Regulations (Code of Practice), where practicable, work on low voltage electrical equipment should be carried out after the electrical equipment has been isolated. Registered electrical workers should learn from the above accident and avoid carrying out work on energised installation. They should also strictly observe Code 4I :General Safety Practices of the Code of Practice - check before act, isolate and lockout, de-energize and take other safety measures.
If the electrical work involves repairing the consumer's main switchboard, the registered electrical worker usually isolates and lockouts the main incoming circuit-breaker of the main switchboard. If the power company is not requested to suspend the power supply, the input circuit of the main switchboard will still be energised. Then, the electrical worker should be particularly careful when carrying out the work.
The two power companies provide suspension of electricity service to enable their customers to repair the main switchboard safely. Before commencing works on electrical installations, the registered electrical workers may contact the power companies for assistance.
In order to implement the "Cooperation Arrangement" signed between the EMSD and the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of the People's Republic of China (AQSIQ), the EMSD invited 6 officials from the Fujian, Shandong, Shenyang, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Zhuhai Safety Test Laboratory for Electrical Appliances under the Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau to come to Hong Kong for experience sharing and training on electrical product safety and energy efficiency in November last year.
During the five days' training, officials from the mainland were briefed about the major responsibilities of the EMSD's Electricity Legislation Division and the Energy Efficiency Office, including the enforcement of electrical legislation and the implementation of promotional programmes on energy efficiency and conservation etc. Arrangement was also made for the delegation to see on the spot how the EMSD staff inspected the electrical products outlets. They also gained an understanding of the test and certification of electrical products. In addition, the delegation and the EMSD held in-depth discussions and shared their experience on investigations, public education and publicity work relating to electrical safety. Through this exchange, both sides had a better understanding of electrical products safety, conservation certification and energy efficiency labels etc., and the cooperation in these areas was promoted as well. The EMSD and the AQSIQ will continue to strengthen cooperation under the "Cooperation Arrangement" to ensure that electrical products supplied in Hong Kong and China meet the safety requirements and are energy efficient.
After the concluding meeting, representatives from both sides took a group photo
According to the Electricity (Registration) Regulations, the certificates of registration of registered electrical workers and contractors are valid for 3 years. According to our record, the number of renewal applications submitted by the electrical trade will peak in 2007. Furthermore, the training requirement on the new cable colour code came into effect on 1 January 2007. So more time may be needed for processing the applications for registration.
The EMSD launched an appointment service in early January for electrical workers who would like to submit their registration applications at the Customer Services Office at 3 Kai Shing Street, Kowloon Bay, and use the training facilities on the new cable colour code there. You may call 3155 4538, or complete the reply slip attached to this issue of the Electricity News and mail/fax it to us to make an appointment (please notify us at least 5 working days before the preferred date). When you come to the Customer Services Office in person at the appointed time, you can have priority in submitting your application and using the training facilities in the Cable Colour Code Training Centre.
The EMSD teamed up with 15 leading organisations and trade associations from the utilities, public transport, housing and property management sectors to organize the "E&M Safety Campaign 2006" which was held in the second half of last year. This publicity campaign featured radio programmes, newspaper articles, large outdoor advertisements, quizzes and colouring competitions. The "E&M Safety Carnival 2006", the highlight of the Campaign, was held on the 4th and 5th of November in the Victoria Park. The programmes, including E&M safety game booths, children's corner and performances by singers and other entertaining programmes. The Carnival successfully promoted messages of E&M safety and energy conservation to the members of the public.
The EMSD has organized a large-scale technical seminar for the trade in collaboration with the Hong Kong & Kowloon Electrical Engineering and Appliances Trade Workers Union and the Hong Kong Electrical Contractors' Association annually. The latest seminar on electricity legislation was held at the Jockey Club Auditorium of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University on the evening of 13 November 2006. The response was overwhelming and more than 1,000 electrical workers participated in the seminar. This is a record for this kind of large-scale technical seminar which has been held since 2000.
In the seminar, several experienced engineers of the EMSD talked about the latest development of the cable colour code change in Hong Kong, the earthing arrangement of electrical installations and case studies on electrical incidents, as well as renewable energy power systems and grid connection. The attendees were very enthusiastic and actively participated in both of the presentation and Q&A sessions.
The trade and the EMSD will continue organizing such technical seminars to further enhance the technical standard and safety awareness of the trade.
Representatives of the Union, the Association and the EMSD at the stage
An EMSD engineer presented the latest development of the cable colour change in Hong Kong
Domestic electrical appliances for warm keeping are widely used in winter. However, to ensure safety when keeping warm, you should be very careful while using these appliances. Recently, we have produced new announcements of public interest (API) for television and radio to promote the correct use of electric blankets, electric heaters and shower type electric water heaters. The main points are:
The television API is presented in a lively and interesting fashion. Animation effects are added to make it more attractive. The API for television and radio have been broadcast by local television and radio stations since early January this year.
Since its establishment, the Electricity Legislation Division (ELD) has committed to ensuring the safety of electrical workers and the public and the reliability of power supply.
Mr. CHENG Dick-kwan, Senior Electrical Inspector, has been working in the ELD for years. His major duties include assisting building owners in testing communal electrical installations (e.g. periodic tests conducted every 5 years) and investigation of electrical incidents. Regarding the periodic tests, Mr. CHENG contacts building owners actively and gives them professional advice to help them complete the periodic inspections and tests of electrical installations so that electrical safety can be ensured. Moreover, he took part in many complicated electrical incident investigations. Mr. CHENG not only are praised by the public and recognised by the EMSD for his enthusiasm and excellent performance, but also was awarded the Secretary for the Civil Service (SCS)'s Commendation Award in 2006.
Mr. CHENG recalled how he felt when he learnt that he would receive an award, "When my superior informed me I'd be commended by the SCS, I was very excited. I didn't think I'd come into prominence among numerous excellent civil servants. The presentation of the award recognized not only my performance, but also the efforts and achievements of the whole ELD. In the future, I'll uphold my principle of 'doing my best without expecting a reward' and continue to deliver professional, quality and reliable electricity regulatory services to the public."
Besides maintaining close contact with the trade in respect of E&M safety matters, the EMSD responds to promotional activities organised by the trade enthusiastically. The Hong Kong Federation of Electrical and Mechanical Contractors and the Federation of Hong Kong Electrical and Mechanical Industries Trade Unions organised the "E&M Safety Walk 2006" at Hok Tau, Fanling on 26 November 2006. Dr. LEUNG Kin-man, Chief Engineer, led the EMSD team (60-plus colleagues and their families) to participate in this meaningful activity. Both Federations invited our Director to be the officiating guest of honour.
The participants could relax through this walk and take part in an E&M safety quiz. By joining this outdoor activity, they could improve their physical fitness and enrich their knowledge of E&M safety. This is really "Killing two birds with one stone".
Representatives of the Hong Kong and Kowloon Electrical Engineering and Appliances Trade Workers Union (the Union) visited the EMSD on 26 January 2007 and congratulated Mr. HO Kwong-wai, our new Director. They met the Director, Mr. CHAN Hung-cheung (Deputy Director) and Dr. LEUNG Kin-man (Chief Electrical and Mechanical Engineer) to discuss the latest progress of the cable colour change and matters of concern of the trade members. Both sides expressed valuable opinions and explored ways of future cooperation.
After the meeting, we arranged for the representatives to visit the Viewing Gallery, the Education Path and the new "Cable Colour Code Training Centre" situated on the ground floor. They were quite interested in the video and computer assisted training facilities in the Training Centre and hoped that the Training Centre could assist electrical workers in learning the new cable colour code.
The visit enhanced the understanding of the electrical trade of the EMSD and was greatly conducive to the future cooperation of both sides.
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For a temporary overhead electricity line spanning a vehicular access, what is the minimum distance (in m) between the line and the ground? |
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2. |
If an electric circuit supplies electricity to sockets, a residual current device whose rated residual current does not exceed ____ mA should be provided for protection. |
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For low voltage control panels and switchgear having a rating exceeding 100 A, access from behind or the side is required for connection and maintenance purposes. A minimum clearance space of ____ mm should be provided behind or by the side of such equipment. |
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The "Working Group on the Review of Cable Colour Code in Hong Kong" comprises |
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5. |
When did Britain stop using the cable colours of red, yellow, blue and black? |
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(Answers : 1D, 2A, 3A, 4D and 5C)
We look forward to receiving your valuable feedback about this newsletter so that we may continue to improve it. Please complete the feedback form below and return it to our Electricity Legislation Division by post, fax or e-mail on or before 31 May 2007 (please refer to the contact information at the bottom of this page).
Electricity Legislation Division, EMSD, 3 Kai Shing Street, Kowloon, Hong Kong
1823
2895 4929
