Continuing Professional Development for Electrical Trade

The year 2011 saw the completion of final preparations for a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Scheme for Registered Electrical Workers (REWs). At its launch on 1 January 2012, CPD became a condition of registration renewal for all REWs, marking a milestone in our efforts to foster a continuous learning culture for the electrical trade in Hong Kong.

The CPD Scheme provides a two-module training programme, covering “legislative and safety requirements” and “technical knowledge”. Developed in full consultation with the trade, the Scheme is well supported by all relevant stakeholders, including the trade and union associations, and more than ten qualified organisations are now offering CPD courses. This level of support helps us ensure that all REWs regularly update their technical skills and safety and statutory knowledge.
 
 
 
 
Gas Safety Initiatives Win Civil Service Awards

Two gas safety initiatives won awards in the Regulatory / Enforcement Service category of the Civil Service Outstanding Service Award Scheme 2011. The “Reviving Gas” initiative, a risk-based approach to enhancing the safety of town gas risers on buildings in Hong Kong, won the Silver Award, while the “One Extra Step” initiative, which ensures the efficient execution of underground tank re-validation works in LPG gas filling stations through the territory, won the Bronze Award.

The initiatives have also brought tangible results. The number of riser incidents has dropped substantially since 2007, when “Reviving Gas” was introduced, with increased riser safety awareness among property owners. Following the launch of “One Extra Step” in 2008, more than 30 LPG filling stations have completed re-validation works with minimum disruption to LPG vehicles and nearby road traffic as a result of meticulous planning and prior communication with the vehicle trade and relevant government departments.
 
 
   
  Lifts and Escalators Bill Makes Good Progress

The progress of the Lifts and Escalators Bill through the Legislative Council (LegCo) was a major step forward in 2011. As vetting of the Bill gained tremendous progress at the end of year, the Bill is expected to be passed by LegCo in April 2012. Known as the Lifts and Escalators Ordinance (Cap 618), the new legislation gives Hong Kong a more robust regulatory framework, under which the responsibilities for the safety of lifts and escalators are shared in a more balanced manner among key stakeholders, including owners, property management companies, contractors, engineers and workers, with heavier penalties for offences. The new legislation will also better satisfy community needs and expectations.
 
  *The Bill was passed by LegCo in April 2012 to become the Lifts and Escalators Ordinance.
 
   
 
MTR Standards and Practices Reviewed

A major initiative in 2011 was a comprehensive review of MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL) standards and practices relating to rail procurement and quality control and the inspection and maintenance of rails. The review followed a spate of rail breakages since 2008.

After our independent review of the consultancy report from MTRCL, we agreed that MTRCL should adopt the latest European standards for procedures concerned with material supply, rail welding and non-destructive testing. We also recommended that MTRCL should conduct random inspections of items within each batch of rail components shipped to Hong Kong.
The recommendations were adopted by MTRCL and accepted by LegCo.
   
 
 

MEELS Phase Two Commences Implementation

A major achievement in 2011 was the smooth implementation of Phase 2 of the Mandatory Energy Efficiency Labelling Scheme (MEELS). Coming into force in September 2011, Phase 2 added washing machines and dehumidifiers to the room air conditioners, refrigerating appliances and compact fluorescent lamps covered under Phase 1.

Building on the success of Phase 1, the vast majority of the trade is compliant with Phase 2 requirements, with a very high level of awareness of the Scheme facilitating smooth enforcement. Thanks to the support of retailers and importers of the product categories covered, the trade’s compliance rate has been very high ever since the
implementation of MEELS Phase 1 in November 2009.