The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) is the regulatory authority for all the electrical, gas and mechanical systems used in Hong Kong. Our main responsibility is to ensure that all the electrical, gas and mechanical systems and equipment are safe for use at home, at work and in all public places. We also ensure that these systems and equipment function properly and in an environmentally friendly manner, to enable the people of Hong Kong to enjoy an ongoing and improved quality of life.

Since the launch of our first pledge in 1994 when an average of only 96% of our activities met the pledged targets, we have been working hard to improve our performance standards over the years. In 1999, for the first time, we managed to achieve a perfect 100% compliance in all our activity areas. This consisted of about 90,000 different cases, which were processed, relating to gas fuel, electricity, lifts and escalators, traffic signals as well as footbridge and subway lighting. While we are very proud of these achievements, made possible by the joint efforts of all our staff, we are in no way complacent and are continuing to improve our services. We are therefore introducing a new performance pledge for 2000, adding new targets and enhancing existing ones, as follows:
Type of Services Response time(Working Days)
1999 Targets 2000 Targets
1. Registration of installer 14 14
2. Registration of contractor 60 60
3. Inspection of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) vehicle 21 21
4. Approval of contruction of notifiable gas installation 40 34
5. Approval of use of notifiable gas installation 14 14
6. Approval for use of equipment/material 30 30
7. Registration of competent persons for maintenance of LPG fuel systems N.A. 30
8. Approval for use of LPG fuel container in vehicles N.A. 30
9. Approval of construction of LPG filling stations N.A. 34
10. Approval of construction of LPG maintenance workshops N.A. 34
11. Approval for use of LPG filling stations N.A. 14
12. Approval for use of LPG mainenance workshops N.A. 14



Type of Services Response time(Working Days)
1999 Targets 2000 Targets
1. Registration of worker, contractor and generating facility 14 14
2. Endorsement of periodic test certificate for fixed installation 14 14
3. Registration of recognized certification bodies/recognized manufacturers N.A. 14

Type of Services Response time(Working Days)
1999 Targets 2000 Targets
1. Registration of engineer 60 45
2. Registration of contractor 60 60
3. Endorsement of test certificate for installation 14 14
4. Issue of permit to use 14 14

Type of Services Response time(Working Days)
1999 Targets 2000 Targets
1. Approval of design submission for capacity of not more than 20 persons (a) N.A. 40
2. Approval of design submission for capacity of 21 or more persons (b) N.A. 55
3. Issue of permit to use N.A. 14

(a) for example, mini train. (b) for example, roller coaster.


Type of Services Response time(Working Days)
1999 Targets 2000 Targets
1. Approval of design submission N.A. 40
2. Issue of permit to use N.A. 14


Type of Services Response time(Working Days)
1999 Targets 2000 Targets
1. Registration of energy efficiency labelling scheme N.A. 20



Type of Services Response time(Working Days)
1999 Targets 2000 Targets
1. Report of illegal equipment and installations 10 10
2. Written enquiries on registration, safety or other technical issues 14 14
3. Oral enquiries on registration, safety or other technical issues Immediate Immediate



Type of Services Response time(Working Days)
1999 Targets 2000 Targets
1. Report of major malfunctions
       a) Traffic signals 1 1
       b) Footbridge lighting 1 1
       c) Subway lighting 1 1
2. Report of other defects
       a) Traffic signals 3 3
       b) Footbridge lighting 3 3
       c) Subway lighting 3 3

The above performance pledge covers the following EMSD services:

  • Enforcement of the Gas Safety Ordinance, Electricity Ordinance, Lifts and Escalators (Safety) Ordinance, Amusement Rides (Safety) Ordinance, Builder's Lifts and Tower Working Platforms (Safety) Ordinance;
  • Advice on safety matters relating to gas, electricity, lifts and escalators, amusement rides, builder's lifts and tower working platforms;
  • Handling reports of unsafe equipment and installations, and investigation of accidents and complaints;
  • Promoting the safe use of gas, electricity, lifts and escalators;
  • Implementation of the Energy Efficiency Labelling Schemes for household appliances; and
  • Handling reports of faults and malfunctions of traffic aids and signal equipment, footbridge and subway lighting systems.

We have set up a Customer Service Office at EMSD Headquarters, Ground Floor, 3 Kai Shing Street, Kowloon Bay, Hong Kong to process applications for registration, approval of submissions, endorsement of certificates, issue of permits, and the handling of reports and enquiries. To further improve our customer services, we have developed the Customer Service Mastery Programme to conduct surveys for customer feedback and to arrange customer service training for our staff. In addition, a Customer Liaison Group which also consists of representatives from our customers, meets regularly to discuss the quality of services delivered and how it can be improved.

Apart from the above regulatory services, we also work to promote the safe use of gas and electrical appliances and installations, lifts and escalators, as well as the efficient use of energy. Last year, we conducted a territory-wide public survey on the safety awareness of these electrical and mechanical issues for the first time. The survey results have been invaluable in evaluating the publicity programmes conducted in the past and in designing new programmes for the future. From September 1999, a series of roadshows in major shopping malls and housing estates were also organized to deliver the relevant safety messages through direct contact with the general public. We also participated in the district fire safety carnivals organized by the various district offices to promote electrical and mechanical safety in fire prevention.

All applications, made in person, can be submitted to our Customer Service Office, located at EMSD Headquarters, Ground Floor, 3 Kai Shing Street, Kowloon Bay, Hong Kong. The office is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays and 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon on Saturdays. Submissions can also be made by mail to the above address. Under the Electronic Transaction Ordinance, you can also forward your submissions via email to our address at submission@emsd.gov.hk, if you hold a recognized digital certificate.

Telephone enquiries can be made to our hotline 2882 8011, which will also provide pre-recorded information of all our services 24-hour a day through the Interactive Voice Response System. The System is constantly kept updated and was enhanced recently to include information on energy efficiency matters. You can also choose to talk to our operators for assistance during office hours or leave a voice-mail message outside office hours, your call will be returned as soon as possible. Additionally you can ask for the relevant application forms and information to be faxed to you via the hotline. To report malfunctions or defects with regard to traffic signals, footbridge and subway lighting, you can call our 24-hour fault-reporting centre at 2333 3762. If emergency assistance is required or if there is a possibility of immediate danger, you should call the Fire Services Department 24-hour hotline 2723 8787 or dial 999.
Services

Telephone Hotline

No. of calls received
in 1999
Gas

2882 8011

34 403
Electricity
Lifts and Escalators
Amusement Rides
Energy Efficiency
Traffic Signals

2333 3762

11 370
Footbridge Lighting
Subway Lighting

Information on EMSD can also be obtained through our home page at http://www.info.gov.hk/emsd while general email enquiries can be made through our address at info@emsd.gov.hk

We welcome any comments or suggestions you may have on our services. There may be times when, despite our best efforts, our services do not match your expectations. If you should ever feel that your case has not been dealt with properly, or if your case requires any further explanation, please feel free to write to our Public Relations Manager at EMSD, 3 Kai Shing Street, Kowloon Bay, Hong Kong or send him a fax on 2882 5132. All comments, suggestions and complaints will be dealt with as quickly as possible and where necessary, be directed to the proper appeal channels.

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