HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL — - 11 January 1989
香港立法局 一九八九年一月十一日
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SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS: Sir, the responsibility for safety within private premises electrically or otherwise lies principally with the owners and occupiers, and the Government at present does not routinely inspect premises looking for hazardous electrical wiring, as this would be a monumental task, given the very large number of installations involved.
Under existing legislation, however, the electricity supply companies are required to ensure that electricity is not supplied to installations which may cause a danger of shock or fire. To ensure that all new installations are safe and free from fire hazards, owners of private buildings are obliged to conform with requirements laid down in the Supply Rules of the two power companies for electrical installations and to pass tests conducted by the power companies before electricity supply is connected to the buildings.
Places of public entertainment such as restaurants and cinemas are subject to more stringent requirements in that one of the licensing conditions is the safety of electrical installations in these premises. Applications in respect of premises are referred to the Fire Services Department who will then inspect the premises to ensure that, amongst other things, the electrical installations have been certified by the electricity supply company. Until this is done, licences are not issued. Similar procedures are adopted, on an administrative basis, for old people's homes and bed-space apartments.
Under existing legislation power companies are also empowered to inspect and test installations in consumers' premises if the latter were suspected to be in a defective condition. After inspection and testing, if the company is satisfied that there is a defect in some part of the consumers' installation, the company may by notice require the consumer to remove the defect. The company may also discontinue the supply of power to the premises in question until the defect has been effectively removed. With these provisions the power companies are capable of acting on complaints or requests from individuals about power interruption or suspected faults, but I understand that there have been very few cases of these powers being exercised.
The Fire Services Department will also take action on information received from the public about possible fire hazards, and anyone who suspects that the electrical installations in his building are unsafe may contact either the Fire Services, or the power company, or both, and request that an inspection be carried out.
Later this year, the Administration will be introducing legislation to this Council to provide better control over electrical installations, which will cover both new works and the maintenance of existing installations. Under this legislation, owners will be responsible for ensuring that their wiring is maintained in a safe condition. The Director of Fire Services will also be