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Wednesday, January 3, 1973
SAFETY STANDARDS FOR HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES
Legislation Being Considered
The Government is currently considering legislation on safety standards
for household equipment and appliances.
The Secretary for Information, the Hon. J. Cater, told the Legislative
Council today that whatever the outcome of these deliberations, he believed that
"public education in such matters is important."
He was replying to Mrs. Joyce Symons.
He said some years ago, the Government issued some useful pamphlets
about safety in the home. These were now being revised and improved and would
include advice on the safe use of home appliances.
Mr. Cater said the pamphlets would be issued in conjunction with
appropriate warning announcements over the Government's broadcasting services.
Mr. Cater said: "It seems to me that this is only part, albeit an
important part of, a much larger problem.
"There are many dangers in the home; from open fires, from kerosene
stoves, from electrical equipment, and other household appliances, and regret-
tably as Hong Kong's householders become more affluent and more mechanised, these
dangers may well increase.
"Elsewhere, much difficulty has been found in legislating for, and
policing, safety standards for household equipment and appliances. But the
Government is, nevertheless, currently considering the matter."
/Mr. Cater