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Twenty-seven estates using centralised liquefied petroleum gas systems
Following is a question by the Hon Zachary Wong and a written reply by the Secretary for Housing, Mr Dominic Wong, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):
Question:
Does the Government know of:
(a)
(b)
the public housing estates or Home Ownership Scheme (HOS) estates under the management of Housing Authority which are still using centralised liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) systems; and
the results of the study carried out by the Housing Department on the use of centralised LPG systems in public housing and HOS estates, and the improvement measures recommended in the study?
Answer:
Mr President,
There are 27 estates (16 public rental housing estates and 11 Home Ownership Scheme estates) with gas supplied from 22 centralised liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) systems. Details are at Annex A.
According to the risk guidelines for potentially hazardous installations issued by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, four out of the 22 systems are either classified as potentially hazardous or as being in close proximity to residents. Following studies on these four systems, remedial measures have been taken or are being taken. Details are at Annex B,
Although risk assessment studies are not required of the remaining 18 systems, studies were also conducted. Recommendations include review of the condition of storage vessels and replacement of storage vessels where necessary; reduction in refuelling frequency and level of stock: application of corrosion protection and fire- resistant coating to storage vessels; verification of structural integrity of storage vessel supports; imposition of speed limits on traffic near storage arcas; and installation of gas detection systems with direct links to the Fire Services Department. Most of the precautionary measures have been taken, and the remainder will be completed by the end of 1997.
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