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A spokesman for the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department reminded members of the public that the Gas Safety (Installation and Use and Miscellaneous) (Amendment) Regulation 1999 came into effective today (April 1).

The new regulation prohibits:

(a) the sale or supply of flueless gas water heaters for

use in Hong Kong;

(b) the new installation of flueless gas water heaters,

and

(c) the replacement of flueless gas water heaters by other

flueless models.

Any person who contravenes the new regulation shall be liable to a maximum fine of $10,000 upon conviction.

The spokesman noted that from July 1, 2000, another new regulation would also come into operation to prohibit the use of flueless gas water heaters to serve a bathroom or shower.

"Owners should arrange for disconnection of the flueless gas water heaters not later than June 30, 2000," he said.

"Flueless gas water heaters serving bathrooms or showers are dangerous because the products of combustion containing toxic carbon monoxide discharge directly into the room where the heater is installed. They may build up to dangerous levels if ventilation is inadequate," the spokesman explained.

He added that the new regulation would not affect existing flueless gas water heaters serving kitchens but users must allow adequate ventilation during use and the duration of usage should not exceed five minutes.

For further information, owners of flueless gas water heaters should contact their gas suppliers through the following hotlines:

Towngas

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2880 6988

LPG

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Shell 2322 2000

Esso 2435 4511

Mobil 2495 3518

Caltex/Peninsula 2321 0011

China Resources/Concord 2433 2111/2333 4215

End/Saturday, April 1, 2000

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