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The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) (Amendment) Regulation, which prohibits the use of flueless gas water heaters to serve a bathroom or shower, will come into operation on July 1, 2000, a spokesman for the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) said today (June 7).

"Owners should arrange for disconnection of the flueless gas water heaters and, if desired, its replacement with a safer model not later than June 30, 2000," the spokesman said.

Any person who fails to comply with this requirement shall be liable to prosecution and subject to a maximum fine of HK$ 5,000 upon conviction.

The EMSD will step up inspection work in June to ensure the timely disconnection of flueless gas water heaters serving bathrooms or showers.

"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 for assistance on the following hotlines:

Towngas

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2880 6988



LPG

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Caltex/Peninsula              2321 0011

China Resources/Concord       2433 2111/2333 4215

Esso	                      2435 4511

Mobil                         24953518

Shell                         2322 2000

End/Wednesday, June 7, 2000

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