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Following is a question by the Hon Miriam Lau and a written reply by the Secretary for the Environment, Transport and Works, Dr Sarah Liao, at the Legislative Council meeting today (October 13):

Question:

Will the Government inform this Council of:

(a) the number of incidents involving leakage of liquefied petroleum gas ("LPG") from LPG taxis since their introduction;

(b) the respective causes of such incidents; and

(c) the measures taken by the authorities, in the light of the above causes, to prevent the recurrence of such incidents?

Reply:

Madam President,

(a) According to our record, there were six incidents of gas leakage from LPG taxis since the introduction of LPG taxis in 1997.

(b) Of these six incidents, most (five) involved minor gas leakage during refuelling at LPG filling stations caused by defective fill connectors. It is believed that the defective fill connectors were caused by drivers driving away the vehicles before removal of the dispensing nozzles during previous refuelling processes. There were no casualties in these incidents.

The other incident took place at Ma On Shan in August this year and resulted in frost-bite at the hands of a person. It is believed that the gas leakage was caused by the person who attempted to repair the vehicle and loosened the screws of the gas filter.

(c) In the light of the causes of the incidents, we published in 2003 a leaflet on the safe use of LPG vehicles for distribution to the owners and drivers of LPG vehicles. The leaflet highlights the safety precautions to take when refuelling such vehicles. For example, after the refuelling process is completed, a driver should ensure that the dispensing nozzle has been detached from the vehicle before driving the vehicle away. The Government has also urged oil companies to review the refuelling procedure and provide training to the operators to prevent recurrence of such incidents.

Furthermore, in light of the gas leakage incident that took place at Ma On Shan in August this year, the Government will step up publicity effort to remind LPG vehicle owners and drivers to send their vehicles to approved LPG vehicle repair workshops for inspection and repair by qualified mechanics as soon as a problem with the fuel system or its components is suspected or found. To guard against accidents, they must not attempt to repair these parts by themselves.

Ends/Wednesday, October 13, 2004

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