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LCQ12: Figures of gas leakage incidents and regulatory of private gas pipeline facilities
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     Following is a question by Hon Chiang Lai-wan and a written reply by the Secretary for the Environment, Mr Wong Kam-sing, in the Legislative Council today (January 7):

Question:

     Regarding gas leakage incidents, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) of the number of service calls relating to reports on suspected gas leakage attended by fire personnel and the respective numbers of fire and explosion incidents caused by gas leakage in each of the past five years as set out in the table (see Annex I);

(2) of the casualties of fire personnel and members of the public caused by gas leakage and the related fires or explosions in each of the past five years as set out in the table (see Annex II);

(3) whether it has any plan to conduct a comprehensive review of the regulatory system of the safety, repair and maintenance of private gas pipeline facilities; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and

(4) of the measures in place to prevent the occurrence in Hong Kong of serious gas explosion accidents of a scale similar to that occurred in Kaohsiung, Taiwan in August last year, in order to safeguard the lives and properties of members of the public?

Reply:

President,

(1) The number of calls relating to reports on suspected gas leakage attended by fire personnel, and the respective numbers of fire and explosion incidents caused by gas leakage in the past five years provided by the Security Bureau are set out in Annex III.

(2) The casualties of fire personnel and members of the public caused by gas leakage and related fire incidents or explosions in the past five years provided by the Security Bureau are set out in Annex IV.

     The numbers of incidents and casualties related to gas pipelines in the past five years provided by Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) are set out in Annex V.

(3) and (4) Safety of town gas, liquefied petroleum gas and natural gas is regulated by the Gas Safety Ordinance. Gas supply companies are required to conduct leakage surveys and pressure tests on underground gas pipes regularly having regard to the gas properties and pressure, pipe material and pipe size. In addition, the Gas Safety Ordinance requires gas supply companies to add a special odour to town gas and liquefied petroleum gas for easy detection in case of leakage. The EMSD carries out regular inspections on gas installations and conducts audits on maintenance works, pipe leakage surveys and pressure tests performed by gas supply companies. The EMSD also holds regular meetings and conducts regular emergency drills with gas supply companies to review and ensure the capability of the relevant staff in responding to gas incidents.  

     The city underground gas network in Hong Kong distributes town gas. Towngas has adopted electronic monitoring and data acquisition system to monitor the gas supply network. In the event of gas leakage and sudden plunge of pipe pressure as a result of pipe damage, the system will produce warning signals, and, where necessary, the staff at the control room will close the valve of the main gas pipe through a remote control device to avoid further gas leakage. While the current regulatory system has been effective in ensuring the safety and proper maintenance of gas pipeline facilities, the EMSD will continue to review and monitor issues relating to gas safety in collaboration with the gas supply companies, and, where necessary, takes appropriate action.

Ends/Wednesday, January 7, 2015
Issued at HKT 12:32

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