The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) and the Customs and Excise Department (C&ED) today (September 5) urged the public to stop using an "energy-saving ring" on gas cookers to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning accidents.
The EMSD was notified by the Department of Health earlier on two carbon monoxide poisoning incidents in connection with the use of gas cookers and conducted on-site investigation. The incidents were caused by poor indoor ventilation. The gas cookers in both cases had been fitted with an accessory, commonly known as "energy-saving ring", which was not supplied by the original gas cooker manufacturers and claimed to be energy-saving. The EMSD has sent the "energy-saving rings" for testing by laboratory. The results showed that when using gas cookers with the "energy-saving rings", emission of carbon monoxide increased substantially, which has significantly exceeded the safety standard specified in the "Basic Safety Assessment under Approval of Domestic Gas Appliances". There was also no energy-saving effect as claimed. Noting the test results, the EMSD and the C&ED immediately conducted inspections at shops in various districts in Hong Kong.
The EMSD urged the public to ensure adequate ventilation when using gas cookers by keeping kitchen windows open and exhaust fans operating, and avoid using any accessories not supplied by original cooker manufacturers, such as the "energy-saving rings". For proper use and maintenance of domestic gas cooking appliances, please visit the EMSD website:
www.emsd.gov.hk/en/gas_safety/gas_safety_tips_to_users/safe_use_proper_use_and_maintenance/domestic_gas_cooking_appliances/index.html.
Under the Consumer Goods Safety Ordinance, it is an offence to supply, manufacture or import into Hong Kong consumer goods unless the goods comply with the general safety requirement for consumer goods. The maximum penalty for the offence is a fine of $100,000 and an imprisonment for one year on first conviction, and $500,000 and two years' imprisonment on subsequent conviction. If members of the public find the "energy-saving rings", they may make a report via the C&ED's 24-hour hotline 2545 6182, or via email to crimereport@customs.gov.hk or by filling in an online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002/).
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