8Electricity

4Introduction 20

Gas

32Lifts and Escalators Es

Lifts and EscalatorsLifts and Escalators

44Railway

56Amusement Rides

68Aerial Ropeways

Es

4 Introduction

Introduction

This manual is designed for studies in Module 2 of the New Senior Secondary Liberal Studies Curriculum,Hong Kong Today.

The content and activities in this manual are suited for the theme of Quality of Life of the module.

5Core learning skills to be acquired

Core learning skills to be acquired

Learning to CommunicateCooperation Organisation Communication

Learning to ThinkCritical thinking Multiple-perspective thinking Informed decision-making Independent thinking

Building Character

Respect for evidence

Preparation for CitizenshipPositive value and attitude Ability to contemplate about a citizens identity, responsibility, and duty towards society, country, and the world

Living with DiversityOpenness Respect for cultures

Preparing for a Global SocietyMaterial selection and evaluation Creativity

Acquiring Broader InterestsKnowledge expansion Cross-curriculum learning

Preparing for a CareerArithmetic skills Problem-solving capability Use of information technology

Self-directed LearningResearch skills Inquisitive learning Self management Independent learning Life-long learning Selection of research topic

6 Learning objectives

Learning objectives

To appreciate how electrical, mechanical, and gas safety contribute to our quality of life through six EMSD-regulated applications/installations (electricity, gas, lifts and escalators, railway, amusement rides, and aerial ropeways).

To understand how the safety of these applications/installations is maintained, monitored, and regulated in Hong Kong.

To learn about each individuals responsibilities in the safe selection, use, and maintenance of these applications/installations.

7Recommended teaching plan

Recommended teaching plan1. As this teaching kit covers six EMSD-regulated applications/installations,

learning, depending on class time, can be split into three sessions.

2. applications of electricity and gas, the two major energy forms in Hong Kong that are closely related to everyone, and of which individuals play a gatekeepers role in maintaining safety.

3. The second session can cover lifts and escalators, and railway, facilities that to move

across great distances, including vertical height, in short periods of time. In this session, we can learn about how individuals responsibility in maintaining safety allows these facilities to provide the convenience that we enjoy.

4. The third session can cover amusement rides and aerial ropeways. Students can appreciate how advancement in technology can also be applied for our leisure and for enhancing our quality of life. Yet behind the fun and amusement we derive from amusement rides and aerial ropeways, we must also share the responsibilities in ensuring the smooth and safe operation of these facilities, for the collective good.

5.applications/installations enhance their quality

6. As this teaching kit covers only six of the applications/installations regulated by the EMSD, feel free to select other applications/installations that are related to the quality of life of the students for further study. These may include tramways.

ElectricityBackground

Electricity

Electrical safety

Electricity Ordinance

Did you know?

10 Electricity

11

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Have you ever tried counting the number of electrical products you use in a day?From the moment you switch on the lights when you wake up, turning on your music player, riding the lift and escalator, and taking the MTR; then at school, turning on the fan or air-conditioners, and using the computer; and at night watching TV, maybe helping to cook rice and do the laundry, and playing on your game console - we come across no less than a dozen electrical products every day, round the clock.

Electricity make our lives convenient and comfortable. Its something we can barely live without. Just imagine doing everything you counted above without electricity, do you think you can still manage it, and for how long? (Or recall the last time the power went out in your home, either due to maintenance or a breakdown of electrical installations. Was that a hassle!)

Electricity doesnt come without hazards. If were not careful, and mishandle

In order to ensure that we enjoy a steady electricity supply, along with all the convenience and comfort it brings, without incident, we must use electricity safely. While the electricity supply companies, electrical product suppliers, electrical contractors and workers, and owners of electrical installations are required by law to observe electrical safety requirements, it is often us, the

Over 76,000 electrical workers

are registered with the EMSD, i.e.

we have more than one registered

electrical worker for every 100

Hong Kong residents.

14

Did you know?

Electricity

Whenever we need electricity, we just need to plug in our electrical products to the sockets, and were good to go. How does that happen? The process of electricity generation, transmission, and distribution in Hong Kong can be described as simply as this: electricity is generated by the two electricity supply companies The Hongkong Electric Company Limited, for Hong Kong Island and Lamma Island, and CLP Power Hong Kong Limited, for the rest of Hong Kong. They produce electricity mainly from fossil fuels, coal and natural gas in particular, in power stations (with some generation from renewable energy sources). The electricity generated is transmitted to an extensive power grid that encompasses our city via underground cables and overhead lines. The electricity is then distributed through local power networks to electrical

With electrical products that are designed, manufactured and tested in accordance with the relevant international/national standards, and with proper usage and maintenance, we can enjoy these products as much as we wish.

In fact, Hong Kongs records in the reliability of electricity supply and electrical safety rank amongst the top in the world. Thats something to be proud of as a citizen of Hong Kong!

For the above to happen, however, all stakeholders involved in electricity supply and usage must work together. It is only then that we can fully reap the

Fun fact

15

Why is electrical safety important? And how is safety ensured?Indeed, in a metropolitan city like Hong Kong, where electricity permeate almost all aspects of life, we rely on a steady electricity supply to support our activities.

On the supply side, we need electricity to be uninterrupted and to be able to meet our demand, so that we wont experience a blackout or prolonged power outage. All generation, transmission, and distribution systems should function normally and safely, for electricity to be supplied safely and

On usage, we need to ensure that consumer electrical products up for sale are safe, that does not leak electricity or overload circuits. And as end users and owners of electrical products and installations, we need to safely use and maintain them, and know when

This is especially important, for while electricity brings

hazards. Chief of all being electric shock (or even

damage, harm, or even death. We dont want that.

Maintaining electricity supply reliability and electrical safety is an undertaking for all stakeholders. To ensure that everyone does his/her job properly, so as to maintain an electricity-safe environment for the collective good of Hong Kong, we have the Electricity Ordinance (Cap 406) and the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD), the regulating authority of electrical safety.

The Electricity Ordinance sets out the responsibilities and obligations of all concerned parties, including electricity suppliers, owners of electrical installations, suppliers of electrical products, registered electrical workers and contractors, as well as the powers of the EMSD. Together with subsidiary regulations (covered in a later section), they govern the different aspects of electricity supply and usage.

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Here are some general safety guidelines for household electrical appliances and installations for us to follow:

General safety guidelines

3-pin plugs, which comply with the sa