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In response to media enquiries on requirements for train safety in Hong Kong, a spokesman for the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department gave the following reply today (March 4):
The Government attaches great importance to the safety performance of railways. The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) is responsible for the monitoring of the railway safety to ensure that the Mass Transit Railway Corporation Limited (MTRCL) will fully consider the safety requirements in its system design, operation and maintenance of railway networks and adopt appropriate precautionary measures to ensure railway safety.
The regulation of railway safety in Hong Kong is based on relevant international standards, including EN15227 (the European Union standard on crashworthiness for trains) or equivalent safety standards, and other related safety standards on trains. MTRCL shall submit relevant information to EMSD to prove that when the train is operating in actual conditions, its safety performance can achieve the safety level of international standards.
Prior to the opening of the Hong Kong Section of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link, new trains have to pass three types of testing , including Factory Acceptance Test, System Integration Test and On-site Test, to ensure they have achieved the required safety level. EMSD will assess the test reports and take part in the On-site Test before approving the trains for putting into services.
Ends/Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Issued at HKT 21:24
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