Use of heaters defended
Officials yesterday defended the installation of flueless water heaters, to be banned next year, in a Housing Society complex in Tseung Kwan O.
The heaters would not be a danger provided they were properly installed and used, a society spokeswoman said.
'Towngas gave us safety assurances,' she said.
The contract was signed three years ago and installation completed last month, before the Gas Safety Advisory Committee decided to ban the units from next year.
The water heaters have been put in the kitchens of all 704 units in the sandwich-class scheme Radiant Towers.
'Water heaters are usually used only for a short period, so if the residents keep the windows open, there will be no danger,' the spokeswoman said.
The bathrooms had a different type of heater.
In mid-January, a man and a boy in Shekkipmei died after flueless water heaters were used.
