Hong Kong to tighten fire safety rules, overhaul complaint system after blaze
Hong Kong's security minister announced measures to tighten fire safety rules, including requiring pre-approval for disabling major fire equipment and re-registering contractors every five years, after a probe into a deadly fire. The fire services department will also take over all fire-safety compl
Hong Kong’s security minister, Mr Tang Siu-fai, on 29 October announced a series of measures to tighten fire-safety rules and overhaul the complaint-handling system, in response to a report by an independent committee that investigated a fire at Wang Fai Court.
Speaking at a press briefing, Mr Tang said the Security Bureau and the Fire Services Department would introduce several key measures, including stricter controls on the disabling and failure of fire installations. He said the government would propose amending the law to require prior approval before any major fire-fighting equipment could be switched off, upgrading the current requirement of a post-hoc notification. Any such shutdown would be limited to 60 days.
For large-scale building renovation works, the Fire Services Department will conduct joint inspections with other relevant departments. If major fire-fighting equipment is found to be inoperative, the authorities will issue a stop-work order, Mr Tang said.
The minister also said the government would strengthen oversight of contractors, proposing to change the registration of contractors from a permanent status to one requiring renewal every five years. If a contractor commits a violation and it is in the public interest, the director of fire services may suspend the contractor’s registration immediately.
Mr Tang added that the department would enhance its capacity to respond to major fires, including developing specific rescue and firefighting strategies for buildings with scaffolding nets. The authorities will use advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and firefighting robots to improve firefighting effectiveness and better protect firefighters.
Under the overhauled system for handling fire-safety complaints, the Fire Services Department will assume full “bottom-line” responsibility, Mr Tang said. Any complaint submitted to the department that involves fire safety will be taken up by the department, which will immediately assign a liaison officer to follow up. Even if a complaint falls under the purview of another agency, the Fire Services Department will continue to monitor the case until the other department takes it over.