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The Fire Services Department welcomed the Ombudsman's investigation report on fire safety regulatory measures and would actively follow up the recommendations made in the report, a spokesman for the Fires Services Department (FSD) said today (May 13).
"The Fire Services Department attaches great importance to the fire safety of buildings and food premises to protect the lives and properties of members of the public," the spokesman said.
The spokesman said that while some of the recommendations in the report had been implemented, the FSD would seriously consider the remaining ones.
In response to the Ombudsman's recommendation on expediting the establishment of the computer system and the legislative amendment exercise, the spokesman clarified that before the Ombudsman initiated the investigation, FSD had decided to set up a new computer system to improve its efficiency in licensing, fire protection and prosecution work. The contract for the system was awarded in September 2009. The system was expected to be put into commission in 2011. With the new computer system, FSD would be able to promptly identify the buildings which had failed to submit the Certificate of Fire Service Installations and Equipment (FS 251). As a result, actions would be taken against Fire Service Installation (FSI) and Equipment owners or contractors breaching the law in a more speedy and effective manner.
The spokesman added, "Years ago, FSD has aimed to conduct surprise inspection of each licensed food premises every five years. In 2009, FSD adjusted its strategy to inspect licensed food premises requiring priority treatment. Such practice remains in force to date. FSD will study how to increase the inspection frequency."
"In 2009, FSD has strengthened its manpower to check the certificates involving reports of defects, resulting in the dramatic increase in the ratio of checks from less than 20 per cent in the previous years to 60 per cent. The FSD would study how to further improve the random inspection mechanism and the frequency of inspections," the spokesman said.
The spokesman noted that FSD would step up publicity to remind FSI owners of timely maintenance and inspection on FSIs. According to existing legislation, FSI owners had the responsibility of ensuring FSIs were in efficient working order at all times and if FS 251 indicated defects, owners of FSI had the full responsibility of rectifying the defects. FSD would conduct inspections to verify that such rectifications were duly completed.
He reiterated that FSD would continue to maintain strict law enforcement and consider taking legal actions against offenders without prior warning.
The spokesman said that FSD would work with the Buildings Department to explore ways to strengthen the existing referral system in handling cases involving serious obstruction to means of escape arising from unauthorised building works.
"FSD has adopted various approaches including publicity, enforcement and inspection to enhance the fire safety of buildings. Regular inspections on FSIs have been carried out from time to time and Fire Hazard Abatement Notices (FHANs) were issued to offenders," the spokesman said.
The spokesman stated that the FSD would review the arrangement of inspection of food premises and would work closely with the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department to seriously consider the recommendations in the report with a view to enhancing fire safety in food premises.
Finally, the spokesman stressed that fire safety is a shared responsibility among building owners, management companies, owners of licensed premises, staff and patrons, as well as FSI contractors. The FSD would continue to maintain close liaison with stakeholders to further improve fire safety.
Ends/Thursday, May 13, 2010
Issued at HKT 21:03
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