ýÿThe Fire Services Department (FSD) announced today (December 18) that the FSD Building Improvement Support Centre (BISC) was established to provide one-stop support in complying with requirements of the legislation on enhancing fire safety of old buildings. 

     The BISC will assist owners and occupiers of old buildings (including specified commercial buildings, composite buildings, domestic buildings, and industrial buildings) constructed on or before March 1, 1987, or with the plans of the building works first submitted to the Building Authority for approval on or before that day and prescribed commercial premises in complying with the requirements under the Fire Safety (Commercial Premises) Ordinance (Cap. 502), the Fire Safety (Buildings) Ordinance (Cap. 572), and the Fire Safety (Industrial Buildings) Ordinance (Cap. 636) by offering them one-stop support services to facilitate the completion of fire safety improvement works. 

     The service targets of the BISC are owners and occupiers of buildings regulated under the above-mentioned Ordinances. Those encountering difficulties in complying with the legislative requirements can seek assistance by calling the BISC hotline or visiting the Centre in person. The BISC provides a range of services, including the explanation of the Ordinances’ requirements, providing updates on existing government support services, and co-ordination of matters relating to building plan approval procedures and acceptance test arrangements. 

     The BISC will also assist owners in applying for various government subsidies as well as services under the Smart Tender scheme, and refer cases to relevant departments or organisations for follow-up actions when necessary. The Centre will provide all-round and appropriate support services at every stage, starting from the receipt of directions under relevant legislations by owners and occupiers, until the works are completed and the legislative requirements are met. 

     The public in need can visit the BISC (3/F, Fire Services Department Mong Kok Office Building, 42 Tai Kok Tsui Road, Kowloon) in person, or call its hotline on 2272 9112 from 9am to 8pm, Monday to Saturday (except public holidays). 

Ends/Monday, December 18, 2023
Issued at HKT 16:20

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