FSD Clarifies Regulations on Fire Service Installations Amid Trade Doubts on Maintenance Procedures

FSD clarifies commentary about fire service installation and equipment

In response to a commentary published by a media outlet that the trade doubted whether the suggestion by the Fire Services Department (FSD) to shut down fire service installation and equipment (FSIs) by phases during building maintenance works is feasible, the FSD today (December 22) made the following clarification to set the record straight, as the media report does not fully reflect the facts.

According to regulation 7 of the Fire Service (Installations and Equipment) Regulations (Cap. 95B), no person other than a registered fire service installation contractor shall maintain, inspect or repair any FSI in any premises. Any person contravening commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine at level 5 (i.e. $50,000). Any person who is not a registered fire service installation contractor attempts to interfere with FSIs may be in breach of the law. The FSD will follow up stringently.

Maintenance, repair or inspection of FSIs must be carried out by registered fire service installation contractors, who will exercise professional judgement and carry out the relevant work in accordance with the FSD's instructions. Personnel responsible for building maintenance works have no authority to shut down FSIs. It is an extremely irresponsible behaviour for any frontline personnel to shut down FSIs in order to avoid false alarms triggered by the works.

In fact, the FSD Circular Letter No. 1/2021 has already stipulated that disruption to the normal operation of FSIs caused by its shutdown should be kept to the minimum. When carrying out the works, the contractor concerned should adopt a systematic approach in shutting down the affected FSI by phases and resume its normal operation as soon as practicable. If the affected portion of the system could not be reinstated to normal working condition by the end of a working shift, arrangements should be made for the portion to be isolated with the remainder of the system to be reinstated. Upon completion of the relevant works, the contractor shall issue the relevant Certificate of Fire Service Installations and Equipment in due course.

In respect of the above matters, the FSD earlier held a meeting with the Association of Registered Fire Service Installation Contractors of Hong Kong. The trade expressed its full support and indicated its willingness to implement the relevant measures in accordance with the statutory requirements and guidelines.

SED expresses deep sorrow over passing of the Most Venerable Jing Yin

The Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, today (December 22) expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the Most Venerable Jing Yin, the Chairman of the Board of Directors and the Eighth Abbot of Po Lin Monastery.

Dr Choi said, "The Most Venerable Jing Yin was a highly respected figure of great virtue who was deeply committed to education and cared greatly for students. He had served as the Director of the Centre of Buddhist Studies of the University of Hong Kong, a member of the Board of Governors of Hong Kong Nang Yan College of Higher Education, the Director of the Centre of Buddhist Studies of Hong Kong Chu Hai College, and the School Supervisor of Buddhist Fat Ho Memorial College, among other roles. He actively promoted the development of Buddhist studies and education, benefiting the education sector and society at large. With a compassionate mind and a dedication to education, he was held in high esteem by teachers, students and the community. His spirit and ethos are deeply admirable."

"We are grateful for the Most Venerable Jing Yin's contributions to education, and he will always be remembered."

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