FSD Implements New Regulations for Enhanced Fire Safety Transparency and Management

FSD introduces new measures to enhance fire service installations management and information transparency

The Fire Services Department (FSD) yesterday (January 8) issued two circular letters to regulate registered fire service installation contractors (RFSIC) in further enhancing the management of fire service installations and equipment (FSI) and increasing transparency of information related to the operational status of FSIs. With the new measures in place, occupants and property management staff can have a better understanding of the operational status of FSIs. The new regulations have become effective immediately.

FSD Circular Letter No. 1/2026 stipulates that when there is any defect in FSIs such as hose reels and manual call points, RFSICs must affix a Damage Notice complying with standard requirements in a prominent position on the FSI to facilitate easy identification. Members of the public can therefore avoid using non-operable FSIs during emergencies. In addition, RFSICs are required to apply seals on the main power switches of FSI systems to prevent power from being turned off by mistake, and facilitate inspections by property management staff to identify the status of power supply and take necessary follow-up actions in a timely manner.

FSD Circular Letter No. 2/2026 reminds RFSICs that before turning off any FSIs for works, pre-assessment should be conducted on whether functions of other FSIs will be affected. All areas being affected should be reported concurrently to the FSD. RFSICs must put up large-sized notices at prominent locations such as main building entrances and lift lobbies, clearly outlining information including dates of FSI operation suspension and areas being affected, to keep occupants, property management staff, and other relevant parties informed. Occupants will therefore be reminded to raise awareness of fire safety when the FSIs are not in working order or being shut down.

The FSD emphasises that RFSICs must strictly adhere to the new requirements. Any misconduct or negligence may result in disciplinary actions by the FSD, including being removed from the register of RFSICs.

The FSD has been committed to enhancing building fire safety through regulation, inspection, and public education. It will continue to review and enhance various fire safety measures.

Details of the two circular letters are available on the FSD's website:

• FSD Circular Letter No.1/2026:www.hkfsd.gov.hk/eng/source/circular/2026_01_eng_20260109_155514.pdf(Chinese only)

• FSD Circular Letter No.2/2026:www.hkfsd.gov.hk/eng/source/circular/2026_02_eng_20260109_155627.pdf (Chinese only)

The Fire Services Department (FSD), Photo source: news.gov.hk

DSD deeply saddened by passing of contractor staff member

The Director of Drainage Services, Mr Ringo Mok, was deeply saddened by the passing of a staff member of its contractor in an accident that occurred at a construction site for upgrading works of existing sewerage system at Yen Chow Street in Sham Shui Po yesterday (May 27). He expressed his deepest condolences to the family of the deceased and requested the contractor to provide them with appropriate assistance.

At about 8.30am yesterday, the worker was injured during a lifting operation at the construction site. He was sent to Princess Margaret Hospital for treatment and was certified dead at about 11.30pm.

The Drainage Services Department (DSD) has requested the contractor to suspend the related works and conduct a safety check. The contractor was also instructed to carry out a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident. The DSD will also render full assistance to relevant departments in their investigations.

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