Strengthening the public’s emergency preparedness and evacuation awareness, and promoting a wider use of stand-alone fire detectors
Operation, installation and maintenance of stand-alone fire detectors
Mr CHAN Chun-ying expressed support for the proposal to amend the Fire Service (Installations and Equipment) Regulations (Cap. 95B) (“FS(IE)R”) and promote a wider use of stand-alone fire detectors. Mr CHAN was concerned about FSD’s tests conducted on different models of the device.
AD(L&C/FSD) said that FSD had conducted tests on 22 different models of stand-alone fire detectors available in the market which conformed to various international/national standards of the Mainland, the United Kingdom and the United States (“US”). Depending on the necessity, FSD would continue testing new emerged models and update relevant guidelines as appropriate. Depending on the functions of the detectors, the retail price ranged from $200 to $800 per device. AD(L&C/FSD) further said that a stand-alone fire detector was normally fitted to a mounting plate and could be easily attached to the surface of a ceiling by adhesive tapes or screws. It usually came with a test button for checking whether it worked normally, and a low battery warning buzz to alert users to the need for battery replacement. With technology development, wall-mounted fire detectors were also available nowadays. Users could simply follow the instructions in the user manual that came with the device upon purchase, or the guidelines to be published by FSD for installation and maintenance. For example, the stand-alone fire detectors were advised to be installed in the middle of a bedroom, and if an air-conditioner was nearby, appropriate distance should be maintained. Moreover, members of the public could make enquiries by calling FSD’s hotline. In response to Mr SHIU’s further enquiry, AD(L&C/FSD) said that normally, FSD would advise installing stand-alone fire detectors in bedrooms, corridors and near kitchens in residential premises.
Promoting a wider use of stand-alone fire detectors in different residential premises
Mr CHAN Chun-ying asked whether consideration would be given to subsidizing owners/occupants of “three-nil” buildings to install stand-alone fire detectors. Mr Tony TSE expressed a similar view and said that he supported whatsoever measures to enhance fire safety in “three-nil” buildings.
Mr CHAN Chun-ying and Mr YIU Si-wing asked whether consideration would be given to subsidizing owners/occupants of “three-nil” buildings to install stand-alone fire detectors. Mr Tony TSE expressed a similar view and said that he supported whatsoever measures to enhance fire safety in “three-nil” buildings.