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LCQ21: Fire service installations and equipment in Mass Transit Railway stations
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     Following is a question by Dr Hon Lau Wong-fat and a written reply by the Secretary for Security, Mr Lai Tung-kwok, in the Legislative Council today (January 7):

Question:

     I raised a question at the Legislative Council meeting of December 17 last year, enquiring which railway stations were not equipped with automatic water sprinkler systems and the reasons concerned, but the authorities did not give a direct reply. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council if it knows:

(1) the current number of railway stations which are not equipped with automatic water sprinkler systems, together with a detailed list of the names of such stations, including stations with both concourses and platforms situated below the ground level as well as those with concourses and/or platforms situated at or above the ground level; and

(2) whether the areas inside the railway stations mentioned in (1) where shops are located are equipped with automatic water sprinkler systems; if they are not, the reasons for that?

Reply:

President,

     As per the Administration's reply to the written question raised by the Hon Lau at the December 17, 2014 sitting, currently sprinkler systems are installed in areas with a higher fire risk (e.g. shops) in MTR stations, while corresponding fire service installations and equipment are put in place at other areas in each station for passenger and public safety.

     As regards the sprinkler systems in MTR stations, in consultation with the relevant bureaux and departments, as well as the MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL), the Administration's reply is as follows:

(1) When setting up fire service installations and equipment in MTR stations, MTRCL will, with reference to relevant international standards on railway safety and performance-based design factors, conduct risk assessment for the stations and formulate fire safety strategy for proposing suitable fire service installations and equipment in the stations, which will be submitted for approval by the Safety and Security Coordinating Committee. The application and functions of such equipment must complement the daily operation of the station and the actual needs after assessment.

     In case of fire, it is MTRCL's top priority to evacuate passengers safely and promptly. To ensure a suitable station environment in response to such function, MTRCL has put in a place a series of fire safety measures in the stations. To reduce fire risk, non-combustible and flame-retardant materials are used in MTR stations as far as possible to prevent occurrence and spreading of fire. As regards installation of fire service equipment, the most significant principle is to enable the detection of smoke as soon as possible, such that the fire can be controlled at its initial stage or be extinguished at the soonest, and the Fire Services Department (FSD) can be informed promptly.

     According to FSD's records, at present, MTR stations that are equipped with sprinkler systems at the platform, concourse and/or individual exits include Lok Ma Chau Station, Lo Wu Station, Sheung Shui Station, Fanling Station, Tai Wo Station, Tai Po Market Station, University Station, Fo Tan Station, Sha Tin Station, Kowloon Tong Station, Mong Kok East Station, Tsuen Wan West Station, Tuen Mun Station, Austin Station and HKU Station. As regards the other MTR stations, apart from having the sprinkler system in areas such as shops, corresponding fire service installations and equipment such as fire hydrants/hose reel systems, emergency power supply and lighting, fire alarm systems, fire detection systems, fire control centres, etc. are in place to maintain the required fire safety standards and ensure passenger and public safety.

(2) Sprinkler system is installed in all shops inside MTR stations.

Ends/Wednesday, January 7, 2015
Issued at HKT 13:18

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