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The Fire Services Department (FSD) has published an advisory leaflet on electric locking devices to explain to members of the public the type of locks that could be installed on doors erected across means of escape such as building entrances and/or roof exits.

An FSD spokesman said there were two main types of electric locking devices i.e. "fail-safe" or "fail-secure" type in the market.

The "fail-safe" type will become disengaged or can be opened from inside upon power failure while the "fail-secure" type will remain engaged upon power failure.

The spokesman said if a building was fitted with "fail-secure" type of locking device, it would become a potential hazard to the residents in the building when power supply was interrupted in the event of a fire.

He urged property management companies, members of owners' corporations and residents to ensure that the locking devices fitted to doors or gates across means of escape of their buildings can be opened from inside without the use of a key upon power failure.

They are advised to check with their locksmiths and replace promptly any unsuitable locks.

The spokesman added that any person who secured, caused, permitted or suffered to be secured the means of escape in any premises by any lock or other devices which could not readily and conveniently be opened from within the premises without the use of a key would be guilty of an offence under the Fire Services Ordinance.

The offender is liable to a fine of $25,000 on first conviction, $50,000 and imprisonment for one year on subsequent conviction and a daily fine of $5,000 during which the offence continues.

The leaflet is now available from any fire station.

End/Saturday, March 18, 2000

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