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The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mrs Carrie Lam, today (October 29) visited several law enforcement units of the Fire Services Department (FSD) to learn more about the department's work in regulating dangerous goods, improving fire safety in buildings and inspecting fire equipment, as well as to meet with front-line officers to gain a better understanding of the challenges they face in their work.
Accompanied by the Director of Fire Services, Mr Lai Man-hin, Mrs Lam first visited the Dangerous Goods Division in Kwai Chung and was briefed on the regulation of dangerous goods and enforcement of the Dangerous Goods Ordinance. Officers of the division use a risk-based approach in regulating the manufacturing, conveyance, storage and use of dangerous goods on land according to the licensing system stipulated in the Dangerous Goods Ordinance in order to safeguard public safety and effectively stem illegal storage and conveyance of dangerous goods. Mrs Lam said she was glad to know that the collaboration between the Fire Protection Enforcement Team formed in 2014 and the Anti-illicit Fuelling Activities Task Force enhances the division's efficiency in handling complaints and law enforcement.
Mrs Lam then went to the Building Improvement Division in Mong Kok to further understand how the Fire Safety (Buildings) Ordinance and the Fire Safety (Commercial Premises) Ordinance are enforced. Mrs Lam commended officers of the division for taking enforcement actions according to the law, improving the fire safety of old composite, residential and commercial buildings in Hong Kong.
Later, Mrs Lam was briefed on the work of the Fire Service Installations Task Force at the Fire Services Headquarters Building. The Task Force has proactively inspected the fire service installations and equipment of different types of buildings in recent years to ensure that the installations and equipment are in effective operational condition all the time, and monitor the standards of registered fire service installation contractors. Mrs Lam encouraged law enforcement officers to continue taking measures to ensure that the fire safety works of contractors are up to standard, so as to provide the public with a safer and more comfortable living environment.
During the visit, Mrs Lam commended the FSD for its endeavours in rescue work as well as its commitment to enhancing the level of fire safety in Hong Kong. The FSD not only enforces the fire safety legislation but also raises public awareness of fire hazards through fire safety education and diverse publicity plans. Mrs Lam said she expects staff of the FSD to keep up their enthusiasm and professionalism and continue to dedicate themselves to serving the public and society.
Ends/Thursday, October 29, 2015
Issued at HKT 17:53
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