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FSD launches promotion of use of stand-alone fire detectors
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     The Fire Services Department (FSD) announced today (August 26) that the Fire Service (Installations and Equipment) (Amendment) Regulation 2021 (the Amendment Regulation) will come into effect on September 1, with a view to promoting the use of stand-alone battery-operated fire detectors on the public's own volition in buildings and premises, particularly in domestic premises.

​     The Amendment Regulation aims to exempt stand-alone fire detectors from the application of regulations 6(1) and 7(1) of the Fire Service (Installations and Equipment) Regulations (FS(IE)R), to the effect that owners/occupants of any buildings/premises will not be required to engage registered fire service installation contractors (RFSICs) for the installation, maintenance, inspection or repair of any stand-alone fire detectors which are installed on the owners/occupants' own volition. Moreover, owners and occupants will also be exempted from the statutory duty of keeping the stand-alone fire detectors in efficient working order at all times and having them inspected by RFSICs at least once every 12 months as specified under regulation 8 of the FS(IE)R. Nevertheless, as for other stand-alone fire detectors that are required by or pursuant to the law to be installed, they will continue to be regulated by relevant statutory requirements of the FS(IE)R, and the owners have to continue to comply with the relevant statutory duty.

​     A stand-alone fire detector is a self-contained battery-operated device that incorporates a fire detector and an alarm, for detecting a fire and giving an audible alarm warning or other forms of warning to building occupants during the incipient stage of a fire. With prompt notification, occupants can have more time for evacuation.

​     A spokesperson for the FSD said, "The department has all along been striving to enhance the fire safety level of buildings as well as to strengthen the community emergency preparedness and evacuation awareness of the public, so as to protect their lives and properties. The Amendment Regulation is a facilitation measure, with an aim of removing barriers and encouraging members of the public to install stand-alone fire detectors on their own volition in buildings, in particular in domestic premises, for detecting fires and giving alarm warnings to building occupants during the incipient stage of a fire, which allows occupants to have more time to evacuate."

​     To advocate the wide use of stand-alone fire detectors, the FSD will launch promotional activities to explain to the public the benefits and the use of stand-alone fire detectors via various channels. In the meantime, the FSD will also publish guidelines for the public on the selection and installation of the detectors and regular inspection of their effectiveness by the owners themselves.

​     The FSD is now preparing a pilot scheme to distribute stand-alone fire detectors to needy persons in society, such as elderly people living alone or ethnic minorities. The FSD's volunteer team will distribute and assist in installing stand-alone fire detectors in the target premises. They will also conduct home fire safety visits and provide information on domestic fire safety to residents.
 
Ends/Thursday, August 26, 2021
Issued at HKT 16:30
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