FSD clarifies commentary about fire service installation and equipment

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In response to a commentary published by a media outlet that the trade doubted whether the suggestion by the Fire Services Department (FSD) to shut down fire service installation and equipment (FSIs) by phases during building maintenance works is feasible, the FSD today (December 22) made the following clarification to set the record straight, as the media report does not fully reflect the facts.

According to regulation 7 of the Fire Service (Installations and Equipment) Regulations (Cap. 95B), no person other than a registered fire service installation contractor shall maintain, inspect or repair any FSI in any premises. Any person contravening commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine at level 5 (i.e. $50,000). Any person who is not a registered fire service installation contractor attempts to interfere with FSIs may be in breach of the law. The FSD will follow up stringently.

Maintenance, repair or inspection of FSIs must be carried out by registered fire service installation contractors, who will exercise professional judgement and carry out the relevant work in accordance with the FSD's instructions. Personnel responsible for building maintenance works have no authority to shut down FSIs. It is an extremely irresponsible behaviour for any frontline personnel to shut down FSIs in order to avoid false alarms triggered by the works.

In fact, the FSD Circular Letter No. 1/2021 has already stipulated that disruption to the normal operation of FSIs caused by its shutdown should be kept to the minimum. When carrying out the works, the contractor concerned should adopt a systematic approach in shutting down the affected FSI by phases and resume its normal operation as soon as practicable. If the affected portion of the system could not be reinstated to normal working condition by the end of a working shift, arrangements should be made for the portion to be isolated with the remainder of the system to be reinstated. Upon completion of the relevant works, the contractor shall issue the relevant Certificate of Fire Service Installations and Equipment in due course.

In respect of the above matters, the FSD earlier held a meeting with the Association of Registered Fire Service Installation Contractors of Hong Kong. The trade expressed its full support and indicated its willingness to implement the relevant measures in accordance with the statutory requirements and guidelines.

Ends/Monday, December 22, 2025
Issued at HKT 19:48

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