Hong Kong law
A plain-language guide to the Fire Safety (Buildings) Ordinance
How Cap. 572 directions, works and completion follow-up apply to certain older composite and domestic buildings.
If there is fire or immediate danger
Leave the premises using a safe route and call Hong Kong emergency services on 999. Do not remain to investigate or use a lift.
Legal information
This material is provided for general fire-safety education only. It is not legal, regulatory, engineering or licensing advice. Requirements depend on the premises, building use, approved plans, licence conditions, statutory directions and current law. Obtain advice from the relevant authority and appropriately registered professionals for your specific premises.
Cap. 572 targets certain older buildings
The Fire Safety (Buildings) Ordinance (Cap. 572) improves fire safety in certain composite and domestic buildings. Official guidance identifies target buildings generally by construction on or before 1 March 1987, or first submission of building plans for approval on or before that date, subject to the Ordinance's scope and exceptions.
Age, address or building name alone does not establish every obligation. Review the actual Fire Safety Directions, approved plans, ownership records and authority records.
FSD and Buildings Department cover different measures
The Director of Fire Services enforces matters relating to fire service installations and equipment. The Director of Buildings enforces planning, design and construction matters. Directions issued to relevant owners and/or occupiers specify premises-specific improvements and deadlines.
Work may include hydrant and hose reel systems, alarms, emergency lighting and exit signs, as well as means of escape, fire-resisting construction and access for firefighting and rescue. The actual Direction controls.
Completion requires planning, approval and evidence
Owners' corporations, owners and property management should build a register of directions and responsibilities. Engage registered fire service installation contractors, authorised persons and registered contractors as required for plans, works, inspection and submissions.
Where physical constraints affect a proposal, raise an evidence-based technical solution or time application with the authority early. Do not omit a requirement unilaterally. One completed work item or certificate does not close every Direction.
Do not ignore a Direction or deadline
Failure without reasonable excuse to comply with a Fire Safety Direction can be an offence. The authorities may also seek a Fire Safety Compliance Order and, in serious cases, a Prohibition Order.
If funding, title, procurement or coordination is difficult, retain meeting, quotation, design and submission records and contact the authorities and Building Improvement Support Centre. Do not allow the Direction to go unmanaged.
Practical checklist
- Obtain every Direction and current compliance status
- Separate FSD and Buildings Department workstreams
- Identify common-part and individual-unit responsibilities
- Engage the correct registered professionals and contractors
- Manage plans, approval, works, tests and evidence
- Report deadlines and blockers to owners
- Use written authority confirmation as the final completion evidence
When to call a registered contractor
Where a Direction involves fire service installations or equipment, engage the appropriate registered contractor early rather than waiting until the deadline.
- Existing systems, directions and approved plans need reconciliation
- FSI drawings, construction, testing or completion evidence is required
- Site constraints require a coordinated alternative proposal to FSD
Official sources
Open the current official source before relying on legal or technical detail.
Related reading
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Read articleHong Kong commercial premises fire safety
Distinguish statutory improvement directions, licence requirements, approved plans and routine maintenance duties.
Read articleNEXT PRACTICAL STEP
Send the direction for an initial review
See the working scope, responsibility boundaries and information to prepare before requesting a quotation.