Hong Kong fire service installations: maintenance and inspection

The Fire Services Ordinance (Cap. 95) is the parent Ordinance, while the Fire Service (Installations and Equipment) Regulations (Cap. 95B) are subsidiary legislation. Regulation 8(1) of Cap. 95B generally requires the owner of fire service installations or equipment installed in premises to keep them in efficient working order and have them inspected by a registered contractor at least once every 12 months.

Who is the owner and what that person controls depends on the installation, premises, title, lease and individual facts. A specific exemption for some voluntarily installed domestic portable equipment must not be treated as a general exemption for buildings or businesses.

Registered fire service installation contractors have different classes covering electrical detection and warning systems, mechanical or water systems, and portable equipment. Management should verify that current registration covers the work instructed.

Installation, maintenance, repair, inspection and alteration must be checked against approved plans, statutory directions, licence conditions and the Fire Services Department codes. An annual inspection does not approve an unauthorised alteration.

After relevant work, the registered contractor must issue the applicable certificate and forward a copy to the Fire Services Department as required. Dates and scope across annual inspection, repair, replacement, isolation and restoration records should agree.

Where defects are found, distinguish immediate risk, interim measures, repair responsibility and deadline. An FS251 must not be represented as proof that the whole premises, licence or building complies with every requirement.