Building fire safety
Residential open-kitchen fire safety in Hong Kong: checks before renovation
Renovating or moving into a flat with an open kitchen? Check the approved layout, smoke detectors and sprinklers before changing cabinets, ceilings or walls, and find out when to involve a professional.
Quick answers
Can I remove a detector that sounds during cooking?
Do not remove or cover it. If fire is suspected, leave by a safe route; if smoke or heat blocks escape, take shelter and call 999. Arrange investigation with management and an appropriate contractor after the danger is controlled.
Legal information
Requirements vary by premises. Confirm the work with the responsible professional using the premises use, approved plans, licence conditions and any written directions.
Start with the approved residential design
Detectors and sprinklers serving a residential open kitchen form part of the flat’s fire protection. FSD reminds owners and occupants to maintain them and not to remove or obstruct them. Renovation plans should allow them to work properly.
Before removing a wall to create an open kitchen, have an appropriate professional review the approved plans, feasibility and approvals needed. Then plan the fire equipment and renovation work around the confirmed layout.
Review equipment before changing ceilings or cabinets
Tall cabinets, ceilings and decoration can obstruct equipment. Mark fire installations on the renovation plan and ask the contractor about relocation, protection, system coordination and testing after the work.
Report damage, paint contamination or abnormal indications to management and the contractor during work. Do not remove detectors or leave equipment covered as a way to avoid unwanted alarms.
Ask for equipment and maintenance records before moving in
Include equipment photos, models, completed work and test results in the handover pack, with a maintenance contact. Tenants should also ask the owner about known defects and previous alterations.
If the flat differs from the approved layout, photograph the affected areas and ask the owner for alteration and approval records, then arrange a professional review. Keep both fire-equipment test records and building-alteration approvals for future reference.
Practical checklist
- Check approved residential plans and layout
- Record detector and sprinkler positions
- Review cabinets, ceilings and obstructions
- Confirm shared-system arrangements with management
- Keep test, alteration and maintenance records
Enquire about fire-equipment checks before renovating
Share equipment photos and renovation plans, including any wall, ceiling or equipment-position changes, so we can establish the scope.
- Review installations and alteration impacts
- Coordinate access and systems with management
- Follow up applicable installation, tests and records
Official sources
The official documents below provide the full requirements and any updates.
Related reading
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