storage tanks from scrap ships plates. Mechanics and fitters and body repairers became almost permanently engaged in stripping and rebuilding equipment damaged and corroded by constant use of salt water. By the temporary posting of a limited number of additional artisans from fire fighting duties during weekends, priority appliance maintenance and repair requirement were maintained. The overall effect, however, of the water crisis on Fire Service Workshops will be felt far on unto 1965.
ACCIDENTS TO FIRE SERVICE VEHICLES
76. Reference has been made elsewhere in the Report to the increasing number of accidents caused by, or in which, Fire Service vehicles have been involved.
77. The extent of the additional work placed on Fire Service Work- shops personnel can be gauged by the fact that due to accidents, the following types of appliances were in aggregate out of commission during the year:
9,300 hours-Fire Appliances
4,370 hours-Ambulance
2,940 hours-Other Vehicles.
78. Remedial measures are being taken which will involve appoint- ments being dependent on 'hours of driving' experience and not the length of time a driving licence has been held. Statistics maintained show that drivers with 3,000 or more ‘driving hours' have accident free records, whereas drivers under this total average have 4 accidents a year.
FIRE PREVENTION BUREAU
79. The objectives of the Bureau are to determine and intelligently anticipate the causes of fire and loss of life thereby, and apply the knowl- edge gained to prevent a re-occurrence. In Hong Kong, density of popula- tion on the one hand, coupled with the part occupation of one building in three for minor industry and the almost universal use of inflammable liquids for cooking and heating on the other, provide life and fire hazards seldom equalled.
80. In applying fire preventive measures the Bureau must for economic and other equally cogent reasons tolerate or, at the best, attempt to mitigate the effect of risks which at first sight should be prohibited.
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