XN000022-1997-03-12 — Page 18

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Buildings Ordinance ensures compliance with the required standard

Following is a question by Dr the Hon Samuel Wong and a written reply by the Secretary for Planning, Environment and Lands, Mr Bowen Leung, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Question:

Regarding high-rise commercial buildings, will the Government inform this Council whether there are any regulations:

(a)

(b)

governing the types of materials used in additional partitioning, renovation and decoration works undertaken in the high-rise commercial buildings after the issue of occupation permits; and

requiring the above additional installations to comply with fire regulations?

Answer:

Mr President,

(a)

The Building (Construction) Regulations under the Buildings Ordinance prescribe in broad terms the nature and quality of building materials to be used so as to ensure compliance with the required structural health and safety standards. The compliance with the Regulations does not depend on whether the occupation permit has been issued or not.

$14 of the Buildings Ordinance provides that no person shall commence or carry out any building works without the prior approval of the Building Authority. $41(3) provides for an exemption from the approval requirement if the building works do not involve the structure of the building.