Fire_Services_1965-1966 — Page 25

(b) operational elements of the Service are fore-armed with the knowledge of any substantial stocks of plastics and other com- bustibles within their districts.

Inspection of Premises

88. The rising heights to which buildings are now being constructed has made the task of fire prevention officers far more onerous. The reduction in the number of inspections completed in the year as against previous years has not reduced actual work loads. In the older tradi- tional 4-6 storey building it was possible for one fire prevention officer to complete numerous surveys in one day. A single inspection of a modern multi-storey building now often takes several days and involves considerably more follow up action and meticulous appraisal than the older type of property.

Fire Engineering Firms and Agencies

89. There are a number of reputable and efficient firms in the Colony which specialize in fire engineering, but as in every other field the trade has its disreputable elements. The Bureau during the year has been working on the formulation of remedial legislation requiring the registration of fire engineers in a like manner to architects, etc.

Liquid Petroleum Gas (Butane-Propane)

90. Properly installed, used and handled, liquid petroleum gas units are safer than the kerosene appliances they are increasingly replacing. A model code of practice for L.P.G. installations has been drafted by the Bureau in consultation with the major oil companies. The code is now being studied by the Dangerous Goods Standing Committee. In addition to the draft code of practice the Bureau has commenced feasibility studies into the possibility of requiring retailers of L.P.G. appliances to obtain a certificate of competence from the Fire Service Department for which the latter hopes to arrange training courses.

International Fire Conference and Exhibition

91. In association with the Commerce and Industry Department, the Government Information Service and the Hong Kong Government Office in London, the Fire Prevention Bureau participated in the International Fire Exhibition and Conference held in London in July 1965. Press reports and letters of appreciation from various parts of the world indicate that the Hong Kong Fire Service's stand was one of the most impressive in the Exhibition. The stand included locally manu-

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