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usually did not have sprinkler systems, because sprinklers were not a general requirement in those days. However, all do have basic fire-fighting equipment, such as alarms, hose reels, hydrants and portable extinguishers. Also there are adequate fire-escape staircases and designated escape routes to meet present day requirements.
(b) In response to the second part of the question, there is no mandatory requirement to upgrade existing fire preventive measures in buildings constructed before 1973, for the reason that, currently, they comply with the law. These buildings have adequate fire fighting equipment and means of escape to maintain public safety. If there is any change in the law, the Department will promptly act to comply. For example, following changes in the licensing regulations since 1991/92, sprinkler systems have been installed in restaurants at the City Hall and at the 12 UC swimming pools.
Mr. Joseph Lai Chi-keong (in Cantonese):—I am in fact not satisfied with the 2 replies by the Chairman of the Administration Select Committee because they do not touch on the core of the problem. The reply frankly admits that many existing buildings are not installed with fire-fighting sprinkler systems. However, it also points out that such buildings are installed with basic fire-fighting equipment, old ones in fact such as fire alarm bells, hose reels, hydrants and fire extinguishers. It is also pointed out that adequate fire-escape staircases and designated escape routes are provided. Most crucial in the reply document is the phrase 'to meet present day requirements'.
I want to ask if present day fire fighting requirements include sprinkler systems. I notice from the reply that there is no mention of sprinkler systems.
Furthermore, in the second paragraph of the reply, it is mentioned that 13 buildings including the City Hall restaurants and 12 UC swimming pools have been installed with fire fighting sprinkler systems. If we take away these 13 buildings from the total of 40 buildings managed by the Urban Council, there are still 27 buildings not yet installed with fire-fighting sprinkler systems. In fact, our basic requirement is to comply with regulations. The important thing is to make safety a principle. I would therefore like to refer to the last sentence in the second part of the question—is there any timetable drawn up for installing automatic sprinkling systems? If the answer is 'no', it would be meaningless. Mr. Chairman, I look forward to a reply from the Chairman of the Administration Select Committee.
MR. SUEN KAI-CHEONG (in Cantonese):—I am pleased to hear Mr. LAI mentioned that things were done in accordance with regulations. As stated in my reply, existing facilities in buildings managed by the Urban Council comply with existing law with regard to the Fire Services Ordinances. Our law currently stipulates that buildings completed before 1973 are not required to be installed with sprinkler systems. I would also like to add, in fact I already
Page 269 of 498
Page 269 of 498
Page 269 of 498
Page 269 of 498
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
311
usually did not have sprinkler systems, because sprinklers were not a general requirement in those days. However, all do have basic fire- fighting equipment, such as alarms, hose reels, hydrants and portable extinguishers. Also there are adequate fire-escape staircases and designated escape routes to meet present day requirements.
(b) In response to the second part of the question, there is no mandatory requirement to upgrade existing fire preventive measures in buildings constructed before 1973, for the reason that, currently, they comply with the law. These buildings have adequate fire fighting equipment and means of escape to maintain public safety. If there is any change in the law, the Department will promptly act to comply. For example, following changes in the licensing regulations since 1991/92, sprinkler systems have been installed in restaurants at the City Hall and at the 12 UC swimming pools.
Mr. Joseph Lai Chi-keong (in Cantonese):—I am in fact not satisfied with the 2 replies by the Chairman of the Administration Select Committee because they do not touch on the core of the problem. The reply frankly admits that many existing buildings are not installed with fire-fighting sprinkler systems. However, it also points out that such buildings are installed with basic fire-fighting equipment, old ones in fact such as fire alarm bells, hose reels, hydrants and fire extinguishers. It is also pointed out that adequate fire-escape staircases and designated escape routes are provided. Most crucial in the reply document is the phrase 'to meet present day requirements".
I want to ask if present day fire fighting requirements include sprinkler systems. I notice from the reply that there is no mention of sprinkler systems.
Furthermore, in the second paragraph of the reply, it is mentioned that 13 buildings includding the City Hall restaurants and 12 UC swimming pools have been installed with fire fighting sprinkler systems. If we take away these 13 buildings from the total of 40 buildings managed by the Urban Council, there are still 27 buildings not yet installed with fire-fighting sprinkler systems. In fact, our basic requirement is to comply with regulations. The important thing is to make safety a principle. I would therefore like to refer to the last sentence in the second part of the question-is there any timetable drawn up for installing automatic sprinkling systems? If the answer is 'no', it would be meaningless. Mr. Chairman, I look forward to a reply from the Chairman of the Administration Select Committee.
MR. SUEN KAI-CHEONG (in Cantonese);—I am pleased to hear Mr. LAI mentioned that things were done in accordance with regulations. As stated in my reply, existing facilities in buildings managed by the Urban Council comply with existing law with regard to the Fire Services Ordinances. Our law currently stipulates that buildings completed before 1973 are not required to be installed with sprinkler systems. I would also like to add, in fact I already
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