ENG-1995 — Page 347

PUBLIC ORDER

Fire Prevention

The department formulates and enforces fire safety policies and regulations, besides assisting and advising the public on fire protection measures and the abatement of fire hazards. The Fire Protection Bureau attaches great importance to public education on fire prevention. A territory-wide fire prevention publicity campaign with the special theme 'Fire Prevention in Commercial Premises' was launched on November 19. With the help of the Information Services Department, the bureau produced 3 100 video tapes and 25 000 pamphlets for distribution to banks, department stores, supermarkets, off-course betting centres, shopping arcades and property managers of commercial buildings as training materials for their staff. Other publicity activities included radio talk shows, fire station open days and exhibitions. Fire officers gave 727 fire prevention talks to people from different sectors of the community. The talks were supplemented by exhibitions and demonstrations.

Fire Services personnel inspected 95 564 premises of all types, and issued 5 306 fire hazard abatement notices for the removal of fire hazards during the year, to ensure that fire prevention measures met the required standards, and also to enhance public awareness of fire safety. There were 143 prosecutions in cases of non-compliance, with fines amounting to $606,800. In addition, prosecutions for obstructing the means of escape in buildings resulted in 97 convictions, with fines totalling $561,100. Joint visits with Labour Department officers were conducted to older industrial buildings not protected by sprinkler systems. During these visits, factory proprietors were served with an advisory letter urging them to improve fire protection measures including, in particular, the installation of sprinkler systems and the maintenance of a clear means of escape for the safety of workers and property.

The department also sets fire service requirements for new buildings, to ensure proper protection for the public. Some 5 968 submissions of building plans, including plans for new airport-related projects, were processed during the year.

Appliances and Equipment

The department operates 649 appliances and vehicles fitted with up-to-date fire- fighting and rescue equipment. During the year, nine new mini fire engines were bought to serve the residents of outlying islands. The more powerful vehicles replaced the old fleet, which had served the islanders for more than nine years. A new, faster fireboat, with a slightly higher displacement and fitted with modern equipment and installations, was put into service to replace the ageing No. 2 fireboat.

The Workshops Section of the department, which is responsible for all engineering matters relating to fire appliances and equipment, continues to provide effective correctional and maintenance services on all fire appliances and equipment to optimise the performance of operational resources. It also helps to evaluate new products from different parts of the world.

Staff Training

The Fire Services Training School and the Ambulance Command Training School offer a 26-week initial training for new recruits. For recruit firemen, this covers basic fire-fighting techniques, appliances and equipment, breathing apparatus, ambulance aid and physical training. Subjects such as fire protection, legislation, physics and the science of combustion are included. In addition to the basic fire-fighting and rescue

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