New fire safety measures for pre-1987 buildings in Hong Kong

The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region will publish the Fire Safety (Buildings) (Amendment) Bill 2024 in the Gazette on July 5 2024.

A spokesperson for the Security Bureau stated: “Existing buildings were constructed in accordance with applicable construction and fire safety standards prevailing at the time when they were constructed.

“The Fire Safety (Buildings) Ordinance (Cap. 572) aims to require the upgrading of fire safety standards of pre-1987 composite and domestic buildings to meet modern fire protection requirements.”

The spokesperson mentioned that some owners, particularly of ‘three-nil’ buildings, face challenges in complying with the Ordinance due to lack of coordination.

The Government sees the need to introduce targeted measures to assist those with genuine difficulties in meeting statutory requirements and to encourage other owners to comply with the Ordinance.

Empowering authorities for fire safety improvements

The amendment will empower the Fire Services Department and the Buildings Department as enforcement authorities to carry out fire safety improvement works for owners who have failed to comply with the Ordinance.

Costs for these defaulted works will be recovered from the owners upon completion.

The spokesperson explained: “We will also take the opportunity to introduce different measures to drive owners’ compliance with the Ordinance on their own initiative.

“Relevant measures include increasing penalties for non-compliance and introducing provisions to prevent obstruction of an owners’ corporation in complying with the Ordinance.”

Financial support and subsidy schemes for owners

To address financial difficulties faced by some owners, the Government will allow eligible owners to apply for the Fire Safety Improvement Works Subsidy Scheme.

This scheme can cover up to 60% of the costs of the defaulted works.

The spokesperson highlighted: “Owners who cannot set up owners’ corporations due to special circumstances can also apply for the subsidy.

“It is the responsibility of owners to repair and properly maintain private buildings, including carrying out required fire safety improvement works.”

Legislative timeline and commitment to fire safety

The Government aims to introduce the Amendment Bill into the Legislative Council on July 10 for its First and Second Readings.

The urgency of these amendments has been highlighted by recent fire incidents, such as the No. 3 alarm fire at New Lucky House in Jordan.

The spokesperson added: “While perfecting the Ordinance, the Government remains committed to improving fire safety standards of old buildings by providing financial, technical, and coordination support, alongside enforcement actions.”