More than 700 office blocks built 20-plus years ago under more lenient safety laws could be deathtraps, experts warned yesterday.

The blocks, where fire extinguishers are the only means of fire protection, are clustered in the districts of Mongkok, Tai Kok Tsui, Shamshuipo, Yau Ma Tei and Western.

Microwave ovens, refrigerators, heaters and copiers could be sources of tragedy if not properly maintained.

Most of the buildings are characterised by a lack of sprinkler systems, fire alarms and exit signs. Owners are not required to improve them under existing laws.

Census figures show there are 60,000 private buildings in the territory and half are more than 20 years old. Of these, 723 are commercial.

Fire safety specialists warn the high density of people in these blocks poses a major problem.

A fire engineer, who refused to be named, said: " Aged blocks themselves are not dangerous, and they are up to the fire standards of 20 years ago.

" But 20 years ago the blocks did not house, say, a 100-staff paging firm .

" The root of the problem is that the nature of the businesses inside the blocks has changed, but the fire safety requirements for the blocks have not changed correspondingly."

Property managers also warn of lax maintenance and a lack of safety awareness among workers.

They say laws to make sprinkler and fire alarm systems compulsory are urgently needed for all office blocks.

An upgrade of fire safety for an office block the size of the Garley Building is estimated to cost $1 million.

Fire and Security Engineering Employees Association spokesman Mok Kam-fai yesterday said: " There has been concern over the huge costs involved, hut human lives are invaluable."

Simon Tsang, of security firm Chubb, said many office managers were reluctant to invest in fire safety.

" Some do not maintain fire extinguishers, others let emergency exits be blocked."

Jimmy Mak, of Goodwell Property Management, said it was difficult to hold fire drills for an entire office block. " It is understandable that it may cause great disturbance to some occupants. But organising fire safety seminars can be a good alternative."

Director of Fire Services Peter Cheung said major fire hazards in old blocks were blocked fire exits and improper maintenance of electrical systems.

Occupants of the Garley Building include doctors, dentists, trading companies, wholesalers, a paging company, record firm and travel agencies.

Land Registry records showed the building's major shareholder Chinese Arts & Crafts - a subsidiary company of China Resources Holdings - paid $35.5 million in 1989 for the basement to the ninth floor.

It later sold units on the eighth and ninth floors.

The land lot was bought by Kai Yee Investment Company Ltd in 1970 when it cost just $1.56 million.

Chow Sang Sang Estates owns the rooftop and several other units in the building.

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