New FSD circulars require clearer warnings and reporting for faulty fire installations

Hong Kong’s Fire Services Department has issued two circular letters with immediate effect to tighten oversight of fire service installation contractors and improve transparency over the operational status of fire safety equipment in buildings.

Under the new requirements, registered fire service installation contractors must strictly comply with the updated rules, or face disciplinary action under the law. The department warned that any misconduct or negligence could lead to penalties, including removal from the official register of registered fire service installation contractors.

One of the circulars stipulates that when fire service installations such as hose reels and manual fire alarm call points are found to be defective, contractors must affix standardized damage notices in prominent positions on the affected equipment.

The aim is to prevent the public from unknowingly attempting to use non-operational fire safety devices during emergencies.

Contractors are also required to place seals on the main power switches of fire service installation systems to prevent the power supply from being mistakenly turned off and to allow property management staff to easily identify the power status during inspections and take follow-up action where necessary.

The second circular focuses on situations in which fire service installations need to be shut down for maintenance or works.

Contractors are now required to conduct a prior assessment to determine whether the shutdown will affect the operation of other fire safety systems. All affected areas must be reported to the Fire Services Department at the same time.

In addition, large notices must be posted at prominent locations such as main building entrances and elevator lobbies, clearly stating the dates of the suspension and the areas affected, so that building occupants, management staff, and other relevant parties are kept informed.

The Fire Services Department said the new measures are intended to strengthen the management of fire service installations and equipment while ensuring that information about their operational status is made more transparent to the public.