Organization

Due to the rapid increase in workload on fire protection and prevention in recent years, the Fire Protection Command has been split into two, namely the Licensing & Certification Command and the Fire Safety Command, with effect from 1.6.1999. The Fire Safety Command is responsible for drawing up fire safety policies, enforcing fire safety regulations, enhancing public awareness on fire safety, upgrading of fire safety in old buildings and vetting of loans for fire safety improvement works.

Building Improvement Division 1 is responsible for enforcing relevant legislation pertaining to target buildings/premises regulated under the Fire Safety (Commercial Premises) Ordinance, the Fire Safety (Buildings) Ordinance, and the Fire Safety (Industrial Buildings) Ordinance. Its duties include providing support to owners or occupiers, and assisting in coordinating and engaging registered fire service installation consultants or contractors for carrying out the fire safety improvement works to enhance fire protection measures.

Building Improvement Division 2 is responsible for approving the submission of fire service installation and equipment (FSI) drawings and carrying out acceptance tests pertaining to targeted buildings/premises regulated under the Fire Safety (Commercial Premises) Ordinance, the Fire Safety (Buildings) Ordinance, and the Fire Safety (Industrial Buildings) Ordinance. Meanwhile, it answers enquiries from the public, Authorized Persons, E&M consultants, Fire Service Installations contractors and other government departments with respect to the fire safety improvement works.

The Railway Development Strategy (RDS) Division was established on 2.4.2001. The Division is responsible for scrutinizing consultancy studies reports, vetting of building plans and formulation of fire safety requirements and recommendations in respect of the new railway infrastructure projects under the Railway Development Strategy and alteration and addition works for all existing railway lines.

The New Projects Division, in co-operation with the Buildings Authority, is responsible for vetting of building plans and formulating of fire safety requirements in respect of new buildings and alteration and addition works for existing buildings in accordance with the standards set out in the Code of Practice for Minimum Fire Service Installations and Equipment.

The Support Division is responsible for formulating, reviewing and updating departmental policies on building fire safety improvement. The Division also provides administrative support to the Fire Safety Command Headquarters and handles general enquiries. Besides, the Division handles building fire safety complaints (except complaints about licensed premises, dangerous goods and fire service installations & equipment), conducts related inspections as well as proactive inspections of Mini-storage premises and takes enforcement actions against irregularities identified.

The Loan Scheme Supporting Team co-ordinates loans for fire safety improvement works under the Building Safety Loan Scheme, the purpose of which is to provide loans to owners of all types of private (including domestic, composite, commercial and industrial) buildings or part thereof, who may wish to obtain financial assistance in carrying out works for improving the fire safety of their premises or buildings.