To promote the use of stand-alone battery-operated fire detectors, the Fire Services Department announced today that the Fire Service (Installations & Equipment) (Amendment) Regulation 2021 will come into effect on September 1.

The department explained that a stand-alone fire detector is a self-contained battery-operated device that incorporates a fire detector and an alarm that sounds an audible or other warning at the beginning of a fire, allowing occupants to evacuate in time.

The amendment will exempt owners/occupants of any buildings/premises from the obligation of engaging registered fire service installation contractors for the installation, maintenance, inspection or repair of stand-alone fire detectors. They will also be free from the statutory duty of keeping the detectors in efficient working order at all times and having them inspected by registered contractors at least once every 12 months.

The facilitation measure encourages citizens to voluntarily install stand-alone fire detectors. Installing the detector in buildings, in particular domestic premises, will enhance fire safety by probing the onset of a blaze, giving occupants more time to evacuate, the department emphasised.

It will launch promotional activities to explain to the public the benefits and use of the fire detectors. Guidelines on selection, installation and regular inspection will also be issued.

In addition, through a pilot scheme, the fire detectors will be given out to people in need, such as seniors living alone or ethnic minorities.

The department’s volunteer team will distribute and assist in installing the devices in target premises. They will also conduct home fire safety visits and provide information on domestic fire safety to residents.