The Fire Services Department has welcomed the Ombudsman's report on fire safety regulations, saying some of its recommendations have already been implemented while the remainder are being studied.

Responding to the Ombudsman's call for faster upgrades to the department's computer system and the legislative amendment exercise, fire services today said it is forming a new IT system to improve its efficiency in licensing, fire protection and prosecution work. The contract for the network was awarded in September and it will launch next year.

With the new system the department can promptly identify buildings which have failed to submit the Certificate of Fire Service Installations & Equipment, and allow it to consider whether any legislative amendments are necessary.

Inspection upgrades

Fire services said it plans to conduct surprise inspections of licensed food premises every five years. Since 2007 it has been reviewing the feasibility of shortening the interval to three years.

With the additional resources given last year the department adjusted its strategy to inspect licensed food premises requiring priority treatment. The practice remains in force and the department will study how to increase inspection frequency.

Last year the department strengthened its manpower to check certificates involving defect reports, resulting in the dramatic rise in the ratio of checks from less than 20% in the past to 60%. It will study how to further improve the random inspection mechanism and the frequency of inspections.

It will also work with the Buildings Department to strengthen the referral system for handling cases involving emergency exit obstruction due to unauthorised works.

Fire services will review the inspection arrangement of food premises and work with the Food & Environmental Hygiene Department to study the report's recommendations in enhancing fire safety at food premises.