Fire safety: A new law improving the fire safety of pre-1987 composite and domestic buildings will come into effect July 1. Owners may have to improve fire-safety facilities.

A new law improving the fire safety of pre-1987 composite and domestic buildings will come into effect July 1, the Security Bureau says. It will be implemented in phases based on the age of buldings.

The first phase will cover 9,000 pre-1987 composite buildings, and is targeted for completion in 10 years. In the first six years, about 5,000 pre-1973 private composite buildings will be dealt with while 4,000 built in 1973-87 will be handled in the remaining four years.

The second phase, covering 3,000 pre-1987 private domestic buildings with priority given to the pre-1973 buildings, will start after the improvement programme for composite buildings is completed. However, domestic buildings not more than three-storeys high will be exempted.

Flexible approach

Noting the practical difficulties for some building owners to comply with some of the fire-safety requirements, the Fire Services and Buildings Departments will adopt a flexible and pragmatic approach in handling cases without compromising fire safety. For instance, the compliance period could be extended, and relaxation or exemption of some requirements could be granted as appropriate.

Owners will be provided with financial and technical assistance. The Building Safety Loan Scheme administered by the Buildings Department, as well as the Housing Society's Home Renovation Loan and Building Maintenance Incentive Schemes will offer owners grants and loans to carry out improvements.

The Fire Services and Buildings Departments will explain the new requirements to owners and occupiers. The Home Affairs Department will help owners form owners' corporations to facilitate the ordinance's implementation.