1 - HKU Libraries - The University of Hong Kong

(n) This Office is pleased to note that areview of the relevant legislation is nowunderway and hopes that the amended legislationwill ultimately plug the existing loophole inrespect of the absence of any requirements forthe FSI contractors to be re-tested for thepurposes of retaining their qualified status.Observation in Para* 6.21(aw)(o) The D of FS states that the proposedamendment to the existing legislation is beingprepared to increase the maximum fine of $5,000to $100,000 and 6 months' imprisonment. Asregards the punishment awarded by theDisciplinary Board, he opines that it is solelythe decision of the Board which is out of FSD'scontrol.(p) This Office acknowledges that the FSDshould not have any undue influence or controlon the decisions and punishments awarded by therelevant Disciplinary Board. If the maximumfines of the various offences under the FireService (Installations and Equipment)Regulations are raised, this would certainlybring about an indicative and steering effecton the future decisions of the DisciplinaryBoard. (Recommendation (20) below)Observation in Para. 6.21(ay)(q) The D of FS states that the FSD haspreviously carried out surveys to oldcommercial buildings and has kept a list ofsuch buildings for reference. He opines,however, that these old commercial buildingswere built at different points in time andtheir FSIs, though different from theprevailing standard, cannot be regarded asxx poor or inadequate" .(r) This Office's main concern is that, forthe sake of public safety, the FSD shouldideally draw up a list of building developmentswhose FSIs and equipment are not up to the- 117 -