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Leopold Chen

Hong Kong authorities have backtracked on plans to require hotels to provide fire escape hoods in guest rooms and other spaces after industry leaders expressed concerns, saying they will only encourage the equipment’s usage at this stage.
The Home Affairs Department said on Thursday evening that it would only encourage the supply of fire escape hoods in rooms for now, following a meeting with the hotel industry and the Fire Services Department.
“As an international tourism capital, ensuring the safety of visitors to Hong Kong is of paramount importance. Providing smoke hoods in hotels and guest houses can further enhance fire safety and offer more comprehensive protection for visitors,” the department said in a social media post.
“Hotel and guest house operators shall provide a sufficient amount of smoke hoods in rooms to cover their maximum occupancy. [The government] encourages its implementation at this stage.”
The Home Affairs Department added that authorities would not offer advice on the supply of such equipment in common and staff areas, though the fire service would offer guidance on procuring the hoods.
Last Saturday, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak Mei-kuen revealed that the government planned to require hotels to provide fire escape hoods in rooms.
Under the initial proposal, hoods were also to be kept in staff areas – such as lobbies, offices and kitchens – and communal areas, according to a Home Affairs Department letter to operators.
But the plan triggered concerns from industry leaders, who said authorities had not sufficiently consulted them on the matter or provided precise guidance.
Two leading industry groups, the Hong Kong Hotels Association and the Federation of Hong Kong Hotel Owners, welcomed the government’s latest decision.

The organisations said the industry would support all measures that benefited the safety of guests, employees and the public.
Concerns raised in the earlier meeting focused on procurement, product standards, employee training, daily operations, accident accountability and insurance.
The industry groups said the government had effectively responded to their concerns.
“The industry appreciates the government’s continued and close communication. Through clear and unified guidance, as well as ongoing fire safety education and pragmatic collaboration, various fire prevention measures could be steadily implemented while balancing safety and operational viability,” they said in a joint statement.
Fire safety has come under the spotlight since last November’s blaze at the Wang Fuk Court housing estate in Tai Po. The inferno was the city’s deadliest fire in decades, killing 168 people and leaving nearly 5,000 others displaced.
An independent inquiry into the disaster heard that multiple fire safety installations, including the fire alarm and firefighting hydrant systems, had been deactivated at the time of the blaze.
The months-long series of hearings also found that the removal of fire-rated windows had compromised the estate’s emergency staircases.


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Hong Kong society

Hong Kong backtracks on requiring hotels to put fire escape hoods in rooms

The Home Affairs Department has also said that authorities will not offer advice on the supply of such equipment in common and staff areas. Photo: Fire Service Department

Last Saturday, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak revealed that the government had planned to require hotels to provide fire escape hoods in rooms. Photo: Jonathan Wong

Hong Kong mandates fire escape hoods in hotels and guest houses to boost safety

A fire escape hood. Hotels and guest houses in Hong Kong are required to provide this safety equipment. Photo: Handout

Home affairs chief Alice Mak says implementation arrangements will be discussed with sector soon. Photo: Jonathan Wong

A hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui. Authorities have extended a grace period for operators who need to source hoods that comply with the national or equivalent standards. Photo: Elson Li

Hong Kong eases licensing criteria for rural guest houses and campsites

Ho Sheung Heung in the northern New Territories. The Hong Kong government has released two guides with more flexible licensing criteria for rural guest houses and campsites. Photo: Karma Lo

Ho Sheung Heung in the northern New Territories, which is part of a pilot scheme allowing village houses to be easily converted into tourist businesses. Photo: Karma Lo

Hong Kong unveils proposed overhaul of fire safety laws as consultation begins

The proposals aim to strengthen oversight of fire safety equipment inspections, among others. Photo:  Dickson Lee

Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po was ravaged by fire for 43 hours. Photo: Elson Li

News

Hong Kong

Society

Home Affairs Department says it will only encourage hotels to ensure supply of fire escape hoods in guest rooms, other spaces


Home Affairs Department says it will only encourage hotels to ensure supply of fire escape hoods in guest rooms, other spaces.


Hong Kong fires and safety

Alice Mak Mei-kuen

China

Federation of Hong Kong Hotel Owners

Hong Kong backtracks on requiring hotels to put fire escape hoods in rooms

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Home Affairs Department says it will only encourage hotels to ensure supply of fire escape hoods in guest rooms, other spaces

Home Affairs Department says it will only encourage hotels to ensure supply of fire escape hoods in guest rooms, other spaces