CODES OF PRACTICE

(AMENDnD)

(NTINIMUM FIRE SERVICE INSTALLATIOI.{S

AND EQUIPMENT)

AND

(INSPECTION AND TESTING OF INSTALLATIONS

AND EQUIPMENT)

FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT

HONG KONG

APRIL 1977

PHt{rD Am PUBLIsreD BY I. R. LEE, GoVERNMENT PRTMTER

^T TIIE GOVERNMENT PESS, JAVA ROAD, HONG KONC
 CODE OF PRACTICE

(MIMIVIUM FIRE SERYICE INSTALLATIONS

AND EQUIPMENT)
 BUILDINGS ORDINANCE, CHAPTER I23

CODE OF PRACTICE (I\{INII\IUI\{ FTRE SERVICE

INSTALLATIONS AND EQUIPN'IENT).

PRs-tt'llNlnY Notr.

The Building Authority may, under section l6(lx6) of the Buildings

Ordinance, Cap. 123 refuse to approve any plans of building works
where, inter alia, the plans are not endorsed with or accompanied by a
certificate from the Director of Fire Servicescertifying either-
(i) that, having regard to the purpose to u'hich the building is
intendedtobeputnofireserviceinstallationorequipmentis
necessaryin connexion with the building that will result from
the carrying out of the building works shown on the plans; or

(ii) that the plans have been examined and are approved by him
as showing all such fire serviceinstallationsand equipment as
in his opinion, having regard to the purpose to which the
building is intended to be put, comprise the minimum fire
service instaltationsand equipment necessaryfor the building
in accordancewith the code of Practice published from time
to time by the Director of Fire Services'
.

This code of Practice (Minimum Fire Service Installations and

Equipment) is accordingly published for general information and guid-
ance only. It is not intended to lay dou'n any hard and fast rules'
Special factors or circumstancesmay arise in a particular case which
necessitate,in the Director's opinion, the provision of fire service in-
stallationsor equipmentnot indicatedin this Code. Alternatively,other
factors and circumstancesmay enable the Director to relax, in regard
to a particular building, any of the requirementsspecifiedfor that class
or type of building, and considerationwilt be given to all representations
made for relaxation in any particular case. Accordingly, this Code of
Practiceindicatesonly the generalprinciples,considerations,factors and
circumstanceswhich are normally taken into account and acted upon
by the Director of Fire Services in forming his opinion as to the
minimum fire serviceinstallationsand equipment necessaryfor certain
t y p e sa n d c l a s s e o
s f buildings.
 6

Coos or Pneciict (NiiNruuv Finr Snnvlcu lxstlLuiloNs

AND EQUIPNIENT).

PART I.

INrsnpRnrA.tloN.

Interpreta- 1. In this Code, unless the context otherwise requires-

tion. "downcoming main" means the pipe connecting the suppiy tank to a
fixed fire pump at a lower level;
..clrencherinstallation" means an arrangement of pipes and discharge
heads so positionecl that a curtain of water may be interposed
between a fire and the property being protected;
"dry riser" means a vertical water main which is normally dry' of appro-
priate size, and fitted with hydrant outlets which can be clr.arged
w i t h w a t e r b y F i r e s e r v i c e sD e p a r r m e n tp u m p s v i a a f i r e s c r v i c e
inlet;
"fire alarm installation" means an installation capable of warning persons
of an outbreak of fire, this may be either of the type rvhich requires
manual operation, or an automatic heat or smoke detection system;
..fire
hydrant/hose reel instailation" means an installation of pipes,
water tanks, pumps, hydrant outlets and/or hose reels in a building
to provide a ready means by which a jet of water can be delivered in
any part of the building for the purposes of fire fighting;
.,fixed fire pump" means a permanently prifired pump set between the
reserve souice of water supply and the various hydrantThose reel
outlets;
"hose ree1" means any standard type hose reel of a pattern approved
by the Director of Fire Services;
"sprinkler installation" means an installation of water supplies, pump,
pipes, valves and delivery points so arranged as to automatically
ind instantaneouslydetect a fire and attack it with water and sound
arr alarm;
,.storey'l has the meaning assignedto it by regulation 2 of the Building
(Planning) Regulations, CaP. 123;
"sub-main" means either a dry or charged pipe connecting from the
principal water main (either charged or dry) to a fire hydrant outiet;
"supply tank" means a water tank containing the specified quantity of
water reservedsolely for fire fighting;
.,wet rising majn" means any permanently charged vertical water main
other than a dolvn coming main for fi.refighting within the boundaries
of a building.
 i

PART II.

CeNm.ll Reeurnruaxrs.

2. At the discretion of tl-reDirector of Fire Services,one or rlore Type-s of

of the follorving eight installalions may be required- installations
that may be
(1) A fire hydrantihose reel installation consisting of permanently
charged pipes of suitable dimensions leading to one or more
hydrant/hose reei points as approved by the Director of Fire
Services,with each hydrant point fitted with a standard 2f;"
Hong Kong Fire Service Round Thread male outiet and each
hose reel point consisting of smooth bore l'" internal diameter
rubber tubing on a suitable drum permanently connected to the
hydrant supply main adjacent to the hydrant. The system to
be capable of continuous and uninterrupted use by keeping the
system charged by F.S. pumps even after the supply of water
in the water supply tanks has been exhausted.
(2) A "dry riser" to provide ready means, without recourse in the
early stagesof a fire to firemen running hose up staircases,to
deliver a supply of water for fire fighting purposes to each floor.
(3) A "sprinkler" installation to automaticaily and instantaneously
detect a fire, attack it with water from suitably placed points
and sound an alarm.
(4) A "drencher" installation which provides a curtain of water for
protection against internal and external "exposure" to fire,
and/or the protection of large openings.
(5) A fire alarm installation to either automatically warn occupants
of a building of an outbreak of fire in the building and locate
by an annunciator board the place of the actuated alarm point
or in the case of a manual alarm installation to provide a
ready means whereby anyone discovering a fire can rapidly
warn others in the building of an outbreak.
(6) Hand appliances and/or other preventive media which may be
required by the Director of Fire Services.
(7) Fixed installation capable of either automatic or manual opera-
tion or both and designed so as to discharge an extinguishing
media such as water, foam or dry powder or CO2 etc. in any
place for the purpose of extinguishing or preventing the spread
of fire.
(8) One or more fixed fire pumps which shall preferably be elec-
trically driven, and shall be permanently connected between
the water supply and the hydrant/hose reel out-iets, and shall
be capable of remote starting.
 8

Buildings 3. The iype and extent of instaliation cailed for will depend on a
and type of number of variablc firctors which are too numerous for any simple
i nstallations
generalll' scaie to be laid dorvn. The main factors, however, are occllpancv,
"na' 'ir,',{
cubic content of rooms, 1'loorareasand number of floors. The foliowing
therelbre.
indicate the type ol' installation that lvill generally be required for the
buildings specified-

(t) Fire hyclrantlhosereel installation.

(a) Domestic buildings of more rhan 12 storeysor 100 ft. in height
whichever is the lower.
(b) Any other building whether by virtue of height, volume, life
risk, accessibility,availability of water supplies and nature of
occupancy which in the opinion of the Director of Fire Services
warrants the provision of such installation.
(c) Commercial buildings as required by the Director of Fire
Services.
(r/) Industriai buildings, single storey where the floor area exceeds
7,500 squarefeet.
(") Industrial buildings of 2 storeyswhere the lst floor area exceeds
5,000 squarefeet.
(/) Industrial buildings more than 2 storeys, irrespectiveof floor
area l-actor.
(g) Restaurants, hotels or dance halls as required. bv the Director
of Fire Services.
(lt) cinemas, theatres and other places of public entertainment
andior public assembly as required by the Director of Fire
Services.
(i) Godorvns and warehouscs wirere a fire service instailation is
considered necessaryby the Director of Fire Services and in
any case all godowns and warehousesover 2 storeys in height,
irrespectiveof floor area factor.
(7) Hospitals and clinics that are more than 2 storeys in hei-eht
where the floor area of any storey exceeds3,000 square feet.
(ft) Hospitals an,J clirics over 4 stcreys in height, irrespectiveof
floor area factor.
( I\ ScJrools.

(2) Dry riser installation.

Domestic buildings of more than 6 storeys and under l3 storeys
in height or 100 fcet whichever is the less.

(3) Sprinkler installation.

(a) Bowling alleys, and dressin_urooms, scenery docks, stages and
stage basenents of theatres.
 v

(b) Underground garages and car parks run as a commercial

enterprise,in excessof i,000 square feet. Those provided for
tire convenienceof the occupantsof the building, in excessof
5,000 square feet, except where para. 26 of the Code of
Practice on Means of Escape in Case of Fire etc., applies
"car-port" "garage"].
[i.e. the differentiationbetween and
(r) Any room or other compartment of a building exceeding
250,000 cubic f'eet.
(d) Departmental stores or shops that totally exceed250,000 cubic
feet.
(e) Basements fbr storage (except strong rooms, safe deposit of
banks) which exceed5,000 square feet.
(/) All commercial buiidings and the commercial portions of
composite buildings of more than 100 feet in height or more
than 10 storeys,whicheveris the less. The height of a build-
ing to be measuredfiorn street to main roof ieveis.
(g) All industrial buildings including godowns of more than
2 storeysin height, irrespectiveof floor area, unlessthe planned
occupancy would prohibit the use of water as a fire-fighting
media.
(h) In certain circumstancesthe provision of a sprinkler installation
may be waived in favour of compartmentation, and/or the pro-
vision of an automatic heat or smoke detection fire alarm
system.
3(A) ",.lutornatic Sntoke andfor Heat Detection System".
(a) All commercial buildings not required to be sprinklered under
sub-paragraph3(3Xl), the commercial portions of composite
buildings as considered necessary by the Director of Fire
Services, industrial and godown buildings of two storeys or
less in height as considered necessaryby the Director of Fire
Services.
(b) Hotel and Hospital Buiidings in all areas not covered by
sprinkler system.
(1/.,B. This may, in the case of smoke detection systems, be
incorporaterlin the Air Conditioning System).
(c) Department stores and shops totally exceeding i00,000 cubic
feet but less than 250,000cubic feet.
Any other building whether by virtue of height, volume, life
risk, accessibility, availability of water supplies and nature of
occupancy which in the opinion of the Director of Fire Services
warrants the provision of such installation.
In (a) to (c) above the Director of Fire Servicesmay require the
detection system to be connected direct to the appropriate Fire
Control at the ciients' expense. Terminal facilities are avail-
able in Fire Controls.
 10

(4) Drencher installatiott.

( r ) T h e l t r c p r r t s c c n i u mo p c n i n l r s .
(b) High {ire exposurerisks.
(5) Fire alarm installation.
(a) Buildings of over 6 storeysin height.
(b) Other buildings of high firellife risks, e.g. hotels, schools,
hospitals, olfice blocks, factories, etc.
(6) IIand appliancesor otller pret,entiventedia.
Minimum Requirements.
Buckets (painted red).
Not less than 2-galion capacity always filled rvith water.
Not less than three buckets for each 250 square yards or part
thereof of floor area but not less than six buckets on each
floor.
Alternatives to the above in portions of premisescontaining
only electrical apparatus or in lvhich inflammable liquids
or fats and greasesare stored or used.
(a) Buckets may be fil1ed with dry sand instead of water.
(b) In place of each bucket, either:
(D 5-lb. approved Dry Porvder (Gas-expelled)extinguish-
er, or
(ii) An approved B.C.F. type,of 3-lb. capacityor Chloro-
bromomethane extinguisher of not less than one quart
(nominal) size. (where electrical apparatus only is in-
volved) or
(iiD 7-1b.approved Carbon Dioxide extinguisher.
(iv) 1-gallon approved Foam Extinguisher.
(.) In one or more approved Dry powder (Gas-expelled)ex-
tinguishers containing an aggregate amount of not less
than 15 lbs. of dry powder, or in not less than two
approved Carbon Dioxide extinguishers containing an
aggregate amount of not less than 20 1bs. of CO, mav
b e a l l o w e d a s e q u i v a l e n t o t h r e e b u c k e t so f w a t e r , - o r a s
equivalent to a 2-ga11onextinguisher.
oR.
Extinguishers.
Approved Portable Extinguishers having an aggregate
capacity of two gallons for each 250 superficial yards or part
thereof of floor area but not less than lbur gallons on each
floor.
 l1

The extinguishers provided for are those oi the Water

(Soda-acid),Water (Gas-expelled),or Foam types. Fire ex-
tinguishers of these t)/pes tlre not recommencredfor use on
electrical apparatus. Whcre inflammable liquids or fats and
greasesare stored or used an approved Dry Porvder (Gas-
expelled) Extinguisher containing not less than l5 lbs. of dry
powder may be allowed as equivalent to a 2-gallon Foam
Extinguisher.
Note-Any combination of the various appliances referred to
the above may be employed.
(7) Fixecl installation.
In any place containing a special or high fire risk as required
by the Director of Fire Services.

4. There shall be sufficient hydrants and hose reels on each floor Nurnber of
to ensure that every part of each floor can be reached by a length of not hydrants&
nrore tlran 100 feet of trire Serviceshose or hose reel tubing.
hosereels.

5. The minimum quantity of water required to be available, Water

having regard to the floor area factor of the largest floor is as foliows: requirements
for lire
hydrant/
Floor area Water storage required hosereel
installation.
N o t e x c e e d i n 2g . 5 0 0s q . f r . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,000gallons
over2,500
oit 'i.i "iJ..ai"l;,^oqg^rq.
it, ..............1 4,000gallons
O v e r5 , 0 0 0b u t n o t e x c e e d i n1g0 , 0 0 0
iq. ft. ............i 6,000gallons
O v e r1 0 , 0 0s0q .f t . . . . . . . . . . . ...............1 8,000gallons

6. The water pressure available for every fire hydrant/hose reel water
when all hydrants on one floor are in use shall be not less than 60 lbs" pressure for,
per square inch and not more than 100 lbs. per square inch. fn all
f,fr.nffin'/
buildings in excessof 20 floors, the flow and pressure, where necessary
in the opinion of the Director of Fire services, shall be maintained by
boosterpumps and/or water tanks insertedin the rising main system.

7. In every building of over 8 floors in',,hich a l1it1s is/are Firemir,,'s

installed, a fireman's liftis shall be provided rvhich shail satisfy 16. lifts.
following conditions-
(1) It shall be provided with a separatefire-resistinglift shaft.
(2) Lift shaft openings shall be provided with automatic self-
closing fire-resistingdoors.
(3) It shall be of a minimum size of 14.6 sq. ft. net internal floor
area of car, with a minimum r.atedload of 1500 1bs.
(4) It shall be provided with a suitable escapehatch"
 la

shall be into a smoke lobby or similar

(5) Each point of Cischarrge
protectedarea.
(6) It shall be provided with a suitable control srvitch at ground
floor level to euable the Fire ServicesDepartment to gain im-
mediate control over the lift and return it to ground level, such
control gear isolating the litt from control by the public.
(7) Electricity suppl;,. The electric supply to the lift should be
connected to a sub-main circuit exciusive to the lift and in-
dependent of any other main or sub-main circuit. The cables
supplying current to lift installation should be located on a
route of negligible fire risk and where possible within the
lift ivell.
When a fire lift is one of a battery of lifts, the other lifts may
be fed from the same supply, provided it is adequate for this
purpose. and that arrangementsare such that a fault occurring
in any other lifl or the battery will not affect in any way the
operation of the fire lift.
(8) Speed. The speed of the lift should be such that it wouid
reach the top floor of the building in not more than one minute.
"FIREMAN'S
(9) If shall be suitably indicated by the rvords
LIFT" (iflfiF€JfilfKF*) in English and Chinese.
(10) Where cargo lifts are used as a Fireman's Litl the doors shall
be automatic self-closing,fire resisting and the lift car be con-
tained in a separatefire resisting li1l shaft.

Designation 8. Where more than one lift is to be provided in a building of

of Fireman's over 8 floors, the Director of Fire Services shall designate which lif1/s
Lifr.
is/are to be a fireman's lifl/s.

System lbr 9. A fire alarm installation not of the automatic type must normally
frre alarm
installation
consist of a push button or break giass system so installed that each floor
& wiring of the building is provided rvith one or more actuation points and bells
thereof. to the requirementsof the Director of Fire Services,and they must be so
wired that the operation of any one actuation point will operate ail the
alarm bells in the building for the purpose of giving alarm of fire to the
occupants.

Annunciator 10. The Director of trire Servicesin any particular case may require
boards etc. a fire alarm installation of the automatic type to be provided or also a
non*automatic type to be provided wit'r an annunciator board to indicate
the location of the actuation point which has been operated. The
Director of Fire Services may also require, in the case of multi-storey
developmentshaving fixed installations,the provision of a Fire Control
Room. Such room shali be situated on the -eround floor adjacent to
 1J

the Main Entrance and shali contain the annunciator boards' controls'
terminals etc. of the fire protection installations within thal building'
The Director may further require in the case of high fire or iife risk
pi.-lt"t.that suci rooms be iontinuously manned by suitably trained
personnel.

11. Except tvhere the Director of Fire Services in any particular Inter-
inter- connections'
case specifiesotherwise, the means of operating fire alarms .t-tutitt
.onn"it"d -with the means of operating fixed fire pumps of fire hydrant/
hose reel installations.

12. (1) Every building in which the provision. of a fireman't iift "t':ff'l*':'-
is required shall ilso be provided with suitable wiring to enable lh. ;;i J,iii:,-'
Fire Services Department to connect and use hand telephone apparatus
in conjunction with such wiring.
(2) The wiring shall be affixed inside the lift shaft and shall be
fire-resisting.
(3) Every floor including the ground floor shall be pro^videdwith
the
a suitable telephone type jack-socket outlet on the external face of
lift shaft.

13. (1) The fire service installations specified in sub-paragraphs *::ilT:,,.

(1), (2), (ij, (+), (6), (7) and (8) of paragraph 2 shall be in accord"ntt ffiii.?'"
iitli1t. specifi.cationsrespectivelylaid dorvn in Part III. tions.

(2) All materials and fittings used in any fire service installation
sirall'be in accordancewith the iurrent British Standard Specifications
for such materials and fittings.
Elcctrical
14. Where an electrical installation is required to comply with this supplies"
Code, a primary and secondary source of supply shall be^piovided to
the satisfaction of the Director of Fire Services,and all electrical devices
shall be fed from both the primary and secondary source .of suppiy'
The secondary source may be in the form of an independently powered
electrical generator of sufficient electrical capacity to meet essential
services.

PART III.

SPEctntcrrtox.

Fire hy&'antf hose reel installations'

15. Each hydrant outlet shall be prominently sited in an approi:h :i:Tg:i

nvoranrs'
lobby to a stairiase or in the staircaseenclosure. It should preferably
be recessedinto a wail which is not a staircaseenclosing wall or smoke
lobby wal1. When recessed there shall be an all round clearance
 1 i

betlveen any part of the hydrant outlet and valve and tire enclosin-swails
sufficient to permit tl.refree use of the hydrant, the fitting of an adaptor,
and the empioyment of hose spanners. When not recessedthe hydrant
shall be adequatelydefendedagainstdamage.

Height of 16. No hydrant outlet shall be less than 2' 6" nor more than 4'
hydrant above floor level.
outlet.

Obstructing 17. (1) The hydrant shall not obstruct wholly, partl,vor indirectly,
hydrants. any door opening, or the required width of any exit route.
(2) The hydrant shall be so sited as not to be concealed by the
leaves of an adjacent door rvhen that door is opened.

Hydrant 18. Hydrant outlets shall be of non-corrosive metal. The outlets

outlets. of all hydrants shall be of 2t" standard Hong Kong Fire Services
Department round thread and be controlled by a wheel operated screw
valve designedto open by counter-clockwiserotation. The direction of
opening of the valve shall be clearly engraved in both English and
Chinese on the wheel of the valve.

Location 19. The hose reel shall be located outside any smoke lobby or
etc.of hose staircaseenclosure to enable tire occupants of the buildings to attack a
fire. The hose reel shall be supplied by metal piping from the charged
side of the hydrant supply main and a simple on-off controi valve shail
be provided in this piping by the hose ree1. The discharge nozzle shall
not be fixed more than 4' 6" above floor level.

Hose reel 20. (1) The tubing of every hose reel must be capable of being
trrhinu
readily lvound round a drum of 8" diameter without kinking, must not
kink when led around sharp obstructions, and shail be capable when
fitted with branch pipe and nozzle, of projecting a jet not less than 20
feet in length.
(2) The tubing of every hose reel shall have a bursting pressure of
not less than 400 p.s.i. and shall not be porous nor exhibit any signs
of percolationbelow 300 p.s.i.

Hose reel 21. The hose reel branch nozzl.eshall have a 3116" orifice and be
branch. fitted with a simple two way valve to open or shut oif jet; the valve
must not be spring loaded.

Design of 22. The design of the hose reel shall be such that the tubing is
lrosereel. permanently connected,via pipes in the drum of the hose reel and such
stuffing boxes as may be necessary,to the hydrant supply main.

Hose reels 23. Any hose reel sited in any Exit way shall be carried on a
in Exit ways. swinging cradle so recessedinto the wall that when not in use the
 t)

outer face of the reel is flush with the rvall and when required for use
the cradle may swing out into the corridor or passage,without undue
obstruction and without serious interferencervith any exit point"

24. (1) The ' reservewater supply for fire fighting shall be contained Water sup-
in a supply tank. plies to fire
hydrant/
(2) Supply tanks shall be fed from such source of supply as the hose reel
installation.
Water Authority and the Director of Fire Servicesmay approve.
(3) Where the installation of a supply tank is impracticable or
undesirable then an alternative supply may be provided subject to the
approval of the Director of Fire Services.

25. It is preferable to site supply tanks at roof level. Siting of

tanks.
26. Fire pumps provided shall be permanentlyprimed. Provisionof
fixed fire
pumps.
27. The water supplied through the fixed fire pump shall feed a Wet rising
wet rising main to all fire hydrants and hose reels. maln.

28. The wet rising main must be provided with a standard Fire Inlet of wet
Service Inlet at ground floor level. Where the pump is interposed rising mains.
betrveentl're Fire Service Inlet and the hydrant delivery valves, provision
must be made for the water supplied to the Inlet to by-pass the fire
pump in the event of failure of the pump.

29. All wet rising and downcoming mains shall be fitted with suit- Air valves.
able air relief valves to prevent airlocks in the installation.

30. (1) The quantity of water specifiedneed not necessarilybe Specification

containedin one tank provided that where more than one tank is installed respecting
tanks.
the tanks shall be so inter-connectedthat all the.water will flow by
g r a v i t yt o t h e d o w n c o m i n gm a i n .
(2) The tank may be used for the combined storage of domestic
(e.g. flushing) and fire fighting water provided that the maximum
notential drarr off by domestic services can in no way diminish the
supply for fire fighting below the required reserve.
(3) The connexion between the base of the tank and the down-
coming main to the fixed fire pump must be provided with a non-ferrous
non-return valve and a non-ferrous filter havins a mesh of not less than
12 to the linear inch.

31. (1) The pump should preferably be electrically driven but, Starting.&
whatever mode of power for driving the pump is employed, means shall mouvauon
of fixed
be provideci for starting the pump by electric remote controi button. fire pumps,
Where the motive power for any pump is not electricity, alternative
 16

means of starting the pump motor manually, in addition to remote

control buttons, shall be provided and directions for so starting prom-
inently displayed in the pump house. Remote starting points shall be
wired solely for starting the pump and operating the manual alarm
system. There shall be no means of stopping the pump, other than by
switchesof the press button type, which re-sct the remote control start
switches.

(2) Where fixed fire pumps other than the pump fed direct by the
supply tank are provided in rvet rising mains, suitable stop/start switches
shall be provided to enable the Fire Servicesto exercisecontrol of such
booster pumps independentlyof the switchesrequired by sub-paragraph
(i). Such switchesmust be situated at or near the Fire ServicesDeoart-
ment Inlet and clearly indicated.

Remote con- 32. Remote control buttons for fixed fire pumps shall be sited near
trol bottons the hose reel. Starter buttons shall be enclosed in an independent glass
for fixed flre
pumps. fronted cabinet and must be clearly marked in English and Chinese
characters "FIRE PUMP STARTER" (St^4t48r ).

Housing of 33. All fixed fire pumps shall be housed in suitable enclosures,
fixed fire preferably brick or concrete, designedsolely for occupation by the pump.
pumps.
Such pump housesshall lie ciear of any exit or normal communication
routes through thc premises and shall be clearly marked in English and
Chinesecharacters"FIXED FIRE PUMP" (HE$X^F).

Fire service 34. (1) Each wet rising main shall be connectedto an independent
inlets. Fire Service Inlet. Where, however, there are several wet rising mains
in one installation, one Fire Service Inlet may be provided for all risers
in the system, subject to the cross-sectionalarea of the pipe between the
Fire Service Inlet and each wet rising main being equal to the sum of
the cross sectional areas of all the wet rising mains served thereby.
(2) Each fire service inlet shall be in a prominent position on the
exterior of the building and must be suitably enclosedby glazing and
protectedagainstcorrosion and abuse.
(3) Tire inlet coupiings shali be not less than 21'eet nor mcre than
3 feet above the ground level and shall be of a standard pattern approved
by the Fire Services.
(4) Each inlet shall be clearl;v marked in English and Chinese
characters "FIRE SERVICE INLET" (rfi'F; zK:r+q).
(5) There shall be a non-return valve behind each inlet to Drevenr
"back
flow" of water.
(6) The fire service inlet shall be so situated as to be within easy
reach of a fire appliance parked in a tjroroughfare adjacent to the build-
ing protected.
 34A. (i) The internal diameter of the rising main shall, in the case
of industrial buildings be not less than 4 inches. Each rising
main shall supply two hydrant outlets per floor.
(ii) The internal diameter of rising mains in all other types of
buildin-es shall normally be not less than 3 inches and each
rising main shall supply one hydrant outlet per floor.
(iii) The Director of Fire Services may require the rising main
specificationcontained in Para. 34A (i) to be provided in build-
ings other than industrial when in his opinion the risk so justifies
such provision.

Dr1, riser installations.

35. (1) The number and position of hydrant outlets shall be as Specifica-
specifiedby the Director of Fire Services. tions
respectlng
(2) Hydrant outlets shall be fitted with a suitable locking device to dry riser
installations.
prevent unauthorized opening of tire valve.
(3) No equipment should be provided at hydrant points other than
a blank cap which shall be kept connected to the outlet and shall be
held captive by a suitable chain to discouragetheft.
(4) Dry rising mains should be normally sited either within a
ventilated lobby of a staircaselobby approach or, where this is not
practicable,in the staircaseenclosure.
(5) Where only one outlet per floor is specifiedthe internal diameter
of the riser shall be not less than 3". Where two or more outlcts per
floor are specified and are supplied from one dry riser the internal
diameter of the riser shall be not less Ihan 4".
(6) The riser shali be provided with a standard pattern inlet fitted
with non-return valves and approved by the Fire Services
(7) The dry rising mains shall be effectively electrically earthed.
(8) All dry rising mains shall be fitred with suitable air relief
valves to prevenf air locks

Sprinkler Inst al lations.

36. (l) Sprinkler installationsshail be installed in accordancervith Installations.

the Rules of the Fire Offices Committee for Automatic Sprinkler
Installations with the exception that the Rules governing "Water
Supplies" and "Town's Water", (29th Edition) shall be replaced by
para-uraph37 of this Code.

{2) Any refercncein the aforesaid Rules to electricalinstallations

shall be subjectto the provisions of paragraph 14 of this Code.
 18

Water 37. Sprinkler installations shall be provided rvith two separate and
supply for' adequate sourcesof water supplir alr,vaysavaiiabie.
sprinkler
installations. The tbllowing are acceptedsourcesof water supply:--
(a) Town's main.
(b) Elevatedtank.
(c) Pressuretank.
(d) Pump.
( e ) E l e v a t e dp r i v a t er e s e r v o i r .
(/) Salt water mains, as approved.
Nole l.' An elevated private reservoir shall have a capacity of about
200,000 gallons if proposed as a substitute for town's main,
but reservoirs of somewhat less capacity may possibly be
approved if the conditions are exceptionallyfavourable.
Note 2; The normal acceptedsourcesof water supply will be an elevated
tank and town's mains, including approved salt lvater mains.

Drencher and Fixed Installtttion,s.

Instsllations. 33. Drencher and Fixed Installations shall be installed in accord-

ance with the requirements of the Director of Fire Services havins
regard to the risk to be protected.

Iland Appliances and other Preventive Meclia.

Equipment 39. Any hand appliancesor other preventivemedia musl be of a

to be type approved by the Director of Fire Services.
apploveq.

PART IV.

Mrscrll,rNeous.

Inspection 40. The inspection and testing of fire service installations and
and testing. equipment is dealt rvith in a separateCode called the Code of Practice
(Inspection and Testing of Installations and Equipment) published by
t h e D i r e c t o ro f F i r e S e r v i c e s .

Director of 41. For the avoidance of doubt it is hereby declared that rhe
Fire Services Director of Fire Services may, in the case of any perrticular building,
may vary
requlrements vary any of the requirements of this Code (whether by requiring the
of Code in provision of any fire servicesinstallation or equipment not indicated in
particular
cases.
this Code either in addition to or in substitutionfor any installation or
eouipment so indicate<lor by relaxing any of the requirementsin this
Ccde or otherwise)where, in his opinion, such a variation is required in
 19

order to ensure the provision of all such fire service installations anci
equipn-rentas, having rigard to the purpose for rvhich the building is
intended to be put, comprise the minimum flre serviceinstallationsand
equipment necessaryfor that building, or, as the case may be, where
such a variation is not inconsistentwith the provision for the building
of al1 such fire serviceinstallations and equipment as aforesaid.

F. M. W.rrsoN,
Director of Fire Services.

Ftru Srnvrcrs DEpARTtrExrHmneurrRTERS,

lst April 1977.
 CODE OF PRACTICE

(INSPECTION AND TESTING OF INSTALLATIONS

AND EQUIPMENT)
 BUILDiNGS ORDINANCE, CHAPTER 123

coDE oF PRACTTCE (INSPECTTONS AND TilSTTNG OF

INSTALLATIONS AND EQUIPNIENT).

PnelrnarNa.nyNotE.

Where the plans of a building have been certified by the Director

of Fire Servicesunder s. 16B(lXrXii) of the Buildings Ordinance as
showing all such fire service installations and equipment as in his
opinion, having regard to the purpose to which tire building is intended
to be put, comprisethe minimum fire serviceinstallationsand equipment
necessary for such building, the Building Authority may, under s. 2l(6Xd)
of that Ordinancc, refuse to issue a temporary occupation permit or an
occupation permit (which is necessarybefore the building can be occupied
in any way except by not more than two caretakers)unlessthe applicant
for the permit produces a certiflcate from the Director of Fire Services
certifying that he is satisfied that the fire service installations and equip-
ment shown on the plans have been provided and are in efficient working
order and satisfactory condition.

This Code of Practice (Inspectionand Testing of Installations and

Equipment) is published fbr information only, to indicate the type and
nature of inspectionsand tests lvhich installationsand equipment must
normally pass in order so to satisfy the Director of Fire Services, and
to give guidance as to the conduct ol inspections and tests. It does not
lay down any hard and fasi rules. Special factors and circumstances
may require variations in respect of any particular building, and in
particular casesthe Director may require additionai inspections or tests
before he is so satisfied.

Cooe or PnlcrrcE (lNsnecrroxlNo TssrrNc oF,

INsrtrrl.rloNs AND EeurprarNr).

PART I.

GsNsnlr.
1. Inspections and testing shall be carried out by an inspecting Inspection
oficer of the Fire Services Department by arrangement with the com- and testing
pany, firm or individual who installed the installations and equipment. by otlicer of
Fire Services
Department.
2. Applications for inspection and testing, proposing a time and Application
day thercfor, should be made in writing to the Director of Fire Services for inspec-
tion and
and should be given so as to allow at least seven days before the date testing.
 24

proposed for the inspection and testing and should be accompaniedby

a certificate from the company, firm or person who installed tl-reinstalla-
tions that the installations are in accordance wirh the provisions of the
Code of Practice (Minimum Fire Service Installations and equipment)
applicable thereto (which Code is obtainable tiom the Director of Fire
Services).

Written 3. Written notice will be given to the applicant of the time and
notice to date mutuall;' acceptable to him and the Fire ServicesDepartment for
applicant
confirming any such inspection and testing.
time and date
of inspection
and testing.
Responsible 4. A responsible engineer of the company or firm concerned, or
pe.rsonmay the individual who installed the installation and equipment, shall be
attand
inspection at liberty to attend the inspection and testing.
and testing.

Issueor 5. The inspecting officer of the Fire Services Department will

refusalof make his report on any such inspection and testing to the Director of
certificate.
Fire Services who will thereupon either issue required certificate or,
where he is not satisfied in the terms indicated in section 12(6)(d) of the
Buildings Ordinance, he shall in writing notify the applicant of the
reason why he is not so satisfied,and may advise the applicant what fur-
ther work is necessarybefore he would be so satisfied.

Inspection 6. The provisions of paragraphs I to 5 will apply, so far as possible

and testing to any further inspection and testing arising from additional work done
after further
work. pursuant to paragraph 5.

PART II.

IxsprcrroNs AND TESTS.

'/.
Hose reel (l) The tubing of every hose reel must be capable of being
f nhinu
readily wound round a drum of 8" Ciameter without kinking, rnust not
kink when led around sharp obstructions, and shall be capable when
fitted i.vith branch pipe and nozzle, of projecting a jet not less than 20
feet in length.
(2) The tubing of every hose reel shall have a bursting pressure of
not less than 400 p.s.i. and shall not be porous nor exhibit any signs
of percolation below 300 p.s.i.

Flose reel 8. The hose reel branch nozzle shall have a 3116" orifice and be
branch.
Ftted with a simple two way valve to open or shut off jet; the valve
niust not be spring loaded.
 25

9. The design of the hose reel shall be such that the tubing is Design of
perrnanently connecteC,via pipes in the drum of the hose reel and such hosereel.
stuffing boxes as may be necessary,to the hydrant supply main.

10. The testing of sprinkler installations will be carried out Testing of

according to the tests specified from time to time by the Fire Offices sprinker
installations.
Committee.

11. The testing of drencher and fixed installations will be carried Testing of
out according to such tests as the Director of Fire Servicesmay require drencher
having regard to the nature and purpose of the installation. and fixed
installations.

12. The tests for fire hydrant/hose reel installations shall consist Testingof
of- fire hydrant/
hose reel
(1) visual examinationof installation; installations.

(2) test of water tightness to a maximum of 250 lbs. per square

inch, static pressure;

(3) a capacityand pressuretest;

(4) the "static" pressure, without pump, at the topmost hydrant

will be taken;

(5) a flow meter and pressuregaugewill then be fitted to the hydrant'

the fixed fire pump or pumps started, and read.ingstaken;

(6) a practical charging and supply of water through the wet rising
main via the fire serviceinlet.

13. The tests for dry riser installations shall consist of- Testingof
dry riser
(l) a vidual examination of the fittings and piping and their location; installations

(2) a practical charging of the rising main to show that the system
can be easily charged via the fire service inlet within a reason_
able time having regard to the size of the installation and with
particular attention to the efficiency of air relief valves;

(3) the installation must prove clear of percolation and leakage for
10 minutes after being charged with water.

14. The tests for hand appliances and other preventive media shall Testing of
be in accordancewith the tests specified by the Diiector of Fire Services hand
from time to time. Pamphlets describing testing procedure can be a p p l i a n c e s ,
obtained from the Director of Fire Services.
 ID

PART IIi.
MiscrtrANsous.
Code of 15. This Code deals only with the inspection and testing of fire
Practice service installations and equipment after the same have been provided
(Minimum
Fire Service for a building. The general requirements as to what installations and
Installations equipment are to be provided in buildings are dealt with in another Code
and
Equipment). called the Code of Practice (Minimum Fire Service Installations and
Equipment), published by the Director of Fire Services.

Director of 16. For the avoidance of doubt it is hereby declared that the
Fire Services
may vary Director of Fire Services,in his absolute discretion, ray, in any partic-
requirement uiar case, vary any of the requirements of this Code and in particular
of Code in may require different inspections or tests in regard to any installation or
particular
cases. equipment than the inspections or tests indicated in this Code, either in
addition to or in substitution for the inspections and tests so indicated.

F. M. WnrsoN,
Director of Fire Services.

FnT STRvIcESDEPARTMENTHEADQUARTERS,
Ist April 1977.