LCQ 4 : Fire fighting installations in tunnels

Following is a question by the Hon Andrew Cheng and a reply by the Secretary for the Environment, Transport and Works, Dr Sarah Liao, in the Legislative Council meeting today (December 10) :-

Question : Regarding the respective quantities of various types of fire service installations and equipment installed in toll road tunnels, will the Government inform this Council:

(a) of the criteria and factors adopted for determining the types and quantities of fire service installations and equipment to be installed in each toll road tunnel;

(b) of the respective quantities of various types of fire service installations and equipment installed in each toll road tunnel; and

(c) of the date(s) at which the existing quantities of various types of fire service installations and equipment installed in Hung Hom Cross-Harbour Tunnel was (were) stipulated; whether it has assessed if the quantities of these installations and equipment are adequate to cope with fire and emergency incidents in the tunnel caused for various reasons; if so, of results of the assessment?

Reply

Madam President,

 The "Code of Practice for Minimum Fire Service Installations and Equipment" ("Code of Practice") issued by the Fire Services Department stipulates the requirements for fire service installations and equipment as well as issues regarding their application in road tunnels.  The tunnels in Hong Kong are equipped with fire protection and fire fighting installations which comply fully with the requirements of the Fire Services Department.

 The provision of fire fighting installations in each tunnel are set out in the Annex to the written reply.  The differences in the number of fire service installations in the tunnels are attributable to the specific design and site constraints of each tunnel.

 Upon the commissioning of the Cross Harbour Tunnel (CHT) in 1972, its fire service installations have often been replaced and upgraded to meet up-to-date standards and requirements.  The tunnel operator has engaged a registered fire service installation contractor to conduct regular surveys on the various equipment to ensure that they meet safety standards.  In addition, the CHT is carrying out a large-scale improvement project and the improvement items to be completed in the coming three years include :

a) upgrading of the Traffic Control and Surveillance System;

b) replacement of fire hydrants;

c) installation of illuminated signs for pedestrian cross-passage and enclosed fire safety installations; and

d) replacement of the radio communication system within the tunnel.

 The requirements for fire service installations in the "Code of Practice" are the most feasible arrangements, which have made reference to experience and relevant international safety standards.  Fire service installations are but part of a whole fire protection regime.  In addition to the hardware, the tunnel operators have established procedures for handling fire incidents and have arranged regular fire fighting training for their staff.  The tunnel operators also hold regular joint fire drills with the Fire Services Department to ensure quick responses and good co-ordination in handling fire incidents in tunnels.

End/Wednesday, December 10, 2003

Annex to LCQ4: Fire protection and fire fighting installations in tunnels