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Hong Kong will only encourage hotel fire escape hoods for now
Hong Kong’s Home Affairs Department said it will not provide guidance on supplying smoke hoods for common and staff areas, leaving procurement advice to the Fire Services Department.
Hong Kong authorities have reversed course on earlier plans to require hotels to supply fire escape smoke hoods in guest rooms and other spaces, saying they will only encourage hotels to implement the equipment at this stage. SCMP Economy reports the Home Affairs Department made the change after concerns from industry leaders.
The department said it will encourage hotels and guest houses to provide enough smoke hoods in rooms to cover each property’s maximum occupancy, citing fire-safety benefits for visitors. It added that authorities will not offer advice on the supply of smoke hoods in common areas and staff areas.
Hong Kong also said the Fire Services Department will provide guidance on procuring the hoods. Under the initial proposal, the hoods were also intended for staff areas such as lobbies, offices and kitchens, as well as other communal spaces.