Fire safety products for the home such as smoke alarms, fire extinguishers and blankets, smoke hoods and masks are undoubtedly useful aids in fire prevention and protection.
But in no circumstances should they imperil or procrastinate your escape to safety in the event of fire. In other words, their usage must not in itself become a potential hazard that stands between you and a speedy safe exit.
This cautionary advice was contained in Consumer Council's shopping tips on domestic fire safety products on offer in the market.
Last year (up to October), the fatalities in fire accidents in housing estates and tenement buildings recorded a total of 15, the highest in 5 years, according to the statistics of the Fire Services Department.
Between the period 2010 and 2013, there were more than 2,600 cases of fire accidents each year in these residential premises. Many were caused by cooking stoves in use, followed by careless disposal of cigarette ends and matches, etc., and general electrical fault.
Public areas of residential buildings are generally provided with fire service installations. Except in cases where existing kitchen is converted into open kitchen and the fire resisting construction is affected, residents are not required by regulation to install fire safety equipment for domestic use.
Nevertheless, consideration can be given to the voluntary purchase and use of fire safety products to enhance fire prevention and protection at home.
The study focused on 4 types of domestic fire safety products. The attention of consumers contemplating the purchase of these products is drawn to the regulatory safety requirements (where applicable), and the importance of regular maintenance to ensure the equipment is in good working condition in an emergency.
On smoke alarms, they are useful in providing residents with early warning of home fires, especially crucial when the people are asleep.
In the market are 2 main types of smoke alarms - photoelectric and ionization. The former are faster at detecting smoldering fires (e.g. igniting sofa by cigarette, overheating of electrical appliances), while the latter are faster at detecting flaming fires (e.g. burning flammable liquids, papers, etc.)
Consumers can consider to use both types of smoke alarm to cover different fire situations. Some tips on maintenance: test the alarm once a month by pressing its test button to ensure it functions properly; clean the alarm at least once every 6 months, and change the battery when necessary.
For portable fire extinguishers and fire blankets, all models are required to be approved by the Fire Services Department (FSD) before they are allowed to be supplied or sold in Hong Kong. The list of approved models is available on the FSD's website.
It is advisable, unless they are installed under regulation requirement, to have the products inspected at least once a year by Class 3 Registered Fire Service Installation Contractors (RFSIC), and portable fire extinguishers shall undergo hydraulic pressure test every 5 years to be carried out by Class 3 RFSIC.
Generally, the dry powder type fire extinguisher is more suitable for home use as it can be used on most types of fire involving wood, textiles, papers, flammable liquids and electrical appliances.
Always read the instructions before operating the extinguisher to ensure correct usage on the appropriate types of fire. For maintenance, visually inspect the fire extinguisher at least once a month to ensure no corrosion or damage, the safety pin is not removed and the pressure gauge pointer is in proper range.
Fire blankets, on the other hand, are useful to put out small fires involving flammable liquids such as small fires in the kitchen. Generally, domestic fire blankets can only be used once. For maintenance, the fire blanket should be opened and visually inspected at least once a year.
Consumers are advised to choose - and use - with caution smoke hoods and masks available for purchase on the market.
Although some smoke hoods and masks made the claim that they could filter toxic gases during fires providing protection for fire escape, consumers should bear in mind that these products are only intended to provide some temporary protection, and should not delay escape due to finding or wearing them. Before purchase and use, they should know about the safe use method as well as limitations.
Remember, in fire escape, under safe conditions, you should carry with you (1) mobile phone: to call for help; (2) towel: to ease your breathing in the smoky environment, and (3) door keys: for returning to your unit when necessary.
Note: On issues of annual inspection etc. in relation to voluntarily purchased portable fire extinguishers and fire blankets, consumers may wish to refer to the paid Online CHOICE article.
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