Preliminary views on implementing Engineering Performance-Based Fire Codes in Hong Kong : what should be done?

Engineering performance-based fire codes (EPBFC) are to be developed in Hong Kong. Before implementing EPBFC, or even writing down what should be done, such as the fire safety objectives, current prescriptive fire codes should be understood. This will be a very big project to be tackled step by step, certainly not regarded as a normal consultancy project which can be completed within a short period of, say three years.||Key points on suitability of implementing EPBFC in Hong Kong, or preserving prescriptive codes but with active updating are discussed. Approaches used overseas are briefly reviewed to illustrate that this is not so easy in comparing with prescriptive codes. Points to be considered including fire safety objectives, full-scale burning tests with building characteristics and materials used, social responsibility and education are highlighted. Nevertheless, EPBFC should not be implemented just for reducing the cost on fire safety provisions. In fact, higher cost might be required as higher safety level should be provided. Bearing in mind that public safety is the first criterion to consider.