Fire SafetyIn Singapore
Cpt yam yeow kiat
Scope
• Introduction
• Singapore regulatory System
Introduction
• Self intro
• History of fire code
Mission Statement
To protect and save lives and property for a safe and
secure Singapore
Objective of Fire Safety
Objective of fire life safety and property protection
Principle of Fire safety
• Prevention
• Communication
• Escape
• Containment
• Extinguishment
Self regulation scheme
• Started 1997
• QP
Notice of approval
QP shall make sure that the plan is in full compliance with technical requirements
QP (Qualified Persons) – Architects or Professional Engineers
Technical requirements• Fire Code
– how code are being reviewed
• From industry feedback
• From fire incident fire safety investigation
• Incident learned from oversea incident
– Standing committee
• Consist of representatives from …..
– Fire code committee
• Technical persons
– Working committee
Conservation Buildings
• Bldg built before 1969
• Conservation Guideline can apply
Technical requirements• Singapore Standard code of practice
– Technical Committee
– Working committee
• Other countries standards
So what if the technical requirement cannot be complied with
• Waiver - purpose
• Chaired by Commissioner SCDF
• If disapproved then QP can appeal in personIf further disapproved then can apply to Minister of Home Affairs.
Audit
• Plans audit (10%)
• Site Audit (10%)
• Counter measure for false declaration
Certificate of Supervision
• Purpose – QP to be responsible in supervising the construction process.
Inspection by RI
• Who is RI (Registered Inspection)
• Purpose
• Engage by Building owner/tenant
• Form 1 & 2
Issuance of TFP/FSC
• All plan submitted for approval shall apply
• Purpose
FSM Scheme
• Qualification
• Appointment
• FEP
Fire Certification
• Purpose
• QP needed to make sure the fire safety systems in the building are working
• Checking is based on the various codes of practice
• Required yearly renewal
• Audit
What is Fire Hazards
• Overcrowding of PE Outlets
• Obstruction to escape routes
•Any alteration on fire safety works
•Removal of any fire safety measure
• Lack of proper maintenance of fire
safety measures
•Any matter or circumstance which
increases the likelihood of fire
•Any other circumstance that hamper
duties during a fire
What is Fire Hazards
Obstructed Fire Fighting/ Safety Systems
Obstruction to passageway
Illegal
addition & alteration
Illegal addition
Illegal addition
Illegal alteration of Fire door to roller shutter
Illegal alteration to usage
Non-maintenance of fire safety
measures
Non Maintenance
Non maintenance
Removal of fire safety installation
Increase the likely hood of fire
Open flame cooking in workers dormitory
Hamper SCDF
operation
Obstruction to Landing Valve
• To investigate fire hazard complaints
• To conduct scheduled enforcement checks
• To carry out physical enforcement exercises
eg. seizure, removal, closure, etc.
• To detect existence of fire hazards
• To compound offences
•To conduct court prosecution
•To conduct ‘investigation’ at fire scene
•To process & endorse Occupant Load (OL) for
PE Outlets
Functions of
Enforcement Branch
Scheduled
Non-Scheduled or Complaint
Re-Inspection
Types of Enforcement
Checks
Enforcement stats
• Total no. of cases of feedback for Jan –Dec 2010 : (2920)
• Total no. of enforcement checks conducted for Jan – Dec 2010 : (11570)
Serving of Notice viz. FHAN
Composition/Fine viz. NOC & FSON
Types of Enforcement
Actions
Fire Safety Prohibition Order
Court Action
Consequences When charge to court:
• For fire hazard – Fail to comply > $10,000 max on conviction & $500 for
continuing offence.
• For unauthorized Fire Safety Works • Failure to comply >
• Maximum fine upon conviction > $50,000
• Imprisonment not exceeding 12 months
• Plus $1,000 fine for every day of continuing offence after conviction
Regulating of old buildings
• Conservation
• Non-conservation
• Conservation guideline
Existing (old) Buildings
• when code revised
– Building need not comply
– Only when having major retrofitting then we will the owner to upgrade
Conclusion By knowing how we regulate fire safety and hoping the imposing a more stringent requirement from insurer, we can bring fire safe environment in Singapore to the next higher level