Fire Safety In Singapore - GIA

1 fire SafetyIn SingaporeCpt yam yeow kiatScope Introduction Singapore regulatory SystemIntroduction Self intro History of fire codeMission Statement To protect and save lives and property for a safe and secure Singapore Objective of fire SafetyObjective 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 committeeConservation Buildings Bldg built before 1969 Conservation Guideline can apply Technical requirements Singapore Standard code of practice Technical Committee Working committee Other countries standardsSo 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.

2 Audit Plans audit (10%) Site Audit (10%) Counter measure for false declarationCertificate 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 FEPFire 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 fireWhat is fire HazardsObstructed fire Fighting/ Safety SystemsObstruction to passagewayIllegaladdition & alterationIllegal additionIllegal additionIllegal alteration of fire door to

3 Roller shutterIllegal alteration to usageNon-maintenance of fire Safety measuresNon MaintenanceNon maintenanceRemoval of fire Safety installationIncrease the likely hood of fire Open flame cooking in workers dormitoryHamper SCDF operationObstruction 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 OutletsFunctions of Enforcement Branch Scheduled Non-Scheduled or Complaint Re-InspectionTypes of EnforcementChecksEnforcement 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.

4 FHAN Composition/Fine viz. NOC & FSON Types of EnforcementActions fire Safety Prohibition Order Court ActionConsequences 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 convictionRegulating 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 upgradeConclusion 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