FIRE SAFETY ACT (FSA) FIRE SAFETY ACT (FSA) &&

REGULATIONSREGULATIONS

S C O P E :S C O P E :• IntroductionIntroduction

• Objectives of FSAObjectives of FSA

• FSA & RegulationsFSA & Regulations

Alarm SystemsAlarm Systems

Site Planning & External Fire Fighting & Site Planning & External Fire Fighting & Rescue OperationsRescue Operations

• ConclusionConclusion

LEARNING OBJECTIVELEARNING OBJECTIVE

• Explain the provision in FSA & Explain the provision in FSA & Regulations.Regulations.

• Know the provisions available in Know the provisions available in buildings (residential and buildings (residential and commercial) in aiding fire-fighting.commercial) in aiding fire-fighting.

FIRE FIRE SAFETY SAFETY

ACT ACT 19931993

FIRE SAFETY ACT (FSA)FIRE SAFETY ACT (FSA)

•Passed in Parliament Passed in Parliament 1993 (Nov)1993 (Nov)

•Operational 8 April 1994Operational 8 April 1994

REASONS FOR ENACTING REASONS FOR ENACTING THE ACTTHE ACT

•Consolidates Fire Service Consolidates Fire Service Act, Building Control Act & Act, Building Control Act & Petroleum ActPetroleum Act

•New Provisions to enhance New Provisions to enhance safetysafety

IMPLEMENTATION OF IMPLEMENTATION OF FSAFSA

• Enforcement SystemEnforcement System

• Fire Safety Manager SchemeFire Safety Manager Scheme

• Registered Inspector SchemeRegistered Inspector Scheme

• Fire Evacuation Plan SchemeFire Evacuation Plan Scheme

FIRE SAFETY ACTFIRE SAFETY ACTPart 1 Part 1 – – PreliminaryPreliminary

Part 2 Part 2 – – Fire hazards in buildingsFire hazards in buildings

Part 3 Part 3 – – Fire prevention in buildingsFire prevention in buildings

Part 3a Part 3a – – Fire Safety EngineersFire Safety Engineers

Part 4 Part 4 – – Control of fire safety worksControl of fire safety works

Part 5 Part 5 – – Premises used for dangerous Premises used for dangerous trades or trades or purposespurposes

Part 6 Part 6 –– Control of petroleum & Control of petroleum & flammable materialsflammable materials

Part 7 Part 7 – – Miscellaneous Miscellaneous

FIRE SAFETY REGULATIONSFIRE SAFETY REGULATIONS• Fire Safety (Bldg Fire Safety) Reg Fire Safety (Bldg Fire Safety) Reg • Fire Safety (RI) RegFire Safety (RI) Reg• Fire Safety (FEP) RegFire Safety (FEP) Reg• Fire Safety (FSM) RegFire Safety (FSM) Reg• Fire Safety (Petroleum) RegFire Safety (Petroleum) Reg• Fire Safety (Dangerous Trades or Purposes)Fire Safety (Dangerous Trades or Purposes)• Fire Safety (Composition of Offences) RegFire Safety (Composition of Offences) Reg• Fire Safety (Exemption Order)Fire Safety (Exemption Order)• Fire Safety (Designation of Premises Requiring Fire Safety (Designation of Premises Requiring

FEP) NotificationFEP) Notification• Fire Safety (Specification of Premises Requiring Fire Safety (Specification of Premises Requiring

FSM) NotificationFSM) Notification

FIRE HAZARD FIRE HAZARD IN IN

BUILDINGSBUILDINGS

FIRE HAZARDFIRE HAZARD

1.1. Illegal addition & alterationIllegal addition & alteration

2.2. OvercrowdingOvercrowding

3.3. Non-maintenance of fire safety Non-maintenance of fire safety measuresmeasures

4.4. Obstruction of means of escapeObstruction of means of escape

PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH THE PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH THE OBSTRUCTION OF ESCAPE ROUTESOBSTRUCTION OF ESCAPE ROUTES

• Impedes the smooth flow of people Impedes the smooth flow of people during evacuationduring evacuation

• Obscures / Obstructs exit and exit Obscures / Obstructs exit and exit directional signsdirectional signs

• Increases the risk of fireIncreases the risk of firespreadspread

Dumping of Combustible MaterialsDumping of Combustible Materialsat Staircase Landing &at Staircase Landing &

Common AreasCommon Areas

Here are some visual Here are some visual examples…examples…

Obstructed Fire Fighting/ Obstructed Fire Fighting/ Safety SystemsSafety Systems

Storage of combustible Storage of combustible materials materials

along fencingalong fencing

Dangerous PracticesDangerous Practices

Factory becomes illegal workers Factory becomes illegal workers dormitorydormitory

Excessive & Improper Storage of Excessive & Improper Storage of LPGLPG

ENFORCEMENT OF FIRE ENFORCEMENT OF FIRE HAZARDS HAZARDS •Past - Limited action / successPast - Limited action / success•Present - Enhanced powersPresent - Enhanced powers•Examples :Examples :

RemovalRemovalClosureClosureFinesFinesCourt ActionCourt Action

• Policing of fire hazard by Operational Policing of fire hazard by Operational DivisionsDivisions

• Complaints from publicComplaints from public

• FSSD- Centrally monitorFSSD- Centrally monitor

FIRE HAZARDS ENFORCEMENT FIRE HAZARDS ENFORCEMENT POWERSPOWERS • Notice of Abatement Notice of Abatement

(Eliminating/Annulling) (Eliminating/Annulling)

• Carry out abatement :Carry out abatement :• remove or seize propertiesremove or seize properties• carry out workscarry out works• bill expensesbill expenses

• Compound fine up to $500Compound fine up to $500

•Property & materials seized Property & materials seized or removedor removed• ConfiscatedConfiscated

• Application within 2 weeks returnsApplication within 2 weeks returns

• Money from sales of property/ Money from sales of property/ materialsmaterials

SEIZURE OF PROPERITIESSEIZURE OF PROPERITIES

SEIZURE OF PROPERITIESSEIZURE OF PROPERITIES

ExamplesExamples• Obstruction of means of Obstruction of means of

escapeescape

• Unauthorised change of useUnauthorised change of use

• Operating dangerous trades Operating dangerous trades without licencewithout licence

POWER TO CLOSE POWER TO CLOSE PREMISESPREMISES• Order to close premises up to 72 Order to close premises up to 72

hours, if :hours, if :

• immediate dangerimmediate danger

• substantial dangersubstantial danger

• Increased risk to lifeIncreased risk to life

• no other means to secure safetyno other means to secure safety

CLOSURE ORDERCLOSURE ORDER

Examples:Examples:

• Recalcitrant cases of Recalcitrant cases of overcrowding, > 50%overcrowding, > 50%

• Unauthorised operation of fire Unauthorised operation of fire hazardous tradeshazardous trades

COURT ACTIONCOURT ACTION•Court may grant fire hazard Court may grant fire hazard

order :order :– Abatement (Eliminating/Annulling) OrderAbatement (Eliminating/Annulling) Order– Prohibition OrderProhibition Order– Closure OrderClosure Order– CombinationCombination

•Penalty : max $ 10, 000 / 6 Penalty : max $ 10, 000 / 6 months jail or both months jail or both

FIRE FIRE PREVENTION PREVENTION

IN BUILDINGSIN BUILDINGS

FIRE PREVENTION IN FIRE PREVENTION IN BUILDINGSBUILDINGS

• Fire Safety ManagerFire Safety Manager

• Fire Emergency PlanFire Emergency Plan

• Fire CertificateFire Certificate

• Enhance fire safety standardEnhance fire safety standard

• FSM organize fire safety activities & FSM organize fire safety activities & implement fire prevention measuresimplement fire prevention measures

• FSM assist owner or occupierFSM assist owner or occupier

• Public & industrial buildings above 9 storey height• Hospitals• Gross floor area of 5000sq metres or more• Occupant load of 1000 persons or more• Industrial high risk premises

• Prescribed Courses

FSM Certificate CIFE Certificate Advance Diploma in Fire Safety Management Diploma in Building Services Engineering by Ngee Ann Polytechnic Diploma in Building & Real Estate Management Advanced Diploma in Safety, Health & Environment Management

• Ensure that all occupants are to familiar with means of escape• Prepare fire safety guidebooks• Train the occupants in first-aid, fire-fighting and evacuation in the event of fire• Supervise the operation of the Fire Command Centre in the event of a fire• Organise campaigns, training courses, competitions, contests and other activities• Any other works necessary for fire safety

FIRE EMERGENCY PLANFIRE EMERGENCY PLAN• Required by SCDFRequired by SCDF

• Prepare & execution Prepare & execution

• Organise & conduct fire drill on annual basisOrganise & conduct fire drill on annual basis

• FEP not subject to approvalFEP not subject to approval

• All Buildings (Commercial and Residential) must All Buildings (Commercial and Residential) must have a Fire Emergency Plan with the exception have a Fire Emergency Plan with the exception of private housing of single to 3 storey. (E.g. of private housing of single to 3 storey. (E.g. bungalows, terrace houses, semi-detached bungalows, terrace houses, semi-detached houses, etc…)houses, etc…)

FIRE EMERGENCY PLANFIRE EMERGENCY PLANDuties & Responsibilities of Duties & Responsibilities of Owner or OccupierOwner or Occupier

• Within 6 months, prepare FEPWithin 6 months, prepare FEP• According to guidelinesAccording to guidelines• Form Fire Safety CommitteeForm Fire Safety Committee• Review FEP at intervals > 12 monthsReview FEP at intervals > 12 months• Up-to-date recordsUp-to-date records• FEP kept at FCCFEP kept at FCC• Assembly AreaAssembly Area• Inform SCDF in writing within 14 days of Inform SCDF in writing within 14 days of

completion of FEPcompletion of FEP

FIRE EMERGENCY PLANFIRE EMERGENCY PLAN

FIRE CERTIFICATEFIRE CERTIFICATEPublic BuildingPublic Building • Occupant load > 200 personsOccupant load > 200 persons

Industrial BuildingIndustrial Building• Occupant load > 1000 personsOccupant load > 1000 persons• GFA (floor area + site area) > 5000 sq.m.GFA (floor area + site area) > 5000 sq.m.• Height > 24 m (inhabitable height)Height > 24 m (inhabitable height)• High Hazard OccupancyHigh Hazard Occupancy

FIRE CERTIFICATEFIRE CERTIFICATE

• Renew yearlyRenew yearly

• Fire safety measures in good serviceable Fire safety measures in good serviceable conditions & good housekeepingconditions & good housekeeping

• No person shall occupy or use without FCNo person shall occupy or use without FC

Fire breakouts in unprotected areas can result in very severe fires.

That is why Fire Alarm Systems are installed to prevent fire breakouts from elevating to uncontrollable levels before or

when the Fire Fighters arrive to the scene.

• The primary purpose of the fire alarm system is to enhance the safety of he occupants of a building by giving an early warning so that they may escape to safety.

• At the same time they will provide automatic alerting to the fire stations via DECAMS to ensure that fire fighters arrive at the premises before the fires get out of control.

Types Of Fire AlarmManual Fire Alarm.The most primitive method of all. Manually operated sounder such as a gong or a hand bell.

Manual Fire Alarm System.Electrical alarm initiated by the operation of a ‘break glass’ alarm call point.

Automatic Fire Alarm System.Electrical alarm initiated by automatic detection.

Institutional.Institutional.

Building of 2 to 4 storeyBuilding of 2 to 4 storeyBuilding of more than 4 storeyBuilding of more than 4 storey

Manual Alarm SystemManual Alarm SystemManual Alarm SystemManual Alarm System(If the institute provides (If the institute provides lodging or stay-in facilities, an lodging or stay-in facilities, an Automatic Alarm System will Automatic Alarm System will be required)be required)

Health Care Occupancy.Health Care Occupancy.

(With Stay-In Facilities)(With Stay-In Facilities)Single storeySingle storeyBuilding of 2 or more storeyBuilding of 2 or more storey

(Without Stay-In Facilities)(Without Stay-In Facilities)Single storeySingle storeyBuilding of 2 to 4 storeyBuilding of 2 to 4 storeyBuilding of 4 storey and aboveBuilding of 4 storey and above

Manual Alarm SystemManual Alarm SystemAutomatic Alarm SystemAutomatic Alarm System

Not RequiredNot RequiredManual Alarm SystemManual Alarm SystemAutomatic Alarm SystemAutomatic Alarm System

Office.Office.

Single storeySingle storeyBuilding of 2 to 4 storeyBuilding of 2 to 4 storeyBuilding of more than 4 storeyBuilding of more than 4 storey

Manual Alarm SystemManual Alarm SystemAutomatic Alarm SystemAutomatic Alarm SystemAutomatic Alarm SystemAutomatic Alarm System

Shop.Shop.

Single storey buildingSingle storey buildingBuilding of 2 to 4 storeyBuilding of 2 to 4 storeyBuilding of more than 4 storeyBuilding of more than 4 storey

Manual Alarm SystemManual Alarm SystemManual Alarm SystemManual Alarm SystemAutomatic Alarm SystemAutomatic Alarm System

Factory.Factory.

Single storeySingle storeyBuilding of 2 or more storeyBuilding of 2 or more storeyBuilding of 4 storey and aboveBuilding of 4 storey and above

Manual Alarm SystemManual Alarm SystemManual Alarm SystemManual Alarm SystemAutomatic Alarm SystemAutomatic Alarm System

Hotels and Resort.Hotels and Resort.

Single storeySingle storeyBuilding of 2 to 4 storeyBuilding of 2 to 4 storeyBuilding of more than 4 storeyBuilding of more than 4 storey

Manual Alarm SystemManual Alarm SystemAutomatic Alarm SystemAutomatic Alarm SystemAutomatic Alarm SystemAutomatic Alarm System

Storage.Storage.

Single storey buildingSingle storey buildingBuilding of 2 to 4 storeyBuilding of 2 to 4 storeyBuilding of more than 4 storeyBuilding of more than 4 storey

Manual Alarm SystemManual Alarm SystemManual Alarm SystemManual Alarm SystemAutomatic Alarm SystemAutomatic Alarm System

• Give warning & apply water• Access to seat of fire• Lower smoke level• Cool room temperature

• Loss of life and property• Interruption to business

• Lesser water damage compared to hose streams

Wet Pipe System Dry Pipe System Pre-Action System Deluge System

۞ Concealed Sprinkler

• Sprinklers must be cleared from beams and pipes• Distance from sprinkler to ceiling

• Distance from one sprinkler to another (Should not be too far nor too near)

Ceiling

Too Near

Too Far

Sprinklers

Optimum Distance

• Habitable height of more than 24m or• Compartment area of more than 4000m2 or

• Cubicle extent of each compartment is more than 15000m3 or

• Has more than 3 storey interconnected

>24m

More than 3 storey interconnected (e.g.

Hall)

Compartment area >4000m2

1st Storey

2nd Storey

3rd Storey

5th Storey4th Storey

7th Storey6th Storey

9th Storey

8th Storey

More than 15000m3 (E.g. Warehouse)

An example of a building which will

require the installation of a sprinkler system

1st Storey

2nd Storey

3rd Storey

5th Storey

4th Storey

7th Storey

6th Storey

An example of a building which will NOT require the installation of a sprinkler system

<24m

Only 2 storey interconnected

Compartment area <4000m2

Less than 15000m3

Site Planning & External Fire-Site Planning & External Fire-Fighting ProvisionFighting Provision

• Access way for fire-fighting appliances• Access opening to building for fire-fighting• Access to buildings with rising mains• Fire hydrant

Fire Engine Access RoadA fire engine access road is to allow a fire engine to move from one location to another within the development for fire-fighting purposes.• Minimum width of 4 metres• Able to sustain 24 tonnes of fire engine• Overhead clearance should be at least 4.5 metres• Should be kept clear of obstructions and other parts of buildingFire Engine Access Way• A fire engine access way is a metalled or paved road that has to withstand a loading capacity of a stationary 30 tonnes fire engine.• Minimum width is 6 metres• Gradient should not exceed 1:15• Nearer edge should not be less than 2 metres or more than 10 metres from the centre position of the access opening.

> 4.5m

> 4m

• Opening on external wall for external fire-fighting and rescue operation.

• Easily opened from inside and outside (fitted with breakable glazing)

• Unobstructed at all time

• The opening is marked with a red/orange triangle

• The minimum size of the opening is 850 mm by 1000 mm

• The panels should be provided and evenly distributed along external walls up to 60m

• FAP to be spaced not more than 20m apart from each other

Min 15

0mm

Orange / Red

Side facing the outside.

Side facing the inside.

FIRE FIGHTING ACCESS

DO NOT OBSTRUCT

>50mm

>50mm

Pasted on the wall area under the access panel.

At Least 1800mm

in height

Not more than

1100mm

Not more than 20m

apart

• Purpose of the FAP – enable Fire Fighters to gain access

• FAP should not be placed in the plant/store room

• Do not open into protected area. E.g. Staircase, smoke stop lobby, fire fighting lobby

• May allow substitution of FAP with internal fire fighting facilities

18m

Fire Engine Access

Way

Breeching Inlet should not be

more than 18m from Fire

Engine Access Way

Breeching Inlet

Rising Main

Landing Valve

Not more than 100m

Not more than 100m

Not more than 100m

Building

Building

Private Hydrant

Every part of the fire engine access way in a private lot should be within an unobstructed distance of 50m from a hydrant. Where a public hydrant conforming to such requirement is not a available, a private hydrant shall be provided.

PH

PHPublic Hydrant (PH)

PH

PH

PH

Not more than 100m

FIRE SAFETY FIRE SAFETY ENGINEERSENGINEERS

OwnerOwner• Must engage a Registered Fire Safety EngineerMust engage a Registered Fire Safety Engineer

Fire Safety Engineer – to formulateFire Safety Engineer – to formulate• Fire safety engineering design briefFire safety engineering design brief• Fire safety engineering reportFire safety engineering report• Detailed specifications and drawingsDetailed specifications and drawings• Buildings ops & maintenance manualBuildings ops & maintenance manual

PPERFORMANCE-BASED ENVIRONMENTERFORMANCE-BASED ENVIRONMENT

PPERFORMANCE-BASED ENVIRONMENTERFORMANCE-BASED ENVIRONMENT

Fire Safety Engineer Fire Safety Engineer

• Prepare or propose plans for fire safety Prepare or propose plans for fire safety worksworks

• Using alternative solution to satisfy any fire Using alternative solution to satisfy any fire performance requirements performance requirements

CONTROL OF CONTROL OF FIRE SAFETY FIRE SAFETY

WORKSWORKS

APPROVAL OF PLAN FOR APPROVAL OF PLAN FOR FIRE SAFETY WORKSFIRE SAFETY WORKS

•Approval of planApproval of plan•Change of useChange of use

PROHIBITION OF FIRE SAFETY PROHIBITION OF FIRE SAFETY WORKS WITHOUT APPROVAL WORKS WITHOUT APPROVAL OF PLANSOF PLANS

• Offence to carry out or commence works without Offence to carry out or commence works without prior approvalprior approval

• Fine not > $50,000 or to imprisonment not > 1 yr Fine not > $50,000 or to imprisonment not > 1 yr or BOTHor BOTH

WAIVER OF REQUIREMENTS WAIVER OF REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO FIRE SAFETYRELATING TO FIRE SAFETY

•Grant or refuse waiverGrant or refuse waiver

•AppealAppeal

•Appeals Advisory BoardAppeals Advisory Board

TEMPORARY FIRE PERMIT/TEMPORARY FIRE PERMIT/FIRE SAFETY CERTIFICATEFIRE SAFETY CERTIFICATE•Completed fire safety worksCompleted fire safety works

•A certificate submitted by RIA certificate submitted by RI

REGISTERED INSPECTORREGISTERED INSPECTOREngage by owners/developerEngage by owners/developer

Project QPProject QP

TFP/FSC Inspection TFP/FSC Inspection

DUTIES OF REGISTERED DUTIES OF REGISTERED INSPECTORINSPECTORNotify Comr any deviation or non-Notify Comr any deviation or non-

compliancecomplianceAct as agentAct as agentInspect fire safety worksInspect fire safety worksKeep all recordsKeep all recordsCertificate of Inspection (Form 1 OR 2)Certificate of Inspection (Form 1 OR 2)Declaration - no professional or Declaration - no professional or

financial interestfinancial interest

DUTIES OF REGISTERED DUTIES OF REGISTERED INSPECTORINSPECTOREngagement by owner, notify Engagement by owner, notify

Comr within 14 days Comr within 14 days

Require QPRequire QP Supply plansSupply plans time & date of inspectiontime & date of inspection rectification worksrectification works

Why Buildings in Why Buildings in Singapore are safe…Singapore are safe…

1. Submit Plan for NOA

2. Comply to Technical Guidelines for Bldg under Construction

3. Cert. of Supervision

4. Inspection by RI5. Issue of TFP/ FSC

6. Appoint FSM7. FC

CONCLUSIONCONCLUSION

•Management responsibilitiesManagement responsibilities

•Concerted effort - Authority / Concerted effort - Authority / Building owners / Building owners / Professionals / General PublicProfessionals / General Public