Maintaining fire safety in buildings is a primary requirement for any new construction project in Singapore. Central to this process are the regulations established by the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), which provide clear standards and guidelines that developers and engineers must adhere to.
Adhering to these standards, which cover proper means of escape, fire-resistant materials, alarm and suppression systems, and compartmentation measures, not only facilitates smooth approvals but also guarantees safe occupancy for future users.
The Framework of Singapore’s Fire Code:
The Code of Practice for Fire Precautions in Buildings, commonly referred to as the Fire Code, outlines the fire safety regulations in Singapore. This framework outlines the minimum requirements for fire safety provisions across all building types, covering aspects such as design, construction, operation, and maintenance. Its primary objective is to safeguard the lives of occupants and protect property in the event of a fire.
Key components of the Fire Code include:
1. Safe Exit Routes
To ensure a swift and orderly evacuation during emergencies, the Fire Code mandates adequate exit routes and stairwells throughout a building.
2. Fire-Resistance
Buildings must incorporate fire-rated walls, doors, and structural elements to withstand high temperatures and ensure safety.
3. Fire Detection & Alarm Systems
The Fire Code requires the installation of smoke detectors, heat detectors, and alarm systems that promptly alert occupants to danger.
4. Fire Suppression Systems
Active fire control systems, such as sprinklers and other suppression mechanisms, can provide fire protection for a building at an early stage.
5. Fire Compartments
The Fire Code provides guidelines on dividing a building into fire-resistant sections, or compartments, which help contain fires and prevent their spread.
6. Firefighting Access
The Fire Code also stipulates requirements for unobstructed access routes for fire appliances, the provision of fire hydrants, and the design of firefighting shafts to support emergency response efforts.
Approval Process for Fire Safety Plans
Obtaining approval for Fire Safety plans in Singapore involves a structured process to ensure full compliance with the Fire Safety Act and safeguard building occupants. The key steps include:
1. Fire Safety Plan Submission
Detailed drawings and specifications of the building are submitted electronically via CORENET, providing a clear layout of fire safety measures for review.
2. Plan Review and Approval
The SCDF evaluates the submitted plans to ensure all aspects comply with the Fire Code before granting approval.
3. Temporary Fire Permit (TFP)
A TFP allows building owners to occupy premises for a limited period before the Fire Safety Certificate (FSC) is issued. It is granted only when fire safety works are largely complete, with minor issues pending. The timeframe to obtain the FSC depends on the project’s size, type, and complexity.
4. Fire Safety Certificate
Once all fire safety measures are verified on-site, the FSC by SCDF is issued, confirming that the building meets all regulatory requirements.
At Soteria, we simplify the approval process for new building owners and developers. Our team conducts thorough fire and life safety audits to help achieve full compliance efficiently while minimizing delays and complications.
Design Principles That Support Fire Protection
Effective fire protection involves creating a design that integrates safety measures into every aspect of a building.
Building Layout and Accessibility
Buildings should feature unobstructed escape routes, with clearly marked and illuminated emergency exits. A proper layout ensures that occupants can evacuate quickly and safely in the event of an emergency.
Fire-resistant Materials
All walls, doors, and ceilings must meet SCDF fire rating standards, with priority given to non-combustible materials. These materials help prevent structural collapse and slow the spread of fire.
Active and Passive Fire Protection
Active protection systems in a building include fire alarms, sprinklers, and smoke control mechanisms, while passive measures such as fire doors, fire-rated walls, and compartmentation contain fire and smoke within designated areas.
Fire Safety Drills
Buildings must implement fire safety management plans and conduct regular drills for tenants and employees. These exercises prepare occupants for emergencies and ensure that evacuation procedures are effective and efficient.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Fire Safety Compliance
Overlooking even small aspects of fire safety compliance can compromise occupant safety in the building. This includes:
- Allowing fire escape routes such as corridors and staircases, to become blocked, which can hinder safe evacuation during an emergency.
- Using non-compliant or uncertified materials instead of SCDF-approved fire-resistant walls, doors, and ceilings.
- Neglecting fire suppression systems, including sprinklers and alarms, by failing to inspect or maintain them regularly.
- Failing to conduct fire drills and training reduces occupants’ preparedness and the effectiveness of emergency response.
To address these common mistakes in fire safety compliance, our team helps uncover gaps such as blocked exits, faulty lighting, inadequate sprinklers, and unsynchronized alarms. Following this, we provide practical solutions to ensure full compliance with the Fire Safety Act.
Streamline Fire Safety Compliance in Singapore With Soteria
It can be overwhelming for new building projects to navigate fire safety compliance, but with Soteria, a fire and life safety consultancy in Singapore, the process becomes clear and manageable.
Our Fire Code compliance audits are conducted and reviewed by licensed Professional Engineers, ensuring the highest level of technical authority. With deep expertise in SCDF regulations and the Fire Safety Act, we ensure that your building meets all legal obligations precisely.
Beyond identifying issues, our reports provide clear, actionable recommendations, while our cost-effective compliance strategies help you implement solutions tailored to your building.
Contact us today to secure your building with expert fire safety guidance.
