The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) can soon appoint authorised third parties to conduct routine fire safety enforcement checks and building inspections under proposed amendments to the Fire Safety Act introduced in Parliament. The move will enable SCDF to better utilise its resources and allow officers to focus on “more complex” enforcement inspections, said the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in a press release.
In order to regulate their operations, these third parties will be required to don body-worn cameras during inspections. They will also be subject to routine checks by the SCDF.
Under the new amendments, the SCDF will also be able to compel building owners to install critical fire safety upgrades, such as fire alarm systems and fire hose reels, if they are deemed necessary for public safety. The SCDF regularly reviews the fire code, which specifies fire safety standards for buildings. However, changes to the code only apply to new buildings, and to existing ones that undergo addition and alteration works.
There are currently no measures to mandate owners of existing buildings which have not undergone any addition and alteration works to install the latest fire safety measures.
In exercising this mandate, SCDF will adopt a judicious, risk-based approach in identifying buildings for fire safety upgrades,” said MHA. “For example, relevant considerations include the buildings’ fire risk profile, based on factors such as building age, purpose and the profile of its occupants.”
There will also be harsher penalties for five offences under the Fire Safety Act.
These offences mainly involve the unauthorised change of use of premises which could cause the existing fire safety measures to become inadequate, as well as instances where industry professionals such as registered inspectors do not responsibly supervise and certify fire safety works.
The penalty for the unauthorised change of use of premises will be raised from a maximum fine of S$10,000 to S$200,000 and/or up to two years’ jail. The penalty for the failure of an appointed Qualified Person to supervise fire safety works will also be raised from a maximum fine of S$10,000 and six months’ jail, to a maximum fine of S$200,000 and/or up to two years’ jail
