Did you know that under the Fire Safety Act Section 20, “The owner or occupier of any public building such as offices, hospitals, shopping complexes, industrial buildings and private residential buildings that fall within the certain criteria is required to apply and obtain a Fire Certificate (FC)”?
How BSE can help?
Authorized to conduct the inspection, submission and renewal of the Fire Certificate on behalf of the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), we assist in auditing building systems to ensure that they are in good working condition and tested against the regulatory code of practices and standards.
These confirm that the systems are competent and operationally ready.
The scope of works includes: architectural works, building services, fire protection systems, and the MV/AC system.
What is the purpose of a Fire Certificate?
The Fire Certificate is an annual certificate issued to the relevant building required under the Regulations. It is to ensure that the fire protection systems and fire safety measures are properly maintained and in good working condition. Therefore, any defects or non-compliance should be rectified as soon as possible to ensure that the building is safe from fire.
The fire protection systems and measures should also be tested in accordance with the relevant codes of practices. In the event of an outbreak of fire, the fire protection systems and measures
should be activated or function according to their purpose, preventing the spread of fire which can cause serious injuries, fatalities and destruction of properties.
Overview of application procedure:
Submit a request with our Customer Service Team through our hotline at 6565 9822 or sales@bse.com.sg
Quotation and Confirmation of Quotation
Setting appointment with relevant parties
Attend inspection with Professional Engineer (PE) and relevant parties
Documents to be submitted
Inspection conducted - Stage 1 - system test under fire alarm activation - Stage 2 - system test under secondary power supply by generator - Stage 3 - individual services and systems testing
Rectify any defects found against compliance
Submit for Fire Certificate - Pass → Completed FC submitted to SCDF - Fail → Re-inspection on Non-compliance rectification
Payment process
Obtain Fire Certificate
Who are the relevant parties?
Building Owners
MCST Managing Agency Representative
Fire Maintenance Representative
Fire Safety Manager
Professional Engineer (PE)
Licensed Electrical Worker (LEW)
Lift Maintenance Representative
Any other relevant building services representative under the scope of work required
When is this required?
Usually once a year if required to conduct Fire Certification Inspection
Usually 2 months before expiry, building owners will receive a letter from regulatory authorities to remind them about conducting the Fire Certificate Inspection and Submission
What if I did not successfully obtain a Fire Certificate?
Under the guidelines of SCDF, failure of obtaining a valid Fire Certificate may result in:
Revocation and/ or
Penalty
Under the Fire Safety (Building and Pipeline Fire Safety) Regulations, any person who
Without lawful excuse refuses or neglects to do anything which he is required to do;
Without lawful excuse fails to comply with the requirements of any notice served on him under these Regulations; or
Without lawful excuse acts in contravention of any provision of these Regulations,
Shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $10,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or to both.
Tips to ensure a successful Fire Certificate Inspection
Ensure all DEFECTS are highlighted before the inspection is rectified to ensure the systems and equipment are in good working condition
Ensure that all PARTIES involved in the inspection are notified and agree on the date and time of the inspection to be carried out
Ensure all ADMINISTRATIVE DOCUMENTS and procedures are being prepared for all the responsible parties to sign off after the inspection
Please be reminded that fire safety can be a matter of life and death, so ensure that your building’s management has responsibly followed the guidelines to create an environment of Total Fire Safety for All to live, play and work in.
For more information, you can visit the SCDF webpage on the Fire Certificate.
Disclaimer: All facts and opinions presented are for educational purposes only. Please consult our competent professional for expert technical or other assistance and advice.
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