Overview

Fires can cause major disasters and loss of lives in buildings such as offices, hotels, shopping centres, hospitals, schools and homes. Such disasters can be avoided if proper fire safety is practiced. The best prevention is to eliminate fire hazards. Therefore, as a responsible citizen, you need to know what are fire hazards and what you should do to remove them from your place of work or in your own home. If you discover a fire hazard you may report to the Officer In- Charge Enforcement or Duty Officer.

Alternatively, you can fill up the Fire Hazard Report Form.

What Are Fire Hazards?

Fire hazards are anything which can increase the likelihood of fire.

Ensure the compliance of the following safety tips:

Get approval for any alterations to buildings

- Any alterations should be approved by SCDF (Fire Safety & Shelter Department) as it may jeopardise the original fire protection systems of the building
- Avoid erecting unauthorised structures which hinder access to escape routes and fire safety equipment.

• Avoid overcrowding
Avoid exceeding the permissible maximum crowd capacity in the building.

• Ensure Good Fire Safety Measures
Provision of adequate vital fire fighting equipment such as hose reels and fire extinguishers.

• Maintenance of Fire Safety Equipment
Service the fire extinguishers, test the voice communication (PA System) and fire alarms and other fire safety systems on a regular basis.

• Easy access to escape routes
Avoid stacking goods along common corridors, escape passageways or staircases and avoid locking up the exit doors when the premises are occupied/used.

Penalty

Fire Hazard Abatement Notice

When a fire hazard is discovered, an Abatement Notice will be issued to the owner / occupier. If the owner / occupier fails to comply within a specified period, another notice called the Notice of Composition (NOC) or fine, will be issued. Failure to comply with the notice will result in the goods being removed by the SCDF or court action being taken.

Fire Hazard Order

When the owner / occupant fails to comply with the abatement notice and there is a high possibility of a repeated offence, the court will issue a Fire Hazard Order. A Fire Order may be:

• Abatement Order
Requires the owner / occupant to comply with the Abatement Notice and to prevent the recurrence of the fire hazard;

• Prohibition Order
Prohibits the premises for activities (as stated in the order) which may increase the likelihood of fire and as a result pose a threat to life and property;

• Closing Order
Closes the premises for a maximum period of 72 hours. If the fire hazard is not removed within the stipulated period, the premises will be closed for a period determined by the court upon application by the SCDF; or

• Penalty
Owner / occupier may face a maximum fine up to $ 10 000 or an imprisonment term of up to six months or both. In the case of a continuing offence, a maximum fine of $500 may be imposed on the offender every day till conviction.