Safety Considerations for Workers’ Dormitories
For companies planning to handle/store hazardous substances and flammable materials, agencies (SCDF, NEA) may require a Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA) study to be carried out. Based on the QRA study, Health & Safety (H&S) buffer may be generated based on the projected consequence of potential fire, explosion and/or release of toxic gases from the said company.
Due to safety reasons, agencies (SCDF, NEA, MOM, JTC, URA) do not allow workers’ dormitories to be sited within existing H&S buffer because workers may not be in a state of alertness at night (e.g. sleeping) to carry out the necessary protective actions such as evacuation or In-Place-Protection (IPP), when a major incident occurs.
For applications that are not supported due to H&S buffer, applicant is advised to look for alternative accommodation for your workers at other locations. You may refer to MOM’s website on Housing for Foreign Workers for more information on the various types of housing available such as secondary Factory Converted Dormitories (FCDs) and Purpose Built Dormitories (PBDs).
SCDF’s Application Flow Chart for Workers’ Dormitory
To seek SCDF’s approval on the Health & Safety (H&S) buffer, please email to SCDF_Landuse@scdf.gov.sg
Click on the links to find out more on SCDF’s Plan Approval and Fire Safety Certificate.