The revised edition of the Fire Code[1], which is into its 7th
edition, was recently introduced on 15 January 2013. A 6-month
grace period was given to the building industry to plan ahead for
any new building projects. Building projects that are submitted to
SCDF for approval from 15 July 2013 will be subjected to the new
code.
An example of a new addition to the Fire Code is the
provision of visual alarm in the form of a strobe or flashing light
device at designated locations in non-residential buildings. This
will help to alert the hearing impaired during emergencies. Other
previously introduced fire safety requirements to facilitate the
evacuation of persons with disabilities in non-residential
buildings are:
Chaired by SCDF, the Fire Code is reviewed by the Fire Code
Review Committee comprising representatives from the building
industry, government agencies and academic institutions. The
Fire Code is designed to support the local building industry’s
practices, experiences and the architectural heritage of Singapore.
As part of the review process, feedback was also gathered through
SCDF’s consultation sessions, seminars and workshops with the
industry. The feedback was beneficial in the formulation of the
latest fire safety requirements.
An electronic version of the Fire Code is available on SCDF’s
website at www.scdf.gov.sg. Hardcopies of
the Fire Code are also available and can be purchased at SCDF
headquarters.
[1] Fire safety standards for buildings in
Singapore is governed by the Code of Practice for Fire Precautions
in Buildings or better known as the Fire Code. The Fire Code serves
as an authoritative source on fire safety standards for local
buildings and is used by the building industry in designing fire
safety works in buildings.
[1] Company Emergency Response Team (CERT) consists of
in-house personnel trained to effectively manage and handle fire
& other workplace emergencies prior to SCDF arrival.
Revised Fire Code Takes Care of Persons with Disabilities