Forum: Fire safety standards in Singapore necessarily stringent
We thank Forum writers Sarah Lee-Wong Mayfern, Ameerali Abdeali, Valentane Huang and Goh Ee Kiat for their letters 'Time for thorough review of fire safety in buildings like older shophouses' (April 10), 'Urgent need to step up fire prevention measures' (April 11), 'Staff of pre-school near River Valley fire were quick to help' (April 11), and 'Fire safety a personal responsibility, not just that of the authorities' (April 11).
The fire safety standards that we set in Singapore are necessarily stringent. All new buildings and buildings undergoing renovation works must comply with the prevailing Fire Code. These include fire safety provisions such as fire extinguishers, hose reels, emergency lightings, and maximum distance to exit staircases. In addition, exit staircases must be protected within fire-rated enclosures to support safe evacuation during a fire.
The Fire Code is reviewed regularly in consultation with industry stakeholders and agencies such as the Urban Redevelopment Authority and the Building and Construction Authority.
To ensure the safety of building occupants and the public, building owners, tenants and business operators must ensure that their premises comply with these regulatory requirements. Before carrying out renovation works, they are required to engage a Qualified Person to ensure that the plans incorporate appropriate fire safety designs, and to submit the plans to the relevant authorities for approval.
Building owners, tenants and business operators are responsible for maintaining the fire and structural safety provisions of their premises, and obtaining all the necessary permits and approvals from the relevant authorities before embarking on any works or business.
The authorities are investigating the fire at 278 River Valley Road on April 8. Firm action will be taken against those found responsible for contravening planning regulations and failing to comply with fire safety standards.
We wish to thank the members of the public who stepped forward during the fire. Their quick thinking, collective actions, and willingness to put themselves in harm's way saved many lives.
We urge all premises owners and tenants to take fire safety seriously, and not compromise on safety standards just to save money or for the sake of expediency.
Such conduct can come at the cost of lives.
Ryan Ong (Assistant Commissioner)
Director, Fire Safety Department
Singapore Civil Defence Force
Martin Tan
Director (Development Control, City)
Urban Redevelopment Authority
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