Whether it’s an office, commercial & retail construction, or renovation, every project must meet the strict regulations of the FSSD (Fire Safety and Shelter Department) before commencement. While it’s true that an aesthetically pleasing space is a feast for the eyes, you should always keep in mind that safety is also a top priority no matter the capacity of the room. Here in HiReno, we make certain that there’s harmony between your visionary theme, functionality, and safety.
The office is responsible for maintaining and enforcing fire safety and CD shelter standards throughout Singapore which help to ensure the safety of homes and workplaces. In Singapore, the FSSD ensures that all commercial and industrial establishments possess the necessary structural safety measures, escape routes, and fire fighting apparatus during emergencies.
Once the building or renovation is completed, only then can one apply for the Fire Safety Certificate (FSC), a document that serves as evidence that you’ve complied with the fire safety and CD standard. This proves that you submitted your SCDF FSSD before construction, had your building inspected after construction, and passed all relevant criteria.
Applying for the FSC is essential so you can run your constructions or renovations, however, you will need a Qualified Person (QP) to apply for it on your behalf. In general, Qualified Persons are typically architects or engineers. In most cases, qualified architects handle the BCA and FSC application, with qualified engineers handling the FSSD application.
All new development projects in Singapore must also adhere to the Building and Construction Authority’s criteria (BCA). The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) is a governmental body that monitors and regulates Singapore’s building and construction industry. The board also gives the FSSD advice and support by evaluating and approving the building plans.
Tendering of the building designs for BCA approval is required as part of the BCA submission. The BCA submission, like the SCDF FSSD and FSC applications, is only made by a QP. Following the approval of the building plan, the QP and the applicant can apply for a BCA permit to begin work.
Building plans must be submitted for projects that do not involve systematic fire safety works or issues. For example, installing extinguishers, hose reels, and emergency exit lights will require only an FSSD BP submission. Furthermore, to obtain FSC on small shops, you will only need to submit a building plan.
For proposed fire safety works in buildings, however, a fire protection plan must be submitted. Changes in the layout of fire compartments and the relocation of fire safety products are examples of fire safety work. Professional mechanical and electrical engineers serve as QPs for automatic fire alarm system plan submissions for installation or changes. Mechanical, civil, and chemical engineers are the QPs for works involving automatic fire sprinkler systems. In some cases, a fire protection plan and FSSD BP submission will be required.
When planning to begin fire safety-related work in offices, commercial, or industrial premises, FSSD is required. The applicant must submit the fire safety plans to the FSSD for approval through a QP. To be approved by the FSSD, the proposed plans must adhere to the FSSD submission checklist. This submission is required; therefore, failure to comply with this requirement is a legal offense.
It is critical to ensure that every building has structural fire precautions, exit staircases, and other fire safety provisions in place to ensure emergency preparedness. Proper site planning and fire compartments are critical in fire prevention and control. Buildings with fire-fighting systems that alert and evacuate civilians during a fire will also help save lives.
Furthermore, FSSD submission is an important part of ensuring the success of the SCDF’s Civil Defence Shelter Program. This ensures that every building in Singapore can provide a safe and secure shelter for civilians, particularly from the effects of weapons during a war emergency. Furthermore, FSSD compliance is required to avoid penalties and losses as a result of negligence.
The FSSD submission procedure can only be completed by a QP. As a result, appointing professional architects, engineers, and registered inspectors should be your first priority. Following the appointment, the QPs will be able to handle the FSSD submission procedure on your behalf. The plans will be created and prepared by the QPs such as the building plan, fire protection plan, & mechanical ventilation plan.
They will then submit these plans to FSSD (SCDF) for approval and pay the appropriate FSSD submission fee. If the plans meet all requirements, SCDF will issue a Notice of Approval (NOA) indicating that the FSSD submission has been approved.
The following details are involved in the preparation for fire plan submissions.
Minor addition and alteration (MAA) works include the installation or removal of internal fittings, as well as changes to the building’s fire protection systems. These works that may have an impact on the building’s fire protection or safety hazards will also require SCDF approval. The following information is required for minor addition and alteration (MAA) work submissions.
A fire safety plan approval is required by the Fire Safety Act and other fire regulations in Singapore when building owners plan to undertake fire safety works. The following are some examples of fire safety works:
Furthermore, if the proposed building additions or alterations do not qualify for the FSSD submission exemption, you may need to consult with SCDF or QPs to determine whether safety plan approval is required. Exemption from working with FSSD submission includes:
Works that do not involve fire safety concerns such as replacement of shopfront signage and changes in the use of a building that do not result in increased risks in the event of a fire. For instance, changing from an office to a shop.
FSC applications are only submitted after the fire safety or construction work has been completed. After passing the FSSD submission checklist during the appointed QPs’ site inspection, they may apply for the FSC via the CORONET System.
The SCDF will respond within three working days of receiving your application to issue your FSC. Furthermore, the size, type, and complexity of the project may have an impact on FSC processing time.
Now that you know what FSSD submission is, it’s critical to select the QP who will provide you with the most convenient and confident services that fit the standard of your ideal interior design and are certified safe. Contact us today for consultations on your dream design or renovation!
