All Singaporean businesses must have fire safety as their fundamental responsibility. Business entities must own a fire safety certificate (FSC) as a prerequisite for legal operation to show their compliance with the Fire Safety Act. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) manages fire safety laws by providing this certification through its regulatory authority.
Obtaining an FSC requires following the essential steps explained in this guide while maintaining compliance with all local fire safety regulations.
Step 1: Understanding the Fire Safety Certificate (FSC) and Its Importance
A fire safety certificate functions as an official document which ensures compliance of a building with fire safety regulations. All lawful operations of companies in Singapore need this document to remain operational. Any building needs specific types of premises to obtain an FSC including residential complexes with business units and office spaces and industrial structures.
The requirement exists for premises that need thorough fire safety works to acquire this document. The approval process for an FSC begins after companies complete all necessary fire protection installations and obtain positive results from safety tests that ensure total compliance with fire regulations.
Step 2: Checking the Eligibility and Requirements
Businesses and Premises Required to Apply for an FSC:
Commercial buildings
Factories and warehouses
Hotels and lodging facilities
Educational institutions
Healthcare facilities
High-rise residential buildings
Any building undergoing significant renovations requiring fire safety modifications
Step 3: Engaging Key Professionals in the FSC Application Process
Qualified Person (QP)
The QP wears either an architectural or engineering licence to verify that buildings meet Singapore’s Fire Code requirements. A Fire Safety Certificate application process depends on the Qualified Person to compose and transmit detailed fire safety plans to the Fire Safety and Shelter Department. At CMM Food Consultancy, our QP manage all facets of the application, such as:
Creating and evaluating critical fire safety plans
Collaborating with appropriate agencies
Overseeing fire safety installations
Registered Inspector (RI)
As an independent fire safety expert, a Registered Inspector performs inspections that verify the compliance of fire protection systems along with safety installations to regulatory standards. Builders require the RI to check that their facilities comply with fire safety requirements before SCDF completes its inspection. The RI is responsible for:
Carrying out in-person evaluations
Providing an inspection certificate
Identifying and rectifying compliance issues
Appointed Representative
Companies can designate a representative to pursue the FSC for them, especially when the owner cannot manage the process themselves. The representative may be an employee, consultant, or outside fire safety expert with experience managing regulatory applications.
The duties of a designated representative might encompass:
Coordinating with QPs, RIs, and contractors
Preparing and submitting the FSC application
Handling communication with the SCDF
Step 4: Preparing and Submitting the FSC Application
The FSC application must be submitted electronically through the CORENET system. Companies are required to submit various essential documents, such as a new appointment letter (if relevant), fire safety and architectural plans, a corporate stamp, and the required certification forms. Depending on the project's scope, further supporting documents might also be necessary.
After project completion, businesses need to submit their application through electronic channels to finish within 10 days. All business records must be safely secured to maintain future access for compliance inspections and access records for future reference.
Step 5: Completing Fire Safety Works and Inspections
After submission, businesses must complete all fire safety works in compliance with the Fire Safety Act. Once the installations are completed, appointed Registered Inspectors (RIs) will conduct an inspection to verify compliance.
During the inspection process, RIs will perform on-site evaluations to ensure fire safety measures are properly implemented. Certain buildings might be chosen randomly for an inspection by SCDF, and any problems identified during this inspection must be addressed before the FSC can be issued. It is essential to address these issues quickly to prevent any delays in receiving certification.
Step 6: Receiving the FSC
Once the FSC is approved, the business can legally operate. The duty to guarantee fire safety remains essential for all businesses operating in Singapore. The legal basis to operate requires multiple businesses to get a fire safety certificate (FSC) that shows their compliance with the Fire Safety Act. The Singapore Civil Defence Force serves as the governing body for fire safety regulations and issues fire safety certificates to companies.
Conclusion
Obtaining a fire safety certificate is an essential measure for guaranteeing a safe workplace and lawful business activities in Singapore. Owners must comply with the instructions set by the SCDF and maintain proper fire safety standards.
For a smoother application process, consider seeking assistance from professionals like CMM Food Consultancy, who specialise in FSC application and compliance. Contact us today to ensure your business meets all fire safety regulations effortlessly.
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