A Fire Safety Certificate (FSC) is a mandatory document issued by the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) that confirms a building’s compliance with national fire safety standards. Besides being a legal requirement, it safeguards occupants, protects property, and ensures that businesses operate within Singapore’s strict fire safety regulations.
Understanding FSC
The SCDF plays a central role in safeguarding fire safety standards across the nation. As the authority administering the Fire Safety Act 1993, SCDF is responsible for ensuring that buildings are constructed and maintained in accordance with national fire safety requirements.
SCDF also works in collaboration with the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) to align building control with fire safety compliance, creating a holistic regulatory framework.
Under Section 35 of the Fire Safety Act, no designated building may be occupied or used unless a valid FSC has been obtained. This legal requirement makes it mandatory for owners or occupiers of specified buildings to apply for and maintain a valid certificate. The scheme further ensures that critical fire safety systems, such as sprinklers, wet risers, and fire alarms, are inspected, tested, and maintained in good working order throughout the building’s life cycle.
According to this act, the following categories of buildings require an FSC:
- Public buildings (non-residential) with an occupant load exceeding 200 persons, excluding certain exceptions.
- Industrial buildings and foreign employee dormitories that meet any of these thresholds:
- Occupant load of 1,000 or more,
- Floor or site area of 5,000 m² or more, or
- Habitable height of more than 24 metres.
- Hospitals, irrespective of size or occupancy.
- Private residential buildings taller than 24 metres that are fitted with any of the following systems:
- Automatic fire alarm system,
- Sprinkler system, or
- Wet riser system (excluding HDB flats).
- Engineered timber buildings (except HDB flats) with automated fire detection or suppression systems, such as sprinklers or smoke control systems.
- Fully automated mechanised car parks that exceed thresholds in floor area, volume, or parking height, and are equipped with fire protection systems.
Purpose of the FSC
The FSC serves several important purposes, ensuring that buildings in Singapore remain safe for occupancy and use:
- Verification of compliance before occupation: The certificate confirms that a building has met all required fire prevention, detection, and evacuation safety measures under the Fire Safety Act before it can be legally occupied or used.
- Ensuring continuous compliance: The annual renewal of FSC ensures that fire protection measures are not only installed but also maintained in good working condition.
- Confirmation of fire safety systems: The certificate validates the presence and operational readiness of critical systems such as different types of smoke detectors, wet risers, automatic fire alarms, emergency power supplies, smoke control systems, and fire command centres.
- Assurance of public safety and due diligence: By obtaining and maintaining an FSC, building owners and occupiers demonstrate responsibility and due diligence, thereby safeguarding the lives of occupants and the public.
How to Apply for an FSC?
Step 1: Ensure Building Readiness
Complete all construction or renovation works to ensure the premises are ready for fire safety compliance. Install all required fire safety systems, including sprinkler systems, fire alarm systems, signage, and designated emergency exits, in accordance with approved plans.
Step 2: Submit Application
New and renewal applications must be made through the GoBusiness Portal. Optionally, apply for a Temporary Fire Permit (TFP) if you need to occupy or use the premises before the full FSC is granted. The TFP is issued when fire safety works are mostly complete.
Step 3: Prepare for SCDF Inspection
Upon submission, an SCDF officer will conduct an inspection of the site to verify compliance with the approved fire safety plans and codes.
Step 4: Certificate Issuance
Once compliance is confirmed, the FSC is issued. The certificate may include conditions, such as requirements for ongoing system maintenance or periodic checks.
Step 5: Display Certificate
The issued FSC should be displayed prominently at the building’s main entrance, signalling compliance to occupants and enforcement agencies.
FSC Validity and Renewal
FSC is valid for 12 months, unless otherwise specified. If a TFP is issued prior to full completion, the effective date of the first FSC typically begins 12 months from the date of the TFP or Temporary Occupation Permit (TOP), depending on SCDF’s approval protocols and project complexity.
To ensure uninterrupted compliance, designated buildings must renew their FSC annually. The renewal process involves the following steps:
- Submit the renewal application at least 2 months before the certificate’s expiry date.
- During renewal, the building’s fire protection systems, including sprinklers, wet risers, fire alarms, smoke control systems, and emergency power setups, must be tested and certified by a Professional Engineer. SCDF may also conduct random audits of these systems to verify compliance.
- A fee is payable per storey, varying based on building type (non-residential or residential), and must be settled as part of the renewal submission.
Scope of Fire Safety Works Inspected and Tested for Renewal
The scope of fire safety works inspected and tested for renewal encompasses the following:
Building Inspections
During annual FSC renewals, SCDF inspects critical building systems to verify that fire protection measures remain fully functional. These include emergency power supply, pressurisation system, sprinkler system and more.
Stages of Site Inspections
The inspection is conducted in three stages:
- Stage 1: System operation test during a simulated fire alarm activation.
- Stage 2: System operation test under secondary power supply provided by the generator.
- Stage 3: Testing of individual installations and fire protection systems throughout the building.
Codes of Practice & Standards Followed
In Singapore, compliance with specific Singapore Standards is essential for passing FSC inspections.
For instance:
- SS 578:2019, the code of practice for the use and maintenance of portable fire extinguishers, covers critical aspects like selection, installation, inspection, testing, and servicing of extinguishers, even when other fire suppression systems are present.
- SS 575:2012 prescribes robust guidelines for the design, installation, and testing of fire hydrants, rising mains, and hose reel systems, ensuring they meet performance requirements across water supply, pressure, and durability.
Adherence to these codes not only streamlines the renewal process but also underscores a building’s readiness to withstand fire risks effectively.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Failing to obtain or renew the required FSC in Singapore can expose owners and occupiers to severe consequences:
- Legal penalties under the Fire Safety Act: Non-compliance with FSC requirements under the Fire Safety Act carries punitive measures. Those guilty may face a fine of up to S$10,000, imprisonment for up to six months, or both.
- Business disruption and operational impact: Failing an FSC inspection or lacking a valid certificate can lead to immediate suspension or shutdown of operations.
- Increased fire risks and liability exposure: Without proper fire safety measures in place, buildings are vulnerable during emergencies.
Stay FSC-Compliant with Fire Armour
FSC is more than a compliance requirement; it demonstrates that your building meets all SCDF fire safety mandates, effectively safeguarding both occupants and assets. However, obtaining and maintaining this certification can be complex, especially with stringent inspections and annual renewal processes.
That’s where Fire Armour, a fire protection company in Singapore, comes in. With decades of expertise in fire protection systems, we provide end-to-end support, from system installation and maintenance to preparing your property for fire safety certificate inspections and renewals. This ensures that you stay fully compliant without disruptions to your operations.
Get in touch with Fire Armour today to ensure your fire safety systems remain reliable, compliant, and ready when it matters most.