SINGAPORE CIVIL DEFENCE FORCE

Date: 28 August 2020 Our Ref: SCDF/FSD/06/20

Dear Sir/Madam,

INCLUSION OF ADDITIONAL FIRE SAFETY MANAGEMENT MEASURES IN THE

EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN (ERP), PURSUANT TO REGULATION 4(A) OF THE FIRE
SAFETY (EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN) REGULATIONS

In view of the ongoing COVID-19 safe management measures in buildings, SCDF had
informed building owners and Fire Safety Managers to implement additional fire safety management
measures that will ensure a quick and safe evacuation during a fire emergency1.

2. Additional guidelines herein are for the preparation of the Emergency Response Plan (“ERP”)
and issued by the Commissioner Singapore Civil Defence Force, pursuant to regulation 4(a) of the Fire
Safety (Emergency Response Plan) Regulations2 (“Regulations”).

Additional fire safety management measures to be included in the ERP

3. SCDF takes a serious view on fire safety in buildings to ensure the safety of all occupants in
the event of an emergency. SCDF requires the owner or occupier to include the following fire safety
management measures in the ERP under a new sub-heading entitled “Fire safety management measures
during COVID-19” as a record of actions taken during the COVID-19 period.

1
SCDF had circulated four emails dated 30 March 2020, 18 May 2020, 12 June 2020 and 3 August 2020.
2
Powers of Commissioner
4. The Commissioner may from time to time –
(a) issue guidelines prescribing the contents of an Emergency Response Plan for designated premises

SCDF – A member of the Home Team

HQ SINGAPORE CIVIL DEFENCE FORCE, 91 UBI AVENUE 4, SINGAPORE 408827
TEL: 6848 1449 EMAIL: Neo_Jin_Xiang@scdf.gov.sg
 a. No locking or chaining up of exits
The locking of exits is not permissible at all times as it constitutes a fire hazard and will
compromise the means of escape for the occupants. If physical barriers are used as part of
COVID-19 safe management measures to prevent access to the entry/exit points, these must be
easily removable to facilitate evacuation in an emergency.

b. Placement of signage
Notices or signage should be placed prominently at the exits to inform members of public that
the barriers can be removed and exits can be used readily for evacuation during emergency. As
a guide, the following template message can be printed and placed at the emergency exits – “In
the event of an emergency, please remove this barrier and use this exit for evacuation.”

c. Public Announcement (PA) message

In a fire emergency, SCDF requires a PA message to be made via the emergency voice
communication (EVC) system informing members of public that all exits can be used for
evacuation. This message can be made live or pre-recorded. When any message is announced,
the alarm bell shall not be sounded or ringing at the same time to ensure that the message can
be heard clearly.

4. For the avoidance of doubt, the abovementioned fire safety management measures are to be
included in addition to the existing contents of the ERP.

Effective Date

5. This notice will take effect immediately.

Enforcement measures

6. SCDF will be stepping up enforcement checks in buildings to ensure compliance to the

abovementioned measures.

SCDF – A member of the Home Team

HQ SINGAPORE CIVIL DEFENCE FORCE, 91 UBI AVENUE 4, SINGAPORE 408827
7. Any contravention of this Notice is an offence pursuant to regulation 5 of the Regulations3 and
the penalty is a fine not exceeding $10,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or to
both.

8. Thank you for your full cooperation in this effort to ensure the safety of occupants. For any
enquiries, please contact MAJ Neo Jin Xiang at Neo_Jin_Xiang@scdf.gov.sg or LTC Winson Cheung
at Cheung_Yuen_Fatt@scdf.gov.sg.

Yours Sincerely

MAJ Neo Jin Xiang

Fire Safety Department | Fire Safety Management Branch
for Commissioner
Singapore Civil Defence Force

3
Penalty
5. Any person who contravenes any provision of these Regulations shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable
on conviction to a fine not exceeding $10,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or to both.

SCDF – A member of the Home Team

HQ SINGAPORE CIVIL DEFENCE FORCE, 91 UBI AVENUE 4, SINGAPORE 408827