Fire Safety Act Flashcards
What are the common fire hazards in buildings?
- Obstruction of escape routes
- Poor maintenance of fire safety equipment
- Overcrowding.
Fire hazards can exist in many forms and significantly impact safety.
Define Fire Hazard according to the Fire Safety Act.
Any matter or circumstance which materially increases the likelihood of fire or danger to life or property resulting from fire.
This includes unauthorized alterations, overcrowding, removal of fire safety measures, lack of maintenance, obstruction of escape routes, and other hindrances.
What is an example of unauthorized alteration that could be a fire hazard?
Erection of walls that upset the original fire protection systems.
This can make escape in the event of fire more difficult.
What constitutes overcrowding in public buildings?
Exceeding the permissible occupancy load.
This may render escape in the event of fire more difficult.
What happens if a fire safety measure is removed from a building?
It can increase fire hazard risk if the measure was approved by the Commissioner.
Example: replacing a fire-rated door with a non-fire-rated door.
What is the consequence of poor maintenance of fire safety equipment?
It may lead to fire safety measures not being in efficient working order.
Example: lack of servicing of fire extinguishers.
Name one obstruction that can hinder escape routes.
Stacking goods along common corridors.
Other examples include locking exit doors in occupied buildings.
What is a Fire Hazard Abatement Notice (FHAN)?
A warning issued when a fire hazard has been committed.
Example: if the door closer of a fire door is not functioning properly.
What is the penalty for not abating a fire hazard after a FHAN?
A Notice of Offence with a composition fine of $300 to $500, up to $5,000 in serious cases.
Court action may also be taken.
What defines a Fire Safety Offence (FSO)?
A serious fire safety contravention that warrants a heavier penalty.
Example: unauthorized works posing fire safety risks.
What is the maximum penalty for general fire safety violations?
Up to $10,000 and/or jail term not exceeding 6 months.
Serious cases may lead to higher penalties.
What is the maximum fine for carrying out unauthorized fire safety works?
$200,000 and/or jail term not exceeding 24 months.
Extreme cases may lead to temporary closure of the premises.
What is the purpose of the Fire Safety Manager scheme?
- To enhance fire safety within buildings
- Promote fire safety awareness.
The scheme helps to maintain fire safety standards.
When did it become mandatory to appoint Fire Safety Managers?
1993 & 1994
This applies to designated buildings.
What types of buildings require a Fire Safety Manager?
Public or industrial buildings with:
* 9 storeys or more
* occupant load of 1,000 or more
* floor area of 5,000 square metres or more.
This includes foreign employee dormitories and hospitals.
What is the primary duty of a fire safety manager?
To assist the owner/occupier of premises with fire safety compliance & management.
What must a fire safety manager ensure regarding the Emergency Response Plan?
That fire safety requirements contained in the Emergency Response Plan are complied with.
What should a fire safety manager do if fire safety measures do not comply with legal requirements?
Inform the owner or occupier of the non-compliance and the need to rectify it.
What must be recorded in writing by the fire safety manager?
Details of the non-compliance and how the owner or occupier was informed.
If a temporary change of use is approved, what is the fire safety manager’s duty?
Ensure compliance with any fire-safety related conditions of the approval.
What should a fire safety manager do if there is no valid fire certificate for a building?
Inform the owner or occupier that there is no valid fire certificate.
What is one of the responsibilities of a fire safety manager regarding drills?
Conduct fire drills for occupants at least twice a year.
How often must Table-Top Exercises be conducted?
At least two times each year.
What is the purpose of the Arson Prevention Plan?
To prepare and implement strategies for preventing arson on the premises.
What does a fire safety manager supervise regarding daily operations?
The maintenance of all fire safety works on the premises.
What must a fire safety manager ensure about the occupancy load?
It does not exceed the capacity prescribed under the Fire Code.
What should a fire safety manager do daily regarding fire hazards?
Conduct checks and remove any identified fire hazards.
What is the role of a fire safety manager during an emergency?
Supervise the operation of the Fire Command Centre.
What must occupants be familiar with according to fire safety training?
The means of escape located within the premises.
What type of materials should be prepared for occupants?
Fire safety guidebooks.
In training, what should the Company Emergency Response Team be prepared for?
First aid, firefighting, and evacuation during emergencies.
What activities should be organized to maintain fire safety interest among occupants?
Campaigns, training courses, competitions, and contests.
What must a fire safety manager do upon any fire incident?
Notify the Commissioner immediately.
What does the Fire Certificate Scheme ensure?
- That fire safety systems & measures are
- Properly maintained
- In good working condition.
Who certifies that fire protection systems are working before a Fire Certificate is issued?
A Professional Engineer.
What is the renewal period for a Fire Certificate?
Yearly.
True or False: No person may occupy a building without a valid Fire Certificate.
True.
What is the role of a Qualified Person (QP) in fire protection plan design?
A QP, who can be a Registered Architect or a Professional Engineer, is engaged to design the fire protection plan.
Who approves the fire protection plans?
Fire Safety and Shelter Department (FSSD)
What must fire protection plans satisfy to be approved?
The latest Fire Safety Regulations.
What is the purpose of engaging a Registered Inspector (RI)?
Ensure compliance with fire safety requirements.
What does the RI issue if satisfied with the fire safety installation?
An inspection certificate.
What is required for a building owner to apply for a Fire Safety Certificate (FSC)?
The inspection certificate issued by the RI.
What does the Fire Safety Certificate (FSC) certify?
Fire safety installation is completed & compliant with Fire Safety Regulations.
What is a Temporary Fire Permit (TFP)?
Allows occupancy of a building for a limited time while outstanding fire safety work is completed.
How often must designated buildings be inspected after obtaining the FSC?
Yearly.
What is the three-stage test for fire protection systems?
- Activation of the fire alarm under simulated fire conditions.
- Operation under secondary power supply by the standby generator.
- Testing each individual fire protection system from rooftop to basement.
What happens if fire safety defects are found during inspection?
The building owner must rectify the defects and arrange for a re-inspection.
Fill in the blank: The _______ is required by the building owner to apply for the Fire Safety Certificate.
[inspection certificate]
True or False: A Fire Safety Certificate can be issued multiple times during the life of a building.
False.
What is the duty of the RI regarding irregularities in fire safety requirements?
To inform the FSSD of any irregularities or non-compliance.
What happens after all outstanding works are completed post-issuance of a TFP?
A Fire Safety Certificate (FSC) is issued.
Stage 1 of Inspection and Testing Procedure before Issuing a Fire Certificate
- Inform Fire Alarm Decentralised Monitoring Company (DECAM) of pending test
- Ensure all building services, mechanical ventilation systems & lighting systems are operating under normal condition
- Activate Fire Alarm System
- Check items and obsevations
Things to check in Stage 1 of Inspection and Testing Procedure before Issuing a Fire Certificate
- Fire Alarm bell sounds
- Detector signal received at Sub-alarm panel, Main Alarm Panel
and transmitted to DECAM
Observations to make at Stage 1 of Inspection and Testing Procedure before Issuing a Fire Certificate
- Lifts home to designated floors
- Automatic exit sliding doors open & stay open
- Magnetic devices release for open doors to close
- Smoke curtains lower, fire curtains close
- Smoke pressurisation fans activate, smoke vents open
- Smoke purging fans activate for basement carpark
Stage 2 of Inspection and Testing Procedure before Issuing a Fire Certificate
- Reset to Normal systems which were tested in Stage 1 such as Fire Alarm System, Lifts, Main Sliding Doors and others
- By-pass alarm signal to Lifts
- Activate all Fire Pumps for hose reel system, automatic fire sprinkler system and wet rising mains
- Activate Fire Alarm System
- Trip Normal Mains Power Supply and witness that Stand-by
Generator takes over smoothly to provide Power Supply
And does not trip during entire duration of test - Once building is running on secondary power from building’s standby generator, check observations
Observers to check for Stage 2 of Inspection and Testing Procedure before Issuing a Fire Certificate
- Lifts home to designated floors
- Automatic exit sliding doors open and stay open.
- Magnetic devices to release for open doors to close
- Smoke curtains lower, fire curtains close
- Smoke pressurisation fans activate, smoke vents open
- Smoke purging fans activate for basement carparks
Stage 3 of Inspection and Testing Procedure before Issuing a Fire Certificate
- Restore Normal Mains Power Supply
- Reset all systems such as Fire Alarm, Lifts and Fans
- By-pass Lifts and Fans
- Checks & Tests
Checks for Stage 3 of Inspection and Testing Procedure before Issuing a Fire Certificate
- Fire Alarm Main Panel operates
- Exit signs, emergency lightings operate
Tests for Stage 3 of Inspection and Testing Procedure before Issuing a Fire Certificate
- Detectors
- Manual call points
- Smoke cut-off switch in AHUs
- Fire pumps
- Sprinkler control valves
- Staircase air pressurization systems
- Private fire hydrant
Where must the Fire Command Centre (FCC) be located?
At the same level as the fire engine access way or access road.
What is the minimum fire resistance requirement for the walls of the FCC?
Minimum of 2-hour fire resistance.
What is the minimum size requirement for the Fire Command Centre?
At least 6m².
What type of emergency power must the FCC have?
Stand-by generator for lighting and ventilation.
What must the mechanical ventilation system in the FCC be independent from?
Any other systems serving other parts of the building.
What is the purpose of having a Fire Command Centre protected with fire-resistant walls?
To prevent compartment collapse.
Name a facility provided in the FCC for control during an emergency.
Control console of one-way and two-way voice communication systems.
What does the Main Alarm Panel in the FCC include?
Fire alarm sounding device and Automatic Fire Sprinkler Indicator Board.
What monitoring system must be provided in the FCC?
Lift monitoring system for monitoring floor location, direction of travel, and status.
What type of board indicates the status of air-handling systems in the FCC?
Status indicator board.
What must be connected directly to the external exchange in the FCC?
Telephone line.
What switch is included in the FCC for managing background noise?
Switch to isolate background music.
The FCC must provide illumination, outdoor air, and power to systems despite _______.
[mains power failure].
