Fire Safety Manager (FSM) Services

In Singapore, the appointment of a Fire Safety Manager (FSM) is a mandatory requirement by the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) for certain classes of buildings under the Fire Safety Act. This ensures that all designated premises maintain a high standard of fire safety and are always prepared for emergencies.

At Spiral Consult, we provide licensed and experienced Fire Safety Managers to support your business in meeting SCDF’s compliance requirements.

Why FSM is Complusory?

SCDF requires buildings of a certain size, occupancy load, or risk profile to have an appointed FSM. The FSM plays a critical role in:

• Ensuring compliance with the Fire Safety Act and SCDF regulations

• Developing and implementing the Emergency Response Plan (ERP)

• Conducting regular fire drills and evacuation exercises

• Coordinating maintenance of fire protection systems

• Training occupants on fire safety awareness and emergency response

• Liaising with SCDF during inspections and audits

Which Buildings Require an FSM?

All Public or Industrial Buildings which satisfy at least one of the following conditions, are required to appoint a fire safety manager:

1. A public building that —

• has 9 storeys or more (including any basement);

• has an occupant load of 1,000 persons or more; or

• has a floor area of 5,000 square metres or more, excluding any building specified in paragraph 3 of the Fire Safety (Fire Certificate — Designated Buildings) Notification 2020 (G.N. No. S [000] /2020).

2. An industrial building that —

• has an occupant load of 1,000 persons or more; or

• has a floor area or site area of 5,000 square metres or more.

3. A foreign employee dormitory that —

• has an occupant load of 1,000 persons or more; or

• has a floor area or site area of 5,000 square metres or more.

4. A hospital

Appointment Timeline

• New Premises: Appoint an FSM within 90 days of obtaining a Certificate of Statutory Completion (CSC) or Temporary Occupation Permit (TOP).

• Termination of FSM: Appoint a new FSM within 14 days if the current FSM's appointment is terminated.

Appointments and terminations can be processed through the e-Fire Safety Manager Portal.

Reference

For detailed information on FSM requirements and regulations, please refer to the following official sources:

• SCDF: Fire Safety Manager : https://www.scdf.gov.sg/fire-safety-services-listing/permits-and-certifications/fire-safety-manager?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Which Buildings Require a Senior Fire Safety Manager (SFSM)?

All Public or Industrial Buildings which satisfy any of the following conditions are required to appoint a Senior Fire Safety Manager:

a. That has an occupant load of 5,000 persons or more and

1. that is of 31 storeys or more (including any basement) in height;

2. that has a gross floor area of 50,000 square metres or more; or

3. that has a basement storey with a floor area of 10,000 square meters or more; or

b. in respect of which fire safety works are carried out according to a plan using an alternative solution the Commissioner may reasonably determine to be complex.

In such cases, it is mandatory to appoint a Senior Fire Safety Manager to oversee and ensure the implementation of appropriate fire safety measures.

Roles of Fire Safety Manager (FSM)

The role of Fire Safety Managers includes the following:

• Conduct monthly fire safety inspections and create reports with recommendations for remedial measures and areas for improvement.

• Create Emergency Response Teams (ERT), train ERT members, and implement plans.

• Provide basic fire safety training to employees/occupants, including the in-house fire defense team (annual fire drills/tabletop exercises).

• Conduct fire drills for the occupants of the premises at least twice in every calendar year or on such occasion as may be directed by the Commissioner.

• Conduct at least 2 Table-Top Exercises within the premises each year and to evaluate, together with the Fire Safety Committee, the effectiveness of the Arson Prevention Plan and the Emergency Response Plan for those premises.

• Obtain annual fire certification for the building and attend other fire safety-related regulatory/certification on behalf of organizations or agencies, such as MOM, SCDF, NEA, Insurance, and so on.

• Communicate with the Fire Safety Standards Division (FSSD) about all fire safety issues on the premises and create a yearly report for the FSSD on behalf of building owners/managers.

• Promote a fire safety awareness campaign for the building’s tenants.

• Any other responsibilities assigned by SCDF.

Frequently asked questions

Is FSM an onging or one-time service?

FSM is an ongoing routine service. We provide part time routine inspections, maintenance, and compliance checks are required to ensure fire safety systems remain effective and meet legal standards.

What are the qualifications required to become an FSM?

To become a Fire Safety Manager, individuals must be certified by the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF). This involves completing relevant fire safety training and registering through the e-FSM portal.

What Documents Are Needed When Porting Over to a New Fire Safety Service Provider?

• Fire Certificate (FC)

• Emergency Response Plan (ERP)

• Last Table-Top Exercise (TTX)

• CERT Briefing Record

• Monthly Fire Inspection Reports

• Fire Zone Chart

• Other Fire Safety Information