SCDF enforcement blitz uncovers fire safety violations at Harbourfront clubs and malls

SINGAPORE - Toy boxes stacked so high that they block water sprinklers; mops and pails piled on top of a fire hose reel; a carpark space being converted into a workers' resting place - these were but some of the fire hazards uncovered during an enforcement blitz the Singapore Civil Defence Force carried out in the Harbourfront area on Friday night.

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Full list of Fire Hazard Abatement Notices (FHANs) and Notices of Fire Safety Offence (NFSOs) handed out:

VivoCity

FHAN Issued (Y/N) and Remarks

Obstruction to fire safety measures:

1) Obstruction to emergency exit.(Toys'R Us )

2) Obstruction to the sprinkler system. (Toys'R Us )

NFSO (Y/N) and Remarks

Illegal Change of Use

3) Air Handling Unit area in B1 Carpark was changed to a maintenance office and a worker resting area. (Carpark, Basement 1)

4) Open area in carpark changed to a storage area. (Carpark, Basement 1)

5) Carpark area in B2 changed to storage area. (Carpark Basement 2)

Harbourfront Centre

FHAN Issued (Y/N) and Remarks

1) Fire safety measures (Exit light) not in efficient working order (Level 2 lobby C)

2) Obstruction to firefighting hosereel. (Level 2)

3) Multiple emergency lights not in efficient working order (Level 2)

Toxic @ St James Power Station

FHAN Issued (Y/N) and Remarks

Obstruction to fire safety measures:

1) Obstruction to firefighting hosereel. (2nd floor area)

2) Obstruction to escape routes and exit door. (2nd floor)

3) Obstruction to escape routes and exit door locked (1st floor)

Gossip @ St James Power Station

NFSO (Y/N) and Remarks

Commence/carry out fire safety works without approval of plans.

- Erecting a dressing room without plans approval from SCDF

Neverland 2 @ St James Power Station

FHAN Issued (Y/N) and Remarks

Obstruction to fire safety measures:

1) Emergency lights not in efficient working order. (near storage room)

2) Obstruction to the sprinkler system. (near main seating area)

3) Removal of fire safety measures (fire extinguisher) that is required in accordance with the approved plans by SCDF. (near liquor store)

Under the Fire Safety Act, a Fire Hazard Abatement Notice (FHAN) serves as a warning. When the hazard is not abated, a Notice of Composition (NOC) of up to $5000 would be issued.

A Notice of Fire Safety Offence (NFSO) instead of a FHAN is issued when the contravention is of a serious nature and warrants a heavier penalty, for example unauthorized fire safety works carried out. It carries with it a composition fine of up to $5000.

The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said it regularly conducts fire safety enforcement checks to enhance the fire safety standards in Singapore and to promote fire safety awareness amongst members of public.

In the first 11 months of the year, SCDF has conducted more than 600 enforcement checks at hotels, shopping centres and public entertainment outlets.

During this festive season, SCDF said it will be stepping up its inspections at commercial premises to check on fire safety violations.

"SCDF takes a serious view against offenders flouting fire safety requirements. Under the Fire Safety Act, violators may be subjected to a fine not exceeding $10,000 or sentenced to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months, or both. Major offences like commencement of fire safety works without plan approval carries a fine of up to $200,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 24 months, or both. For first time offenders, they may be served with the Fire Hazard Abatement Notices (FHAN) or Notice of Fire Safety Offence (NFSO) depending on the type and severity of the violations," SCDF said in a media statement.

In view of the upcoming festive season, SCDF reminded owners and management of public buildings and places of recreation/entertainment to ensure compliance to all fire safety requirements.

Escape passageways should be free of obstruction and fire exit doors should be kept accessible for use during emergencies.

Overcrowding in public premises especially in entertainment outlets, such as discotheques and pubs, should be avoided as it may impede safe evacuation in the event of fire.

SCDF urged members of the public to report fire hazards to the authorities if they spot them.

You can do so by calling the fire hazard reporting line at 1800-280-0000, or emailing SCDF_Fire_Safety_Feedback@scdf.gov.sg.

In addition to these reporting channels, mySCDF application for smartphones is also available for download on Apple and Android App stores.

Those who wish to report fire hazards should submit photos and a brief description of the hazards to the SCDF via the mySCDF application.

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