Fire Safety Act

Question 1

What are the common fire hazards in buildings?

Answer 1

• Obstruction of escape routes
• Poor maintenance of fire safety equipment
• Overcrowding.

Fire hazards can exist in many forms and significantly impact safety.

Question 2

Define Fire Hazard according to the Fire Safety Act.

Answer 2

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.

Question 3

What is an example of unauthorized alteration that could be a fire hazard?

Answer 3

Erection of walls that upset the original fire protection systems.

This can make escape in the event of fire more difficult.

Question 4

What constitutes overcrowding in public buildings?

Answer 4

Exceeding the permissible occupancy load.

This may render escape in the event of fire more difficult.

Question 5

What happens if a fire safety measure is removed from a building?

Answer 5

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.

Question 6

What is the consequence of poor maintenance of fire safety equipment?

Answer 6

It may lead to fire safety measures not being in efficient working order.

Example: lack of servicing of fire extinguishers.

Question 7

Name one obstruction that can hinder escape routes.

Answer 7

Stacking goods along common corridors.

Other examples include locking exit doors in occupied buildings.

Question 8

What is a Fire Hazard Abatement Notice (FHAN)?

Answer 8

A warning issued when a fire hazard has been committed.

Example: if the door closer of a fire door is not functioning properly.

Question 9

What is the penalty for not abating a fire hazard after a FHAN?

Answer 9

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.

Question 10

What defines a Fire Safety Offence (FSO)?

Answer 10

A serious fire safety contravention that warrants a heavier penalty.

Example: unauthorized works posing fire safety risks.

Question 11

What is the maximum penalty for general fire safety violations?

Answer 11

Up to $10,000 and/or jail term not exceeding 6 months.

Serious cases may lead to higher penalties.

Question 12

What is the maximum fine for carrying out unauthorized fire safety works?

Answer 12

$200,000 and/or jail term not exceeding 24 months.

Extreme cases may lead to temporary closure of the premises.

Question 13

What is the purpose of the Fire Safety Manager scheme?

Answer 13

• To enhance fire safety within buildings
• Promote fire safety awareness.

The scheme helps to maintain fire safety standards.

Question 14

When did it become mandatory to appoint Fire Safety Managers?

Answer 14

1993 & 1994

This applies to designated buildings.

Question 15

What types of buildings require a Fire Safety Manager?

Answer 15

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.

Question 16

What is the primary duty of a fire safety manager?

Answer 16

To assist the owner/occupier of premises with fire safety compliance & management.

Question 17

What must a fire safety manager ensure regarding the Emergency Response Plan?

Answer 17

That fire safety requirements contained in the Emergency Response Plan are complied with.

Question 18

What should a fire safety manager do if fire safety measures do not comply with legal requirements?

Answer 18

Inform the owner or occupier of the non-compliance and the need to rectify it.

Question 19

What must be recorded in writing by the fire safety manager?

Answer 19

Details of the non-compliance and how the owner or occupier was informed.

Question 20

If a temporary change of use is approved, what is the fire safety manager’s duty?

Answer 20

Ensure compliance with any fire-safety related conditions of the approval.

Question 21

What should a fire safety manager do if there is no valid fire certificate for a building?

Answer 21

Inform the owner or occupier that there is no valid fire certificate.

Question 22

What is one of the responsibilities of a fire safety manager regarding drills?

Answer 22

Conduct fire drills for occupants at least twice a year.

Question 23

How often must Table-Top Exercises be conducted?

Answer 23

At least two times each year.

Question 24

What is the purpose of the Arson Prevention Plan?

Answer 24

To prepare and implement strategies for preventing arson on the premises.

Question 25

What does a fire safety manager supervise regarding daily operations?

Answer 25

The maintenance of all fire safety works on the premises.

Question 26

What must a fire safety manager ensure about the occupancy load?

Answer 26

It does not exceed the capacity prescribed under the Fire Code.

Question 27

What should a fire safety manager do daily regarding fire hazards?

Answer 27

Conduct checks and remove any identified fire hazards.

Question 28

What is the role of a fire safety manager during an emergency?

Answer 28

Supervise the operation of the Fire Command Centre.

Question 29

What must occupants be familiar with according to fire safety training?

Answer 29

The means of escape located within the premises.

Question 30

What type of materials should be prepared for occupants?

Answer 30

Fire safety guidebooks.

Question 31

In training, what should the Company Emergency Response Team be prepared for?

Answer 31

First aid, firefighting, and evacuation during emergencies.

Question 32

What activities should be organized to maintain fire safety interest among occupants?

Answer 32

Campaigns, training courses, competitions, and contests.

Question 33

What must a fire safety manager do upon any fire incident?

Answer 33

Notify the Commissioner immediately.

Question 34

What does the Fire Certificate Scheme ensure?

Answer 34

- That fire safety systems & measures are - Properly maintained - In good working condition.

Question 35

Who certifies that fire protection systems are working before a Fire Certificate is issued?

Answer 35

A Professional Engineer.

Question 36

What is the renewal period for a Fire Certificate?

Answer 36

Yearly.

Question 37

True or False: No person may occupy a building without a valid Fire Certificate.

Answer 37

True.

Question 38

What is the role of a Qualified Person (QP) in fire protection plan design?

Answer 38

A QP, who can be a Registered Architect or a Professional Engineer, is engaged to design the fire protection plan.

Question 39

Who approves the fire protection plans?

Answer 39

Fire Safety and Shelter Department (FSSD)

Question 40

What must fire protection plans satisfy to be approved?

Answer 40

The latest Fire Safety Regulations.

Question 41

What is the purpose of engaging a Registered Inspector (RI)?

Answer 41

Ensure compliance with fire safety requirements.

Question 42

What does the RI issue if satisfied with the fire safety installation?

Answer 42

An inspection certificate.

Question 43

What is required for a building owner to apply for a Fire Safety Certificate (FSC)?

Answer 43

The inspection certificate issued by the RI.

Question 44

What does the Fire Safety Certificate (FSC) certify?

Answer 44

Fire safety installation is completed & compliant with Fire Safety Regulations.

Question 45

What is a Temporary Fire Permit (TFP)?

Answer 45

Allows occupancy of a building for a limited time while outstanding fire safety work is completed.

Question 46

How often must designated buildings be inspected after obtaining the FSC?

Answer 46

Yearly.

Question 47

What is the three-stage test for fire protection systems?

Answer 47

1. Activation of the fire alarm under simulated fire conditions. 2. Operation under secondary power supply by the standby generator. 3. Testing each individual fire protection system from rooftop to basement.

Question 48

What happens if fire safety defects are found during inspection?

Answer 48

The building owner must rectify the defects and arrange for a re-inspection.

Question 49

Fill in the blank: The _______ is required by the building owner to apply for the Fire Safety Certificate.

Answer 49

[inspection certificate]

Question 50

True or False: A Fire Safety Certificate can be issued multiple times during the life of a building.

Answer 50

False.

Question 51

What is the duty of the RI regarding irregularities in fire safety requirements?

Answer 51

To inform the FSSD of any irregularities or non-compliance.

Question 52

What happens after all outstanding works are completed post-issuance of a TFP?

Answer 52

A Fire Safety Certificate (FSC) is issued.

Question 53

Stage 1 of Inspection and Testing Procedure before Issuing a Fire Certificate

Answer 53

1. Inform Fire Alarm Decentralised Monitoring Company (DECAM) of pending test 2. Ensure all building services, mechanical ventilation systems & lighting systems are operating under normal condition 3. Activate Fire Alarm System 4. Check items and obsevations

Question 54

Things to check in Stage 1 of Inspection and Testing Procedure before Issuing a Fire Certificate

Answer 54

* Fire Alarm bell sounds * Detector signal received at Sub-alarm panel, Main Alarm Panel and transmitted to DECAM

Question 55

Observations to make at Stage 1 of Inspection and Testing Procedure before Issuing a Fire Certificate

Answer 55

* 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

Question 56

Stage 2 of Inspection and Testing Procedure before Issuing a Fire Certificate

Answer 56

1. Reset to Normal systems which were tested in Stage 1 such as Fire Alarm System, Lifts, Main Sliding Doors and others 2. By-pass alarm signal to Lifts 3. Activate all Fire Pumps for hose reel system, automatic fire sprinkler system and wet rising mains 4. Activate Fire Alarm System 5. 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 6. Once building is running on secondary power from building’s standby generator, check observations

Question 57

Observers to check for Stage 2 of Inspection and Testing Procedure before Issuing a Fire Certificate

Answer 57

- 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

Question 58

Stage 3 of Inspection and Testing Procedure before Issuing a Fire Certificate

Answer 58

1. Restore Normal Mains Power Supply 2. Reset all systems such as Fire Alarm, Lifts and Fans 3. By-pass Lifts and Fans 4. Checks & Tests

Question 59

Checks for Stage 3 of Inspection and Testing Procedure before Issuing a Fire Certificate

Answer 59

* Fire Alarm Main Panel operates * Exit signs, emergency lightings operate

Question 60

Tests for Stage 3 of Inspection and Testing Procedure before Issuing a Fire Certificate

Answer 60

* Detectors * Manual call points * Smoke cut-off switch in AHUs * Fire pumps * Sprinkler control valves * Staircase air pressurization systems * Private fire hydrant

Question 62

Where must the Fire Command Centre (FCC) be located?

Answer 62

At the same level as the fire engine access way or access road.

Question 63

What is the minimum fire resistance requirement for the walls of the FCC?

Answer 63

Minimum of 2-hour fire resistance.

Question 64

What is the minimum size requirement for the Fire Command Centre?

Answer 64

At least 6m².

Question 65

What type of emergency power must the FCC have?

Answer 65

Stand-by generator for lighting and ventilation.

Question 66

What must the mechanical ventilation system in the FCC be independent from?

Answer 66

Any other systems serving other parts of the building.

Question 67

What is the purpose of having a Fire Command Centre protected with fire-resistant walls?

Answer 67

To prevent compartment collapse.

Question 68

Name a facility provided in the FCC for control during an emergency.

Answer 68

Control console of one-way and two-way voice communication systems.

Question 69

What does the Main Alarm Panel in the FCC include?

Answer 69

Fire alarm sounding device and Automatic Fire Sprinkler Indicator Board.

Question 70

What monitoring system must be provided in the FCC?

Answer 70

Lift monitoring system for monitoring floor location, direction of travel, and status.

Question 71

What type of board indicates the status of air-handling systems in the FCC?

Answer 71

Status indicator board.

Question 72

What must be connected directly to the external exchange in the FCC?

Answer 72

Telephone line.

Question 73

What switch is included in the FCC for managing background noise?

Answer 73

Switch to isolate background music.

Question 74

The FCC must provide illumination, outdoor air, and power to systems despite _______.

Answer 74

[mains power failure].