Singapore Fire Safety Requirements
Authorities, project roles, evidence and questions to establish before selecting equipment.
- Confirm the building use, project type and whether SCDF plan approval is required before buying equipment.
- Use the current SCDF Fire Code and applicable Singapore Standards.
- For regulated products, verify that the exact model has a valid Certificate of Conformity.
Confirm SCDF Plan Approval Before Work Begins
In Singapore, plans for fire safety works are generally prepared and submitted to the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) by a Qualified Person on behalf of the owner. The design must follow the current Fire Code and the standards it references.
Ask the Qualified Person to confirm the submission requirements before equipment is ordered or installation starts.
Check SCDF Product Listings and Certificates of Conformity
SCDF regulates specified fire safety products through its Product Listing Scheme. Certification bodies accredited by the Singapore Accreditation Council issue Certificates of Conformity (CoCs) for products that meet the required testing and certification rules.
The installed brand, model and approved variant must match a valid CoC. Where required, keep the product’s serial label or Declaration of Compliance with the project records.
- Check the CoC in the certification body’s product directory
- Match the brand, model and approved variants exactly
- Keep serial-label or Declaration of Compliance records
- Include certificates and product records in the inspection and handover files
Plan SCDF Inspections, System Testing and Maintenance
Agree the installation inspections, integrated testing and maintenance requirements before work begins. Fire alarms, smoke control, lifts, doors and suppression systems may need to be tested together so that every required response can be witnessed.
Use the current Fire Code and SCDF circulars, and prepare the Registered Inspector records needed for a Temporary Fire Permit or Fire Safety Certificate where applicable.
Singapore Fire Safety Project Checklist
Confirm the purpose group, change of use, new works or additions and alterations.
Appoint the owner’s Qualified Person and the contractors needed for design, installation and testing.
Identify the applicable Fire Code clauses, Singapore Standards, drawings and calculations for submission.
Verify the exact product model against a valid CoC and keep the required serial label or Declaration of Compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who submits fire safety plans to SCDF?
A Qualified Person, who is a registered architect or professional engineer in the relevant discipline, normally prepares and submits the plans for the owner. Before equipment is ordered, the Qualified Person should confirm whether SCDF plan approval or the Minor Addition and Alteration process applies. Alarm Supply can help prepare product schedules, certificates and technical documents for the submission. Contact us to discuss your project.
Do I need a Fire Safety Certificate before using the building?
Some designated buildings require a valid Fire Safety Certificate. The owner should confirm whether the building is designated and plan the required testing and renewal work.
Is an LPCB or UL certificate enough for Singapore?
Not by itself. If SCDF regulates the product, the exact model must meet the Product Listing Scheme requirements and have a valid Certificate of Conformity from a recognised certification body.
Can I install a different model from the one on the approved plans?
Do not substitute it without review. The Qualified Person should confirm that the exact model, system compatibility, certificate and approved drawings remain acceptable.
What should be ready for the completion inspection?
Keep the approved plans, product certificates, test results, declarations and records for the installed fire alarm, suppression and interface systems.
Who checks the completed fire safety works?
A Registered Inspector may be required to inspect the completed works before the application for a Fire Safety Certificate or Temporary Fire Permit.
Official references
Information is based on reviewed sources and our experience at the date shown. Use it at your own risk and verify current codes, certificates and project conditions. Report an issue or suggest a correction.