What is a Fire Safety Certificate (FSC)?
A Fire Safety Certificate (FSC) is a mandatory statutory approval required before a business can occupy or operate from a new or renovated premises. It certifies that the premises complies with the latest fire safety requirements stipulated by the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF).
Prior to occupation, the owner or occupier must ensure that all required fire protection and fire safety systems—such as fire alarm systems, fire extinguishers, hose reels, emergency exit signage, and exit lighting—are properly designed and installed in accordance with the approved use and classification of the premises.
To obtain an FSC, the owner must appoint a Qualified Person (QP) to design the required fire safety systems in compliance with the prevailing Fire Code. A competent and licensed fire safety contractor will then carry out the installation works based on the approved design. Upon completion, a Registered Inspector (RI) will conduct a site inspection to verify that all fire safety works have been installed correctly and are fully functional. Following a successful inspection, the QP will proceed with the Fire Safety & Shelter Department (FSSD) submission to SCDF to obtain the FSC.
Operating a business without a valid Fire Safety Certificate, where one is required, is an offence under the Fire Safety Act.
What is the difference between Building Plan (BP) and Fire Protection (FP) Plan submissions?
Both Building Plan (BP) and Fire Protection (FP) submissions must be prepared and submitted by a Qualified Person (QP) to SCDF’s FSSD.
Building Plan (BP) submission generally applies to premises that require basic fire safety provisions, such as:
- Manual fire alarm systems (call points and alarm bells)
- Fire extinguishers
- Hose reels
- Exit and emergency lighting
Smaller premises, including many shophouses and low-risk commercial units, typically only require BP submission to obtain an FSC.
Fire Protection (FP) submission is required when more complex fire protection systems are involved, such as:
- Automatic fire detection systems (smoke or heat detectors)
- Sprinkler system installations, relocations, or additions
- Other engineered fire protection measures
Units located within industrial buildings, factories, and shopping centres commonly require both BP and FP submissions as part of the FSC approval process.
Special consideration for F&B premises
Food & Beverage (F&B) establishments often require additional submissions due to the presence of commercial kitchens and exhaust systems. Depending on the QP’s assessment, Mechanical & Ventilation (MV) plan submission may also be required, as exhaust ducts and grease accumulation pose potential fire risks and may need enhanced fire protection measures.
In such cases, an F&B operator may be required to submit:
- Building Plan (BP)
- Fire Protection Plan (FP)
- Mechanical & Ventilation (MV) Plan
All three submissions must be approved before an FSC can be issued.
How long does it take to obtain an FSC?
The typical timeframe to obtain a Fire Safety Certificate is approximately 4 to 8 weeks from the commencement of the project, upon receipt of the Letter of Authorisation (LOA) appointing the QP for FSSD submission.
The actual duration may vary depending on:
- The complexity of the fire safety works
- The project completion schedule
- Availability and outcome of the Registered Inspector (RI) inspection
For the submission process, we will also require the latest AutoCAD drawings of your premises.
Our FSSD Submission Services
We provide end-to-end assistance for FSC and FSSD submissions, including coordination with QPs, fire safety contractors, and Registered Inspectors, to ensure a smooth and compliant approval process with SCDF.
If you have any questions regarding FSSD submissions or the process of obtaining a Fire Safety Certificate, feel free to contact us at mak@fireadysg.com or call 9655 0256.