Fire safety requirements, protocols and enforcement measures for hawker centres and food establishments

Question:

Ms Valerie Lee: To ask the Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs (a) whether hawker centres and multi-unit food establishments are required to conduct fire drills and fire safety education; and (b) if so, what are the current protocols, frequency requirements, and enforcement measures to ensure preparedness among stallholders and staff.

Answer:

Mr K Shanmugam, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs:

1. As part of its community outreach programmes, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) partners the National Environment Agency and the National Fire and Emergency Preparedness Council to regularly engage and educate stallholders in food establishments on how to prevent and respond to fire emergencies.

2. In addition, under the Fire Safety Act, public buildings with an occupant load exceeding 200 persons, including hawker centres, must establish an emergency response plan and conduct evacuation drills at least once per year.

3. The use of liquefied petroleum gas for cooking, cleaning requirements for kitchen exhaust ducts in eating establishments, as well as fire safety provisions such as hose reels, fire extinguishers, and adequate means of escape are regulated under the Fire Code. As part of its enforcement efforts, the SCDF inspects hawker centres through scheduled visits and unannounced inspections in response to public feedback. Premise owners or occupiers in breach of fire safety requirements, such as the non-maintenance of kitchen exhaust duct, may be liable to fines up to $10,000 and/or imprisonment for up to six months.