Oral Reply to Parliamentary Question on Safe Entry Implementation and Fire Safety Risks for Buildings, by Assoc Prof Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of National Development

Question:

Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song: To ask the Minister for Home Affairs whether the current practice of cordoning off most entrances and exits of buildings to facilitate Safe Entry and temperature screenings at a single entrance point presents a fire safety risk.

Answer:

1. The requirements in respect of the cordoning of entrances and exits of buildings as part of the COVID-19 safe management measures, aim to also not increase the fire safety risk. Building owners must continue to comply with fire safety requirements and ensure that the exits and entrances that are cordoned off must be readily accessible during emergencies. For example, the physical barriers that are used as cordons must be easily removable to allow evacuation in an emergency. Clear notices or signage must also be prominently placed to inform the public.

2. The Singapore Civil Defence Force has communicated the fire safety requirements to all buildings owners and will continue to conduct regular enforcement checks to ensure compliance.