Verifying the Functionality of Persons With Disabilities Holding Points

Question:

Ms Eileen Chong Pei Shan: To ask the Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs (a) whether Fire Certificate inspections include specific verification of PWD holding point functionality including communication systems and clear access; (b) how many com plaints have been received in the past five years regarding non-functional PWD holding points; and (c) whether SCDF audits include accessibility checks.

Answer:

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

1. Under the Singapore Civil Defence Force's (SCDF’s) Fire Certificate Scheme, building owners are required to appoint external parties to conduct annual inspections, which include verifying the functionality of communication devices and visual alarm system s at persons with disabilities (PWD) holding points.

2. The SCDF conducts audits to ensure the integrity of these inspections. Additionally, SCDF carries out routine enforcement checks to verify that building owners adhere to fire safety requirements. This involves ensuring that escape routes, including access to PWD holding points, remain unobstructed.

3. The SCDF has not received any complaints regarding non-functional PWD holding points in the last five years (2021 – 2025).