SINGAPORE CIVIL DEFENCE FORCE

Your Ref : Our Ref: CD/04/05/01/01

Date : 2 Sep 2024

Registrar, Board of Architects

Registrar, Professional Engineers Board
President, Singapore Institute of Architects
President, Institution of Engineers, Singapore
President, Association of Consulting Engineers, Singapore

Dear Sir/ Mdm,

AMENDMENTS TO FIRE CODE 2023 – 2nd BATCH OF AMENDMENTS

SCDF would like to issue the 2nd batch of amendments to the Code of Practice for Fire
Precautions in Buildings 2023 (Fire Code 2023). The amendments which were deliberated and
accepted by the Fire Code Review Committee are attached as Annexes A & B of this circular.

2. Amendments stipulated in Annexes A & B shall take effect from the date specified
therein. Qualified Persons who wish to comply with the requirements in this Circular for any
proposed plans of fire safety works for new buildings or existing buildings to be submitted
during the 6-month grace period (i.e. 2 Sep 2024 to 1 Mar 2025) can do so and are not required
to apply for waivers. Such plans that are submitted to SCDF for approval on or after the
effective date shall be subjected to the amendments made to the Fire Code.

3. Please convey the contents of this circular to members of your Board/ Institution/
Association. This circular is also available in CORENET’s e-Info:
http://www.corenet.gov.sg/einfo.

SCDF – A member of the Home Team

HQ SINGAPORE CIVIL DEFENCE FORCE, 91 UBI AVENUE 4, SINGAPORE 408827
TEL: 68481457 FAX: EMAIL: TAN_Chung_Yee@@scdf.gov.sg

Page 1 of 2
4. For general queries, you may contact Mr Randy Tan at DID: 68481461 or Mr Tan Yi
Yang at DID: 68481734. However, for specific queries relating to edits for:

a. regulated shelter products, please contact MAJ Rendall Quek at 68481444, or

email: Rendall_Quek@scdf.gov.sg.

b. regulated fire safety products & materials, please contact CPT Muhammad
Haziq Bin Mohd Raziff at 68483188, or email: SCDF_PLS@scdf.gov.sg.

c. battery swap station installation, please contact CPT Alvin Ong at 68481466, or
email: Alvin_Ong@scdf.gov.sg.

d. basement energy storage system installation, please contact CPT Shin Won Tae
at 68481494, email: Shin_Won_Tae@scdf.gov.sg, or CPT Amin at 68483236,
email: Muhammad_Amin_Isa@scdf.gov.sg.

e. healthcare occupancy above 120m in habitable height, please contact CPT Shin
Won Tae at 68481494, or email: Shin_Won_Tae@scdf.gov.sg.

Yours faithfully

(transmitted via email)

LTC Tan Chung Yee

for Commissioner
Singapore Civil Defence Force

Distribution list

CEO, BCA
CEO, URA
CEO, HDB
CEO, JTC
CE, LTA
CE, Enterprise Singapore
President, REDAS
President, IFE
President, SISV
President, FSMAS
President, SCAL
Honorary Secretary, SPM
Manager (Fire Safety & Building Control Unit), DSTA
SCDF Fire Safety Standing Committee
Fire Code Review Committee

Page 2 of 2
 Annex A

Amendment Effective
S/N Clause Status Clause Before Amendment Clause After Amendment
Date Date
1 2 Sep 2024 2 Mar 2025 Revised 2.2.6f. Where permitted under Cl.2.3.3 for exit 2.2.6f. Where permitted under Cl.2.3.3 for exit
staircases to be entered without the staircases not required to be protected with
provision of an exit door, the travel fire-rated enclosures or to be entered
distance shall be measured to a position without the provision of an exit door, the
where the exit door would be installed if travel distance shall be measured to the exit
otherwise required. doors at ground level or measured to a
position where the exit door would be
installed if otherwise required,
respectively.

2 2 Sep 2024 2 Mar 2025 Revised 3.6.1 Requirements of separating walls 3.6.1 Requirements of separating walls

a. Every separating wall shall: a. Every separating wall shall:

(1) form a complete barrier in the same (1) form a complete barrier in the same
continuous vertical plane through the continuous vertical plane through the
full height between the buildings it full height between the buildings it
separates, including roofs, and separates, including roofs, and
basements and shall be without basements, air-con ledges and
openings, except where permitted balconies, and shall be without
under Cl.3.6.2; openings, except where permitted
under Cl.3.6.2;
(2) ………
(2) ………

3 2 Sep 2024 2 Mar 2025 Revised 3.6.1b. Exception 3.6.1b. Exception

Cl.3.6.1a.(1) need not be applied to wall (1) Cl.3.6.1a.(1) need not be applied
between car porches of PG I buildings or shall not apply to wall between car
wall between canopies over private porches of PG I buildings or wall
enclosed spaces located on the grade level between canopies over private
of PG II buildings. This exception shall enclosed spaces located on the grade

1
 Annex A

not apply if the unprotected opening of level of PG II buildings. This

the car porches/ canopies fails to comply exception shall not apply if the
with the setback distance requirements unprotected opening of the car
from the other lot boundary. porches/ canopies fails to comply
with the setback distance
requirements from the other lot
boundary.

(2) Cl.3.6.1a.(1) shall not apply to any

sun screen or ledge that protrude
from edge of the floor level.

4 2 Sep 2024 2 Mar 2025 Relaxation/ 3.8.7 Protected shaft containing exit staircase. 3.8.7 Protected shaft containing exit staircase
Revised
a. A protected shaft which contains an exit a. A protected shaft which contains an exit
staircase shall not contain any services staircase shall not contain any services e.g.,
e.g., pipes, cables, ducts, etc., that are not pipes, cables, ducts, etc., that are not solely
solely serving the same exit staircase serving the same exit staircase (even if the
(even if the services are protected with services are protected with fire-rated dry
fire-rated dry construction), except for: construction), except for:

(1) cut-off sprinkler and pipe for that (1) cut-off sprinkler and pipe for that staircase;
staircase;
(2) UPVC or cast iron rain water downpipes
(2) UPVC or cast-iron rainwater serving the roof directly above the exit
downpipes serving the roof directly staircase, and not routed through anywhere
above the exit staircase, and not routed outside the staircase;
through anywhere outside the
staircase; (3) rising mains; and

(3) rising mains; and (4) metal water supply pipe and water tap not
exceeding 50mm in nominal diameter; and
(4) metal water supply pipe and water tap
not exceeding 50mm in diameter. (5) access control systems (comprising facial
recognition camera, manual override

2
 Annex A

mechanism, CCTV, etc.) installed inside

naturally ventilated exit staircase for the
exit door to allow restricted access to the
roof level shall comply with all of the
following:

(a) Cables shall be housed in metal

conduits.

(b) Electrical components installation in

accordance with SS 638.

5 2 Sep 2024 2 Mar 2025 Relaxation/ 3.9.7 Services running inside and/ or passing 3.9.7 Services running inside and/ or passing
Revised through fire lift lobby and smoke-free lobby through fire lift lobby and smoke-free lobby

a. Air ducts, sanitary pipes, gas pipes, electrical a. Air ducts, sanitary pipes, gas pipes, electrical
conduits/ cable trays, and other services conduits/ cable trays, and other services e.g.,
e.g., fan coil units, ventilation fans (essential fan coil units, ventilation fans (essential or
or non- essential) are permitted to locate, run non- essential) are permitted to locate, run
inside and/ or pass through a fire lift or smoke- inside and/ or pass through a fire lift or
free lobby provided all these services are smoke-free lobby provided all these services
protected with a 1-hr fire resistance rating are protected with a 1-hr fire resistance rating
enclosure, or separated with a 1-hr fire enclosure, or separated with a 1-hr fire
resistance ceiling from the said lobby. resistance ceiling from the said lobby.

b. For cablings/ pipings of firefighting or fire b. For cablings/ pipings of firefighting or fire
protection systems serving or running through protection systems serving or running through
the above lobbies, and for other services that the above lobbies, and for other services that
are required for operation of the above lobbies are required for operation of the above
during fire emergency, e.g., lighting, lobbies during fire emergency, e.g., lighting,
mechanical ventilation systems, these need not mechanical ventilation systems, these need
be separately protected. not be separately protected.

c. Exception c. Exception

3
 Annex A

The above requirements are not applicable for (1) The above requirements are not
services running inside and/ or passing applicable for Services running inside
through an external corridor. and/ or passing through an external
corridor.

(2) Metal water supply pipe and water tap not

exceeding 50mm in nominal diameter.

(3) CCTV systems provided it complies with

Cl.3.8.7a.(5).

6 2 Sep 2024 2 Mar 2025 Relaxation/ 4.2.3a. Provision 4.2.3a. Provision

Revised
Fire access openings shall be provided on the Fire access openings shall be provided on the
external wall for external firefighting and rescue external wall for external firefighting and rescue
operations ………Windows, doors, wall panels, operations………Windows, doors, wall panels, or
or access panels shall be readily openable from access panels shall be readily openable from the
the inside and outside. The inside and outside of inside and outside, unless fitted with non-
fire access openings shall be unobstructed at all laminated and breakable glazing (e.g., float,
times during the occupancy of the building. There annealed or heat strengthened glass). The inside
shall be no furniture or any other obstruction and outside of fire access openings shall be
within 1m from the fire access openings at the unobstructed at all times during the occupancy of
landing inside the building. the building. There shall be no furniture or any
other obstruction within 1m from the fire access
openings at the landing inside the building.

7 2 Sep 2024 2 Mar 2025 Relaxation/ 6.2.8e. Piping 6.2.8e. Piping

Revised
The use of copper or stainless-steel piping is The use of copper or stainless-steel piping is
permissible for the connection of the hose reel to permissible for the connection of the hose reel to
the PUB mains. the PUB mains. Where only 1 number of hose reel
is required, water supply pipe with nominal
diameter of at least 25mm is permitted if the hose
reel meets the required flow rate and pressure as
stipulated in SS 575.

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 Annex A

8 2 Sep 2024 2 Mar 2025 Relaxation/ 6.4.1c. PG II mixed occupancy 6.4.1c. PG II mixed occupancy
Revised
(1) For PG II mixed occupancy buildings (1) For PG II mixed occupancy buildings
exceeding 24m in habitable height, the exceeding 24m in habitable height, the non-
non-residential parts shall be protected by residential parts shall be protected by an
an automatic sprinkler system if they: automatic sprinkler system if they:

(a) comprise more than one storey, or (a) comprise more than one storey, or

(b) are located above the first storey. (b) are located above the first storey.

(2) For PG II mixed occupancy buildings (2) For PG II mixed occupancy buildings
regardless of habitable height, the non- regardless of habitable height, the non-
residential parts shall be protected by an residential parts shall be protected by an
automatic sprinkler system if they are not automatic sprinkler system if they are not
compartmented from the basement storeys. compartmented from the basement storeys.

(3) For non-residential parts where sprinkler (3) For non-residential parts where sprinkler
protection is not required under sub-clauses protection is not required under sub-clauses
(1) & (2) above, an automatic fire alarm (1) & (2) above, an automatic fire alarm
system shall be provided for the non- system shall be provided for the non-
residential parts in accordance with residential parts in accordance with
Cl.6.3.1b. Cl.6.3.1b.

(3) Exemption

(a) Intermediate sky terraces used as

communal areas without commercial
activities, or storage, provided the
ventilation openings for the sky
terraces are evenly distributed around
the external walls, excluding perimeter
walls to air wells, with ventilation

5
 Annex A

openings not less than 50% of all

external walls..

(b) Open-sided pavilion/ shed used as

communal areas in accordance with
Cl.6.2.8a.(3)(c)(iv).

(4) For non-residential parts where sprinkler

protection is not required under sub-clauses
(1), (2) & (3) above, an automatic fire
alarm system shall be provided for the non-
residential parts in accordance with
Cl.6.3.1b..

9 2 Sep 2024 2 Mar 2025 Relaxation/ 6.4.1f. Exemption of sprinkler protection 6.4.1f. Exemption of sprinkler protection
Revised
(1) All of the following areas are exempted from (1) All of the following areas are exempted from
sprinkler protection in a sprinkler-protected sprinkler protection in a sprinkler-protected
building: building:

(a) Covered areas (a) Covered areas

Areas which are covered with trellises, Areas which are covered with trellises,
louvres or perforated panels, which have louvres or perforated panels, which have
50% or more evenly distributed effective 50% or more evenly distributed effective
free openings. An alarm sounder and free openings. An alarm sounder and
visual alarm shall be provided near the visual alarm shall be provided near the
exit staircase in accordance with SS 645. exit staircase in accordance with SS 645.

(b) Areas under roof-mounted PV (b) Areas under roof-mounted PV

installations on non-habitable roof installations on non-habitable roof

Each sub-array of PV installation shall not Each sub-array of PV installation shall not
exceed 5m in width, with maintenance exceed 5m in width, with maintenance
aisle of minimum 400mm width in aisle of minimum 400mm width in

6
 Annex A

between the sub-arrays. Each sub-array between the sub-arrays. Each sub-array
shall be open-sided without any shall be open-sided without any
commercial activities or storage within commercial activities or storage within
these areas. The maximum dimensions of these areas. The maximum dimensions of
PV arrays shall be in accordance with PV arrays shall be in accordance with
Cl.10.2.1d.. Cl.10.2.1d..

(c) Staircase storey shelter

A sprinkler head shall be provided outside

the door of the staircase storey shelter on
sprinkler-protected floors. The sprinkler
head shall be within a horizontal distance
of 1m from the centre of this door.

10 2 Sep 2024 2 Mar 2025 New/ Nil 6.6.8 Basement corridor for lift pit access
Relaxation
a. Basement corridors used solely to access lift
pits for maintenance purposes and are
compartmented from the lift pits complying
with Cl.3.8 are exempted from these
requirements:

(1) Cl.2.2.11 on the provision of at least two

independent exits.

(2) Cl.6.2.2 on the provision of rising main.

(3) Cl.6.2.8 on the provision of hose reel,

provided that all of the following
conditions are complied with:

(a) a hose reel is located not more than

5m from the lift lobby above the lift
pit; and

7
 Annex A

(b) the basement corridor is within the

36m coverage of the hose reel
mentioned above.

(4) Cl.6.3 on the provision of electrical fire

alarm system.

(5) Cl.6.4 on the provision of automatic

sprinkler system.

(6) Cl.6.6.4 on the provision of fire lift

(7) Cl.7.4 on the provision of smoke control

system.

11 2 Sep 2024 2 Sep 2024 Clarification 7.1.11 Ventilation system for engine-driven fire 7.1.11 Ventilation system for engine-driven fire
pump room and generator room pump room and generator room

Where mechanical ventilation is installed Where mechanical ventilation is installed

to provide a smoke-free environment for to provide a smoke-free environment for
the room housing the engine-driven fire the room housing the engine-driven fire
pump or emergency generator, such pump or emergency generator, such
systems shall be independent of each systems shall be independent of each
other and of any other system serving other and of any other system serving
other parts of the building, and shall other parts of the building, and shall
comply with all the following comply with all the following
requirements: requirements:

a. …………. a. ………….

12 2 Sep 2024 2 Mar 2025 Relaxation/ 8.1.7e. Electrically-powered exit and directional 8.1.7e. Electrically-powered exit and/ or
Revised signs directional signs

8
 Annex A

The legends, dimensions, design and installation (1) The legends, dimensions, design and/ or
of electrically-powered exit and directional signs installation of electrically-powered exit and
shall comply with SS 563. Either graphic or text directional signs shall comply with SS 563.
format can be used for the design of the signage. Either graphic or text format can be used for
the design of the signage.

(2) Exemption

(a) Exit signs (other than low level or floor-

mounted signs) are permitted to be
mounted more than 2.5m and at most
3.5m above the finished floor level
provided the following is complied
with:

(i) For spaces provided with engineered

smoke control system, the top edge
of the exit sign shall be below the
designed smoke layer of the space it
serves.

(ii) For spaces not provided with

engineered smoke control system,
there shall be a gap of at least
500mm between the top edge of the
exit sign and the soffit of the ceiling/
roof.

13 2 Sep 2024 2 Mar 2025 Relaxation/ 9.3.1 General 9.3.1 General

New
(Not in use) (Not in use)

a. Means of escape

9
 Annex A

(1) One exit staircase is permitted to serve

an aboveground floor used for
educational/ training purposes provided:

(a) the habitable height of the floor

shall not exceed 15m;

(b) the floor shall not be located above

4th storey;

(c) the AFA of the floor shall not

exceed 200m²;

(d) the occupant load of the floor shall

not exceed 30 persons; and

(e) the exit staircase/ floor in the

building shall not be of timber
construction.

14 2 Sep 2024 2 Mar 2025 New Nil 9.3.2b. Hospital

(11) Healthcare occupancy above 120m in

habitable height

Healthcare occupancies with patient

accommodation of habitable height more
than 120m shall comply with the following
requirements:

(1) Smoke detectors shall be provided for

the entire building. Other types of
detectors are permitted in special
environmental conditions as stated in
SS 645.

10
 Annex A

(2) Sprinkler systems installed shall be

equipped with fast-response sprinkler
heads.

(3) Each area of refuge shall be provided

with its own dedicated fire escape bed
lift.

(4) Each area of refuge shall have access

to at least two separate areas of refuge
complying with Cl.9.3.2b.(4).

(5) All fire escape bed lifts in accordance

with Cl.9.3.2b.(6) shall be designed to
operate at a minimum average rated
speed of 3.5m/s.

15 2 Sep 2024 2 Mar 2025 Revised 9.3.3 Workers’ dormitory 9.3.3 Workers’ dormitory

Workers’ dormitories shall comply with the Workers’ dormitories shall comply with the
following additional requirements: following additional requirements:

a. Size a. Size

Each dormitory bedroom shall not exceed Each dormitory bedroom shall not exceed
120m2 and an occupant load of 20 persons. 120m2 and an occupant load of 20 persons.

16 2 Sep 2024 2 Sep 2024 Clarification 9.6.2v.(2)(b) Main isolation shut-off switches 9.6.2v.(2)(b) Main isolation shut-off switches
shall be provided as per Cl.10.4.2. shall be provided as per Cl.10.4.2. follows:

(i) An emergency main isolation shut‑off

switch for an EV charging station must
be located so that a person does not have
to travel more than 15m from the EV

11
 Annex A

charging station and its associated

parking lot to reach the switch.

(ii) If there is more than one EV charging

station, one or more than one emergency
main isolation shut‑off switch may be
shared between EV charging stations
within the same storey. The switch or
switches must be located so that a person
does not have to travel more than 15m
from any EV charging station and its
associated parking lot to reach the switch.

(iii) Every emergency main isolation shut‑off

switch for an EV charging station must
be located on the same storey as the EV
charging station, so that there is a safe
means of isolating the main electrical
power supply to the entire electric vehicle
charging system on the same storey upon
activation of any one of those switches.
Those switches must be capable of being
activated manually without the use of a
key or tool, or any special knowledge or
effort.

(iv) Subject to Cl.9.6.2v.(2)(b)(v), the nearest

edge of an emergency main isolation
shut‑off switch must be located at least
3m away from an EV charging station
and its associated parking lot.

(v) An emergency main isolation shut‑off

switch may be located less than 3m away
from an EV charging station and its

12
 Annex A

associated parking lot, if there is at least

another emergency main isolation
shut‑off switch located at least 3m away
but within 15m of that EV charging
station and its associated parking lot.

(vi) An emergency main isolation shut‑off

switch must be located between 800mm
and 1.2m (inclusive of both
measurements) above the finished floor
level.

(vii) An emergency main isolation shut‑off

switch must be in a clearly visible and
easily accessible location, and be clearly
labelled.

(viii) There must be clear instructions

(however indicated) on how an
emergency main isolation shut‑off switch
may be operated.

(ix) There must be one or more than one

signage, on which any letter must bear a
height of at least 50mm and that is
displayed in a prominent location from
the emergency main isolation shut‑off
switch, directing a person on how the
switch is to be operated.

(x) Where an emergency main isolation

shut‑off switch cannot be seen clearly
from, or is not within the line of sight of,
an EV charging station and its associated
parking lot, any number of additional

13
 Annex A

signages as may be necessary must be

displayed for the purpose of directing
persons to the emergency main isolation
shut‑off switch.

17 2 Sep 2024 2 Mar 2025 New Nil 9.6.2v.(3) Battery Swap Station (BSS)

(a) BSS unit located within a petrol station

shall be sited in the following order of
priority:

(i) Open-to-sky areas.

(ii) Forecourt.

(b) Aggregate stored energy capacity of each

BSS unit shall not exceed 20kWh. Where
more than 1 BSS unit is installed, a
minimum separation distance of 3m
between BSS units shall be provided and
the total aggregate stored energy capacity
of all BSS units shall not exceed 40kWh.

(c) Separation distance

(i) BSS unit shall be placed at least 6m

away from any exit access door.

(ii) BSS unit shall be located at least 1m

away from parking lots (excluding
the lots used for swapping of
batteries).

(iii) Separation distance specified under

Cl.9.6.2v.(2)(c) to (g) for EV

14
 Annex A

charging stations shall be applicable

to BSS units.

(d) Approved types of fire extinguishers of at

least 2 numbers of 55A shall be provided.

(e) Emergency isolation switch shall be

provided for each BSS unit.

18 2 Sep 2024 2 Mar 2025 Relaxation/ 9.7.1 General 9.7.1 General

New
(Not in use) (Not in use)

a. Means of escape

(1) One exit staircase is permitted to serve

an aboveground floor used as places of
public resort except for public
accommodation purposes, provided:

(a) the habitable height of the floor

shall not exceed 15m;

(b) the floor shall not be located above

4th storey;

(c) the AFA of the floor shall not

exceed 200m²;

(d) the occupant load of the floor shall

not exceed 30 persons; and

(e) the exit staircase/ floor in the

building shall not be of timber
construction.

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 Annex A

19 2 Sep 2024 2 Sep 2024 Clarification 9.8.1b. Structural fire precautions 9.8.1b. Structural fire precautions

(1) Vehicle parking area (1) Vehicle parking area

Fire compartmentation shall be provided Fire compartmentation shall be provided

between a vehicle parking area (PG VIII) between a vehicle parking area (PG VIII) and
and other areas, except for ancillary other areas, except for ancillary washrooms,
washrooms and other rooms stated in letter boxes and other rooms stated in
footnote (4) of Table 6.4A, the fire footnote (4) of Table 6.4A, the fire
compartment walls and floors shall have at compartment walls and floors shall have at
least 1-hr fire resistance rating. least 1-hr fire resistance rating.

Exceptions: Exceptions:

(a) For a sprinkler-protected factory, (a) For a sprinkler-protected factory,

compartmentation between the vehicle compartmentation between the vehicle
parking areas and the factory is not parking areas and the factory is not
required, provided the vehicle parking required, provided the vehicle parking
area and adjacent driveway are area and adjacent driveway are
provided with an engineered smoke provided with an engineered smoke
control system. control system.

(b) For a sprinkler-protected warehouse, (b) For a sprinkler-protected warehouse,

thermal insulation of the fire-rated thermal insulation of the fire-rated
shutters between the vehicle parking shutters between the vehicle parking
area and the warehouse is not area and the warehouse is not required,
required, provided the vehicle parking/ provided the vehicle parking/ loading
loading and unloading area and and unloading area and adjacent
adjacent driveway are provided with driveway are provided with an
an engineered smoke control system. engineered smoke control system.

20 2 Sep 2024 2 Sep 2024 Clarification 10.2.1d. Design and installation criteria 10.2.1d. Design and installation criteria

(1) ……… (1) ………

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 Annex A

(2) ……… (2) ………

(3) Access aisles of minimum clear width of (3) Access aisles of minimum clear width of
1.5m shall be provided such that no part of 1.5m shall be provided such that no part of
any PV array is more than 20m from any of any PV array is more than 20m from any of
them. Where the access aisle abuts the edge them. Where the access aisle abuts the edge
of the roof, the clear width of the access aisle of the roof, the clear width of the access
shall be at least 2.5m unless a perimeter aisle shall be at least 2.5m unless a
parapet/ railing of height not less than perimeter parapet/ railing of height not less
900mm is provided. than 900mm is provided to prevent fall
from height by the authority having
jurisdiction.

21 2 Sep 2024 2 Mar 2025 Revised 10.3 ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS 10.3 ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS

10.3.1 General Energy Storage System (ESS) refers to one

or more devices, assembled together,
a. Energy Storage System refers to one capable of storing energy in order to supply
or more devices, assembled together, electrical energy.
capable of storing energy in order to
supply electrical energy at a future 10.3.1 General Aboveground ESS installation
time to the local power loads, to the
utility grid, or for grid support. a. Energy Storage System refers to one or
more devices, assembled together,
b. This set of fire safety requirements capable of storing energy in order to
need not be applicable to Energy supply electrical energy This set of fire
Storage System installations where the safety requirements applies to ESS
total stored energy is less than the which supply electrical energy at a
Threshold Stored Energy listed in future time to the local power loads, to
Table 10.3.1 below. the utility grid, or for grid support. It
shall apply to ESS installations where
c. All Energy Storage System the total stored energy exceeds the
installations shall be located at the Threshold Stored Energy listed in Table
10.3.1 below.

17
 Annex A

same storey as the fire engine

accessway/ fire engine access road. b. This set of fire safety requirements need
not be applicable to Energy Storage
d. ………….. System installations where the total
stored energy is less than the Threshold
Stored Energy listed in Table 10.3.1
below.

b. All Energy Storage System installations

shall be located at the same storey as the
fire engine accessway/ fire engine
access road.

c. …….

22 2 Sep 2024 2 Mar 2025 New Nil 10.3.3 Basement ESS installation

Basement ESS installation shall be subdivided

into two categories as follows:

a. Category 1: Small underground ESS installation

having the following requirements:

(1) Cl.10.3.1a. on capacity shall not be

applicable.

(2) Cl.10.3.1b. on location shall not be

applicable. ESS units is permitted to be
located in basement not exceeding a depth
of 9m below the fire engine accessway/
fire engine access road level.

(3) The requirements of compartmentation

shall apply to any room that is designated
as a battery room or of Threshold Stored

18
 Annex A

Energy exceeding the limits stated in

Cl.10.3.1d..

(4) Each compartmented ESS room shall not

exceed 25m2.

(5) Maximum Stored Energy in Table 10.3.1

shall not be applicable. Instead, the
following shall apply:

(a) Batteries forming an ESS unit of up

to 50kWh is permitted.

(b) Aggregate maximum stored energy

of 250kWh comprising multiple ESS
units within a single compartment
room is permitted provided each ESS
unit is spaced a minimum of 1m
apart from each other, 1m from walls
within the compartmented room and
other fire hazards. Where the stored
energy capacity or separation
distance of the unit exceed the limit,
it shall be subjected to the fire and
explosion testing specified under UL
9540A and together with the NFPA
855 Hazard Mitigation Analysis
report to be submitted to SCDF for
approval.

(c) Aggregate maximum stored energy

of 500kWh comprising multiple
compartment rooms is permitted.

(6) Fire protection system

19
 Annex A

(a) Each compartmented ESS room shall

be protected by a sprinkler system
classified under high hazard
occupancy with a minimum
discharge density of 12.2mm/min
and areas of operation of 230m2 in
accordance with the SS CP 52.

(b) All ESS units shall be housed in

open rack under direct and full
coverage of sprinklers.

(c) Each compartmented ESS room shall

be provided with smoke detectors in
accordance with SS 645 and smoke
purging system shall be activated
upon detections.

(7) A dedicated flammable gas detection

system shall be provided for each
compartmented ESS room to
continuously monitor the flammable
gases concentration and upon activation
of the ventilation system, to limit the
maximum concentration of the flammable
gases to below 25% lower explosion limit
(LEL) within the compartmented ESS
room. Smoke purging system shall be
activated upon detection.

(8) A display panel showing the location,

temperature and flammable gases
reading status of the affected ESS unit
shall be located at the main entrance of

20
 Annex A

each compartmented ESS room. It shall

be connected to the SCDF Operations
Centre through an approved alarm
monitoring company. Thermocouple
reading for each compartmented ESS
room shall be provided as a means for
firefighters to identify if the fire has been
effectively extinguished. No point in the
compartmented ESS room shall exceed
10m from a thermocouple.

(9) CCTV cameras with thermal imaging

capabilities and full coverage of the entire
compartmented ESS room shall be
installed to facilitate situational
awareness for the authorised personnel
overseeing the situation. It shall be
connected to the SCDF Operations Centre
through an approved alarm monitoring
company. Alarm signals and live video
images of fire and/ or smoke captured
shall be transmitted to the approved alarm
monitoring company upon activation of
the building fire alarm system.

(10) Pressure relief provision

Each compartmented ESS room shall be

designed with pressure relief vent to
avoid any excessive built-up of pressure
due to the spontaneous ignition of
combustible gases. Either one of the
following shall be provided:

21
 Annex A

(a) Explosion prevention systems

designed, installed, operated,
maintained, and tested in
accordance with NFPA 69.

(b) Deflagration venting installed and

maintained in accordance with
NFPA 68.

(11) Smoke purging system

The smoke purging system to be provided

for the compartmented ESS room shall be
in accordance with Cl.7.4.3.

(12) Battery management system

Battery management system (BMS) shall

be provided for monitoring operating
conditions and maintaining voltages,
currents, and temperatures within the
manufacturer's specifications. The BMS
shall remotely isolate the ESS or affected
components of the ESS or place the
system in a safe condition if potentially
hazardous conditions are detected. BMS
shall be evaluated for functional safety
performance according to relevant
internationally recognized standards such
as UL 1973 or equivalent standards
approved by the SCDF.

(13) Emergency main isolation switch

22
 Annex A

(a) A clearly identified and easily

accessible switch or circuit breaker
(main isolation shut-off switch)
shall be provided to cut-off the
power supply of individual ESS
unit.

(b) An emergency main isolation shut-

off switch shall be provided outside
the entrance of the compartmented
ESS room, to cut-off power supply
of all the ESS units of the affected
compartmented ESS room.

(14) Firefighting access

To facilitate the deployment of

unmanned firefighting equipment, exit
staircase with at least 1.2m clear width
and located within 10m measured from
the nearest edge of the compartmented
ESS room exit access door to the exit
staircase door shall be provided. For any
change of direction along the access path
from the exit staircase to the
compartmented ESS room, directional
signages shall be provided with a letter
height of at least 50mm.

b. Category 2: Large underground ESS

installation shall be in accordance with
Cl.10.3.3a. unless otherwise stated below:

(1) Premises with public accommodation

purpose shall not be sited above ESS

23
 Annex A

premises. Premises with ESS installation

shall be segregated from other usage. For
any routes linking to the ESS installation
shall be through:

(a) an external corridor complying with

Cl.2.3.10, or

(b) a protected lobby separated from the

adjoining areas of the building by a
wall and door of at least 1-hr fire
resistance rating. The protected
lobby shall have a minimum size of
4m (length) x 2m (width) and
ventilated in accordance with
Cl.2.2.13b.(7)(a) or (b).

(2) For ESS unit with stored energy capacity

exceeding 50kWh, it shall be housed
within a 2-hr fire-rated containerised
compartment except the deflagration
opening(s) located at least 2m above
finished floor level.

(3) Containerised ESS units shall be housed

within a compartmented ESS room with a
minimum 2-hr fire resistance rating and
area not exceeding 100m2.

(4) Aggregate maximum stored energy of

600kWh comprising multiple
containerised ESS units within a
single compartment room is permitted
provided each containerised ESS unit
is spaced a minimum of 3m apart

24
 Annex A

from each other, 1m from walls

within the compartmented room and
other fire hazards.

(5) There shall not be more than 2

compartmented ESS rooms, unless
otherwise permitted under
Cl.10.3.3b.(11).

(6) Each containerised ESS unit shall be

subjected to the fire and explosion
testing specified under UL 9540A and
together with the NFPA 855 Hazard
Mitigation Analysis report to be
submitted to SCDF for approval.

(7) Fire protection system

(a) Each compartmented ESS room

shall be protected by a zoned wet
deluge system with a minimum
discharge density of 7.5mm/min and
areas of operation of 230m2 in
accordance with the SS CP 52.

(b) Each containerised ESS unit shall

be served by an independent wet
deluge system with a minimum
discharge density of 12.2mm/min
and provided with a breeching inlet
to allow direct charging of water
supply to the main control valve.

(8) Ventilation and detection system

25
 Annex A

(a) A dedicated flammable gas

detection system shall be provided
for each containerised ESS unit to
monitor the flammable gases
concentration and upon activation
of the ventilation system, to limit
the maximum concentration of the
flammable gases to below 25%
lower explosion limit (LEL) within
the ESS installation.

(b) Upon activation of flammable gas

detection system, a dedicated
mechanical ventilation system with
air circulation of at least 9 air
changes per hour or higher shall be
provided for each containerised
ESS unit based on the worst-case
scenario specified under UL 9540A
test and subjected to SCDF’s
approval.

(c) The smoke purging system to be

provided for the compartmented
ESS room shall be in accordance
with Cl.7.4.3.

(d) Each compartmented ESS room

shall be provided with smoke
detectors in accordance with SS 645
and smoke purging system shall be
activated upon detection.

(9) A display panel showing the location,

temperature and flammable gases

26
 Annex A

reading status of the affected

containerised ESS unit shall be located
at the main entrance of each
compartmented ESS room. It shall be
connected to the SCDF Operations
Centre through an approved alarm
monitoring company. Thermocouple
reading for each compartmented ESS
room shall be provided as a means for
firefighters to identify if the fire has
been effectively extinguished. No point
in the compartmented ESS room shall
exceed 10m from a thermocouple.

(10) Firefighting access

(a) For compartmented ESS room, the

following shall be provided:

(i) The fire lift shall be contained

within a protected shaft,
constructed to comply with
the relevant requirements
under Cl.3.8.

(ii) The fire lift car specifications:

• Minimum clear platform

size of 3m (depth) x 3m
(width).
• Minimum loading
capacity of 3 tonnes.

27
 Annex A

(iii) Each fire lift shall be served

by a fire lift lobby with a
minimum size of at least 4m
(length) x 5m (width).

(iv) Corridors and door openings

serving the fire lift lobby,
firefighter staging lobby and
compartmented ESS rooms
shall be at least 3m in clear
width.

(v) An access path of minimum

width of 3m to every ESS unit
shall be provided and the
maximum distance measured
from the door to the most
remote ESS unit shall not
exceed 8m.

(vi) Firefighter staging lobby shall

not serve more than 2
compartmented ESS rooms.

(vii) Any entrance to the

compartmented ESS room
shall be served by a firefighter
staging lobby and shall
comply with the following
requirements:

• at least 12m² working

space and with minimum
clear width of 4m.

28
 Annex A

• fire lift lobbies in

accordance with
Cl.2.2.13b.(1) to (3), (5)
to (6) and (7)(b).
• installed with designated
rising mains.
• provided with two nos. of
standby fire hoses.
• provided with portable
50kg AB (foam or
chemical powder) type
fire extinguishers having
minimum 6m throw and
discharge hose length of
minimum 6m shall be
provided.

(11) Prior approval from the SCDF is

required in situations where the
number of compartmented ESS room
exceeds 2, in addition to the
following:

(a) Comply with the requirements

in accordance with
Cl.10.3.3b.(6).

(b) Provision of on-site Unmanned

Firefighting Machine (UFM)
within the fire lift lobby. The
UFM shall comply with the
following general specifications
and subjected to the SCDF’s
approval:

29
 Annex A

• Minimum dimensions:
2m x 1.1m x 2m
• Minimum weight: 1.75
tonnes
• Design flow rate for
monitor: 1800L/min
• Monitor throw distance:
up to 60m in length
• Wireless transmission:
range of up to 300m
• Ventilation capacity:
90000m3/h

(c) A holding area of 2m x 3m for

UFM shall be provided in
addition to the fire lift lobby of
area 20m2.

30
 Annex A

23 2 Sep 2024 2 Mar 2025 New Nil 10.3.4 Battery Swap Station

a. General

Battery Swap Station (BSS) is a facility

where swappable detachable batteries of
motor vehicles are available for motorists
to exchange their depleted batteries.
Battery charge and swap stations are EV
chargers that are used for charging and
exchanging depleted swappable detachable
batteries, while battery store and swap
stations only contain stored detachable
batteries.

b. Aboveground installations

(1) BSS installations shall be located at

the same storey as the fire engine
accessway/ fire engine access road.

(2) BSS shall be located at vehicle parking

areas that are naturally ventilated in
accordance with Cl.3.2.8, or provided
with mechanical ventilation in
accordance with Cl.6.4.5.

Exception:

(a) BSS that abuts an external wall of

building and is installed away
from any unprotected openings,
exits or combustible material/
construction within 1.5m
horizontally or within 3m

31
 Annex A

vertically, or adjacent to or facing

it.

c. Underground installations

(1) BSS is allowed to be located within

basement carparks protected by
mechanical ventilation in accordance
with Cl.6.4.5 and automatic sprinkler
system in accordance with Cl.6.4.1d..

(2) The maximum allowable depth shall

not exceed 9m below the average grade
level, and not more than one level
below grade level.

d. Aggregate stored energy capacity

(1) Aboveground installations

Aggregate stored energy capacity of

each BSS unit shall not exceed
20kWh. Where more than 1 BSS unit
is installed, a minimum separation
distance of 3m between BSS units
shall be provided and the total
aggregate stored energy capacity of all
BSS units shall not exceed 100kWh.

(2) Underground installations

Aggregate stored energy capacity of

BSS within basement carparks shall
not exceed 10kWh.

32
 Annex A

e. Fire safety requirements

(1) BSS units shall be located at least 6m

away from the nearest edge of exit
staircase/ fire lift lobby/ smoke-free
lobby.

(2) BSS units shall be located at least 1m

away from:

(a) Non-essential equipment rooms;

and

(b) Parking lots (excluding the lots

used for swapping of batteries).

(3) Approved types of fire extinguishers

of at least 2 numbers of 55A shall be
provided.

(4) Emergency isolation shut-off switch

shall be provided at each BSS unit.

(5) BSS installation at petrol service

stations shall comply with
specifications stipulated under
Cl.9.6.2v.(3).

24 2 Sep 2024 2 Sep 2024 Clarification 10.4 ELECTRIC VEHICLE (EV) 10.4 ELECTRIC VEHICLE (EV)
CHARGING INSTALLATION CHARGING INSTALLATION

10.4.1 General 10.4.1 General

The requirements in Cl.10.4.2 are The requirements in Cl.10.4.2 are

exempted for PG I buildings. exempted for PG I buildings.

33
 Annex A

10.4.2 Emergency main isolation shut-off 10.4.2 Emergency main isolation shut-off
switches switches

a. Each EV charging station shall be a. Each EV charging station shall be

provided with at least one provided with at least one
emergency main isolation shut-off emergency main isolation shut-off
switch(es) located such that no switch(es) located such that no
person need to travel more than 15m person need to travel more than 15m
from the EV charging station and its from the EV charging station and its
parking lot(s) to reach a main parking lot(s) to reach a main
isolation shut-off switch. isolation shut-off switch.

b. If more than one EV charging b. If more than one EV charging

station is provided, the main station is provided, the main
isolation shut-off switch(es) shall be isolation shut-off switch(es) shall be
provided such that no person need provided such that no person need
to travel more than 15m from any to travel more than 15m from any
EV charging station and its EV charging station and its
associated parking lot(s) to reach a associated parking lot(s) to reach a
main isolation shut-off switch. main isolation shut-off switch.

c. Main isolation switch(es) shall be c. Main isolation switch(es) shall be

located on the same storey as the EV located on the same storey as the EV
charging station(s) they serve. The charging station(s) they serve. The
purpose of such main isolation shut- purpose of such main isolation shut-
off switch(es) is to provide a safe off switch(es) is to provide a safe
means of isolating the main means of isolating the main
electrical power supply to the entire electrical power supply to the entire
EV charging system on the same EV charging system on the same
storey. storey.

d. Every EV charging stations and EV d. Every EV charging stations and EV

parking lots shall be located at least parking lots shall be located at least
3m away from the nearest edge of 3m away from the nearest edge of

34
 Annex A

any main isolation shut-off any main isolation shut-off

switches. switches.

Exception Exception

Main isolation shut-off switches can Main isolation shut-off switches can
be allowed to be less than 3m from be allowed to be less than 3m from
an EV charging station and its an EV charging station and its
parking lot(s), as long as there is at parking lot(s), as long as there is at
least one other main isolation shut- least one other main isolation shut-
off switch located at least 3m away off switch located at least 3m away
but still within 15m of this EV but still within 15m of this EV
charging station and its parking charging station and its parking
lot(s). lot(s).

e. Main isolation shut-off switches e. Main isolation shut-off switches

shall be located between 800mm and shall be located between 800mm and
1.2m above the finished floor level 1.2m above the finished floor level
and shall be located in a clearly and shall be located in a clearly
visible and easily accessible visible and easily accessible location.
location.
f. All main isolation shut-off switches
f. All main isolation shut-off switches shall be clearly labelled. Clear
shall be clearly labelled. Clear instructions shall be indicated on
instructions shall be indicated on how to operate the main isolation
how to operate the main isolation shut-off switch. Signages shall be
shut-off switch. Signages shall be provided with a letter height of at
provided with a letter height of at least 50mm.
least 50mm.
g. Where main isolation shut-off
g. Where main isolation shut-off switch(es) cannot be seen clearly or
switch(es) cannot be seen clearly or not within line of sight from the EV
not within line of sight from the EV charging station and its parking
charging station and its parking lot(s), additional signages shall be
lot(s), additional signages shall be

35
 Annex A

provided to direct persons to the provided to direct persons to the

main isolation shut-off switch(es). main isolation shut-off switch(es).

Note: Cl.10.4 is omitted as these requirements are

specified in the First Schedule of the “Electric
Vehicles Charging (Electric Vehicle Chargers)
Regulations 2023”
https://sso.agc.gov.sg//SL/EVCA2022-S786-2023

25 2 Sep 2024 2 Sep 2024 Clarification Existing Table 3.15A, Table 3.15B, Table 3.15C See Annex B (affected portion of Table 3.15A,
& Table 9.8.2c.(2) Table 3.15B, Table 3.15C & Table 9.8.2c.(2)

26 2 Sep 2024 2 Sep 2024 Clarification Existing Diagram 4.2.2i.(3) See Annex B (Revised Diagram 4.2.2i.(3))

27 2 Sep 2024 2 Sep 2024 Clarification Existing Table 11A, item 41 & 42 See Annex B (affected portion of Table 11A)

36
 Annex B

37
 Annex B

TABLE 3.15A: PLASTIC FLOOR MATERIAL/ FINISHES

Test Applicable Fire Test

Fire Risk Acceptance Criteria
Category Standards

BS EN 45545 – 2 CIT < 0.75

Toxicity
A EN ISO 5659 – 2
Emission
EN 17084 CIT < 0.75
Method 1 (25kw/m2)

EN 13501 – 1
EN 14041 Smoke classification: s1 rating
EN ISO 9239 – 1
Smoke
B ASTM E662
Density
Smoke density, Ds,max < 450
NFPA 258

EN ISO 5659 – 2 Smoke density, Ds,max < 150

EN 13501 – 1
1. Sprinkler-protected premises
EN 14041 a. Sleeping occupancy: Class Cfl or better
b. Non-sleeping occupancy: Class Dfl or
better

Flame 2. Non-sprinkler-protected premises

C
Spread EN ISO 9239 – 1 a. Sleeping occupancy: Class Bfl or better
b. Non-sleeping occupancy: Class Cfl or
better

ASTM E648
Critical Radiant Flux (CRF) > 0.45 W/cm2
NFPA 253

TABLE 9.8.2c.(2): TOXICITY EMISSION AND SMOKE DENSITY REQUIREMENTS

Applicable Fire Test

Fire Risk Acceptance Criteria
Standards

BS EN 45545-2; or
Toxicity Emission EN ISO 5659-2 EN 17084 CIT < 0.75
Method 1 (50kw/m2)

(a) Smoke classification to be of s1 rating

EN 13501-1; or (b) Flaming droplet classification to be d0
Smoke Density rating

EN ISO 5659-2 VOF4 < 300 min

38
 Annex B

TABLE 3.15B: PLASTIC WALL/ CEILING MATERIAL/ FINISHES

Test Applicable Fire Test

Fire Risk Acceptance Criteria
Category Standards

BS EN 45545 – 2 CIT < 0.75

Toxicity
D EN ISO 5659 – 2
Emission
EN 17084 CIT < 0.75
Method 1 (50kw/m2)
1. Smoke classification to be of s1 rating.
Smoke EN 13501 – 1 2. Flaming droplet classification to be d0
E rating
Density
EN ISO 5659 – 2 VOF4 < 300 min

EN 13501 – 1 1. Internal Wall Finishes: To comply with

Cl.3.13
Flame 2. External Wall Finishes: To comply with
F BS 476 – 6/ 7
Spread Cl.3.5

NFPA 285 To pass criteria in NFPA 285

Note:

Test categories D and E are not required for external wall finishes.

TABLE 3.15C: PLASTIC ROOF MATERIAL COVERING MATERIAL

Test Applicable Fire Test
Fire Risk Acceptance Criteria
Category Standards

Toxicity
G Not Critical. Generally exposed to external
Emission
1. Generally not critical if exposed to external
Smoke 2. If exposed as ceiling on the underside,
H EN 13501 – 1
Density requirements for ceiling (achieve s1-d0
rating)
EN 13501 – 5 Class BROOF
Flame BS 476 - 3 Class AA/AB/AC
J
Spread
BS 476 – 6/7 Class 1
ASTM E 108 Class A

39
 Annex B

TABLE 11A: LIST OF REGULATED FIRE SAFETY PRODUCTS & MATERIALS

40