Fire Safety Requirements, Protocols and Enforcement Measures for Hawker Centres and Food Establishments
Ministry of Home AffairsSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns fire safety protocols and enforcement for hawker centres and food establishments, as raised by Ms Valerie Lee. Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs Mr K Shanmugam noted that buildings with over 200 occupants must conduct annual evacuation drills. He detailed that the Singapore Civil Defence Force conducts outreach and inspections to ensure compliance with Fire Code standards for equipment and exhaust maintenance. These regulations mandate functional fire extinguishers, hose reels, and clear escape routes to ensure the safety of stallholders and the public. Failure to meet these requirements, such as neglecting kitchen exhaust ducts, can lead to fines of up to $10,000 or six months' imprisonment.
Transcript
14 Ms Valerie Lee asked 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.
Mr K Shanmugam: 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.
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.
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.