Smoke detectors at home under Code

Making Sure you’re home under Code

Smoke detectors are mandatory for new homes at Singapore from June 2018. Confirming this move for the first time since it was flagged by The Straits Times in August, Second Minister for Home Affairs Josephine Teo said the smoke detectors will provide residents with early alerts to smoke or fires. "Residents can take steps to quell the fire and prevent it from spreading, or if that is not possible, to quickly evacuate," said Mrs Teo, who is also Minister in the Prime Minister's Office and Second Minister for Manpower. She was speaking at the Fire Safety Asia Conference Singapore Nov, 2017.

For multi-storey homes, each floor will need at least one device, and floors with combined living and dining room spaces of more than 70sqm will require at least two.

Home owners can install even more smoke detectors - but not in kitchens and toilets, where smoke and steam from cooking or bathing could trigger false alarms.

Existing homes that undergo fire safety works after June, such as renovations involving a fire-rated door, will also have to follow the latest fire code and have smoke detectors installed.

However, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) requires them to be compliant with either European, Australian or American standards for fire alarms, it said in a press release yesterday.

The cost of installing the detectors in new homes will be borne by developers, while owners of existing homes will have to pay for them.

To help needy residents, SCDF, HDB and the People's Association will install smoke detectors for about 50,000 households in public rental flats for free, in phases.

Priority will be given to households with at least one elderly person aged 60 and above.

Mrs Teo said the ageing demographic of residents was an "important consideration" when updating the Fire Code, which is currently in its seventh edition.

She encouraged existing home owners to also install smoke detectors, even if they are not required to do so.

"HDB will be installing (smoke detectors) in many of its ongoing public housing projects even though these new projects al-ready have building plans sub-mitted before June 2018. I hope, of course, that many private developers and existing home owners do likewise."

One public housing project, Kampung Admiralty, an integrated development for the elderly, already features fire alarm devices connected to a central alarm system.

We all know that having working fire/smoke detectors, alarms, and fire extinguishers in our homes can prevent tragic loss and irreparable damage.  The same holds true for business facilities.  However, the codes and standards for a commercial space versus a home are different, and they can vary by jurisdictions as well.  According to the NFPA(National Fire Protection Association) codes are the rules and standards are the method by which the rules are applied.  There have been major events in history that have triggered modifications to national fire codes and standards.  The Station Nightclub fire in West Warwick, RI in 2003, and The Cocoanut Grove Nightclub fire of 1942 in Boston, MA are a couple examples of why and how fire codes have changed throughout the years.

If you are a business owner, you know the importance of protecting your facility, employees, and assets/inventory.  How can you be sure your business meets the proper fire safety codes?  In all likelihood, if you’re currently in operation, your building/facility has passed an initial inspection.  However, yearly inspections are required and codes are revised every 3-5 years.  If you are renovating or adding on to a space you will have to schedule a new inspection.  For this reason its best practice to involve an expert from the start of a project to avoid any major hiccups.

You’ll need the proper fire safety equipment which can include smoke detectors, fire alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and possibly a sprinkler system.  Integrating these features with your alarm system is crucial for a quicker response from emergency services.  Installing a wireless smoke detector that is not connected to your alarm system doesn’t notify local services in the event of an emergency.  The only person that type of detector benefits is someone on site or nearby during an emergency.  What if no one is around? 

Failure to comply with the proper safety and code requirements can lead to inspection rejection and fines.  Some licensed professionals at market. They can ensure the safety and code compliance of your business by installing the proper fire safety equipment as part of a comprehensive business security system.  Please find out authorized team, they can guide you through the process from initial assessment to final installation.  You have enough on your mind already, let us help you avoid mental anguish.

Reasons For Code Non-Compliance:

·       Egress is not met. This includes corridors, latching mechanisms, and access controls

·       Improper storage of combustible materials

·       Inadequate emergency lighting

·       Outdated fire extinguishers and other safety equipment

·       Electrical issues (i.e. improper use of extension cords)

·       Blocked access to fire hydrants

·       Sprinkler system isn’t labeled correctly

How Hiring A Professional Can Help:

·       They know what types of security equipment will work and comply with fire codes

·       They may already have a relationship with the local fire official

·       They can communicate technical information to contractors, architects, & engineers

·       They know how to integrate fire alarms and smoke detectors in a comprehensive security system

·       They understand the importance of code compliance and fire safety

·       They know how egress can be affected by different access controls

·       They will help you avoid penalties and failed inspections by implementing proper installation

The new code will also make it mandatory for non-residential buildings with large unmanned premises, such as warehouses, to have a video image fire detection system.

This smart system uses video analytics to detect smoke or fire, allowing building owners and fire safety managers to quickly confirm the presence and extent of a fire.