Fire has always been a useful tool to humanity, especially with being able to manage it accordingly for certain situations like cooking, heating, building, etc. However, as helpful as it is, fire is also known to be very dangerous. It is even harmful to those who manipulate it. That is why one of the most vital aspects of health and safety measures as a business owner is to learn how to manage fire carefully and prepare in case of one. In this article, we will be discussing the importance of appointing a fire safety manager in Singapore.
What is a Fire Safety Manager?
A Fire Safety Manager (FSM) is responsible for ensuring and enhancing the fire safety standards within buildings. It is a FSM’s job to conduct fire safety activities and implement fire prevention measures to promote fire safety awareness within the premises and for the building’s occupants.
With the help of a Fire Safety Manager, this prevents potential life and substantial monetary loss that result from fires. In fact, the Fire Safety Manager Scheme, published back in 1989, alongside the Fire Safety Act 1993 and the Fire Safety (Fire Safety Manager) Regulations 1994, made appointing Fire Safety Managers mandatory for owners of buildings, further reinforcing the importance of fire management.
What are The Roles of a Fire Safety Manager?
It is the responsibility of a Fire Safety Manager to safeguard the lives of people and properties. They perform thorough formulating, all the way to the implementation, of fire safety plans that encompass specific fire and life safety systems.
The work of a Fire Safety Manager varies from working for area councils, cities, to private establishments. Occasionally, they also work alongside different personnel who supervise their activities. With that, Fire Safety Managers also have the duty of directing the activities of employees. They also make sure that employees understand and execute their jobs accordingly, perfectly carrying out the fire safety mission.
It is of utmost importance that a FSM meets all fire safety requirements within the building. They should pay attention to every detail and effectively execute the Emergency Response Plan. Afterwards, daily checks and maintenance of the building should also be accounted for.
Lastly, FSM must also prepare a guidebook for the building’s occupants. This is to educate stakeholders and residents on the different ways to deal with a fire.
Why Appoint A Fire Safety Manager?
The first, and most important, reason why one should appoint a Fire Safety Manager is because it is mandated by the law. It requires appointing a Fire Safety Manager within 90 days after receiving a certificate of completion, or an occupation permit. Should there be a disagreement or clash between you as the business owner and your FSM, the law allows you to terminate your contract with them but it still requires you to hire a replacement within 14 days. If there is a failure to comply with these requirements, you will be billed a hefty fine or could even be called to serve jail time.
Apart from this, there are many benefits to having a Fire Safety Manager for your building. As it is their utmost duty, an FSM will prioritize the safety of your building and its residents. They make sure that they meet and maintain all fire safety requirements within the building. In the event of a fire, the process of how to handle the situation will also heavily rely on your FSM and the evaluation plans they developed for a fire outbreak. It also includes the protocol, the route, and even the carrying out of training of their employees. They also ensure that they carry out proper inspection, maintenance, and implementation of disciplinary actions for violatorst.
WSH Services Provided by Advance Safe Consultants
Now that we understand the importance of appointing a Fire Safety Manager in Singapore, how can you do so for your building? Advance Safe Consultants Pte Ltd, a Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) consultancy service company, aims to address this problem. With us, we will be sure to assist you in compliance to relevant Safety & Health Acts and Regulations, including the Fire Safety Act.
At Advance Safe, we understand the importance of providing a safe and healthy work environment in order to maintain productivity, no matter the size or type of the business. Appointing a Fire Safety Manager not only protects your employees, but your business and its success as well.
While Fire Safety Management is the highlight of this article, Advance Safe also prides itself on the broad range of services we provide in Singapore. Specifically:
- WSH Officer (WSHO)
- Workplace Safety and Health Coordinator (WSHC)
- WSH Risk Management and Assessment Consultant
- bizSAFE certification
- ISO 45001
- Environmental Control Officer (ECO)
- Fire Safety Manager (FSM)
- Confined Space Assessor service
- Traffic Safety Equipment and PPEs
It is Advance Safe’s goal to provide our clients with top-quality service, ensuring your happiness and business success. With that, we ensure our consultants and officers are all registered and trained to exceed your standards.
Keep your employees safe in confined spaces with Advance Safe
Employee and workplace safety are our top priorities here in Advance Safe, as it is our mission to provide quality WSH safety services, including Fire Safety Management. We uphold excellence and strive to equip your business with the proper training and security to ensure their safety and your success. Contact us via this link or at (+65) 6252 4456 to get started!
