If you operate a shop, office, clinic, warehouse or industrial unit in Singapore, you may want to know that SCDF has recently updated parts of the Fire Code 2023.
The official documents can be found here:
That’s a lot of technical wordings, here we’ve summarized the practical takeaway.
In the past, many businesses assumed that once fire extinguishers were installed, everything was settled. The recent updates make it clearer that the responsibility doesn’t stop at installation. The occupant and/or tenant is now expected to actively ensure the premises remain safe — especially after renovations, layout changes, or when storage is added.
One of the biggest things authorities are paying attention to is obstruction. Even small things like placing boxes along corridors, adding racks near exits, or narrowing walking space can become a violation. During inspections, units often fail not because equipment is missing, but because escape paths are affected.
Another area that catches businesses off-guard is documentation. SCDF requires proper maintenance records and servicing schedules to be kept. Many units inherit old equipment from previous tenants but have no servicing history. In such cases, the equipment may exist but still be considered non-compliant.
The updates also reinforce that fire protection equipment must be maintained regularly — not just extinguishers, but alarms, hose reels and other systems as well. Simply put, installation alone is no longer enough; ongoing upkeep matters.
In practical terms, if you recently moved into a unit, renovated, added storage, or have not checked your equipment for a while, it is worth reviewing the fire safety status early. Fixing issues before inspection is usually straightforward, while rectification after failure can be disruptive.
If you are unsure, getting a quick check done is often easier than trying to interpret the regulations yourself.
Aline Safety Solutions helps businesses verify and maintain compliance with Singapore fire safety requirements. Feel free to contact us if you want us to take a look.
