Fire Safety Seminar 2017 “Prepare, Prevent, Respond” Workshop Discussion Points

1. Fire Safety Seminar 2017 “Prepare, Prevent, Respond” Workshop Discussion Points

2. POST-SEMINAR WORKSHOP • Focused on prevention of Electrical Fires • The 2nd highest fire cause in Singapore for 2016 is of electrical origin • Participants were tasked to develop a framework to prevent electrical fires in: • Mixed-use commercial high-rise development • Mid-rise industrial building

3. SCOPE OF FRAMEWORK/CHECKLIST • When? • Before, during and after installation • Before, during and after use • What? • Equipment, fixtures/fittings, electrical installation • High/Low risk • Abnormalities • Who? • LEWs, engineers, facility managers, employees • Where? • Indoor, outdoor, switch room, server room, utility room • How? • Checking tools – measuring device • Visual • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) • Documentation records – tracking and comparison

4. SELECTED POINTS OF DISCUSSION • Electrical maintenance or repairs must be done by Licensed Electrical Workers (LEW) • There are a lot of aspects to take into account for electrical fire safety, managers can assist to oversee some of these aspects but they do not have the in-depth knowledge • LEW to ensure adherence to the relevant standards and code of practices in Singapore • A good LEW must be able to provide a clear, accurate and detailed Inspection Report which also provides advice on what needs to be done. Management must act upon the findings on a timely basis.

5. SELECTED POINTS OF DISCUSSION • Managers need to pay attention to detail when checking the premises • Ensure proper maintenance regime of various equipment • Check on the overall housekeeping of the area • No storage of combustible material (e.g. stacks of paper or cardboard) near electrical equipment • Electrical wiring needs to be neat and organized • No pests such as rodents that can damage electrical wiring • Look out for poor electrical safety practices (e.g. overloading of power sockets)

6. SELECTED POINTS OF DISCUSSION • Importance of communication between management and the rest of the occupants within the premises • Occupants can assist to look out for fire hazards and report them to the building management • Management should remind the occupants on electrical safety through notices, posters, and regular briefings; the information flow should not be restricted within the building management team • Management and occupants need to develop good electrical/fire safety habits and practices

7. SELECTED POINTS OF DISCUSSION • New employees are a good starting point for instilling fire safety habits and awareness • Job briefing before a new employee starts work • Impart safe work procedures • Understand the various hazards • Educate on the importance of fire safety and how to play a part in fire prevention • Implement regular safety refresher after a pre-determined length of employment

8. SELECTED POINTS OF DISCUSSION • Management can conduct safety audits to check compliance with good fire safety practices • To be performed at regular intervals • Ensure that past findings have been rectified or in the process of rectification • Check documentation records to identify trends, this helps to identify items with regular faults which needs to be addressed