FIRES AT NIGHT ENTERTAINMENT OUTLETS

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FIRES AT NIGHT ENTERTAINMENT OUTLETS:

(Number of incidents and preventive measures): 7.

Dr Lam Pin Min asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs (a) what is the incidence of fires at night entertainment outlets over the past three years; (b) what are their causes; (c) what is the frequency of fire safety checks by SCDF at these premises and the violation rate; and (d) what measures have been implemented to prevent catastrophic fire incidents in these places.

Assoc. Prof. Ho Peng Kee (for the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs): Sir, between 2006 and 2008, eight fires occurred in public entertainment outlets, such as pubs, bars, and music lounges, with only one fire occurring last year. These were all small fires caused by faulty electrical equipment or food left unattended on heated stoves. There were no injuries or fatalities.

Dr Lam asked about the frequency of fire safety checks, the violation rate and measures to prevent catastrophic fires in entertainment outlets.

Sir, to prevent catastrophic fires, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) has established and enforces fire safety standards applicable to all buildings, including public entertainment outlets. In addition, under the Fire Safety Act, a Fire Safety Certificate (FSC) is required for all new buildings and existing premises where additions and alteration works are conducted. Hence, before an operator of a public entertainment outlet can start his business, he has to first obtain a FSC.

To apply for a FSC, the operator must engage a Qualified Person, who is either a registered architect or professional engineer, to submit the relevant fire safety plans for SCDF's approval. These

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plans must conform to fire safety requirements stipulated in the Fire Code. Examples of these requirements include the provision of sufficient emergency lighting, clearly indicated exits, fire extinguishers within easy access and installation of sprinkler protection for basement units and large premises.

The Fire Code also stipulates the permitted occupancy load to prevent overcrowding and stampedes in the event that a fire breaks out. Entertainment outlets are also prohibited from using open flames, fireworks or pyrotechnics in their performances. Finally, completed fire safety works must be checked by a Registered Inspector before the issuance of a FSC.

In addition to the FSC, large public entertainment outlets are also required to apply for a Fire Certificate (FC) which has to be renewed annually to ensure continued compliance with fire safety standards.

Sir, the SCDF conducts both scheduled as well as surprise inspections on public entertainment outlets to check for fire safety violations. These are stepped up during festive periods when larger crowds are expected. On average, SCDF conducts about 700 such inspections each year. Last year, SCDF issued 95 Fire Hazard Abatement Notices to entertainment outlets mainly for fire safety infringements, such as having non-illuminated exit signs, obstruction of fire exit doors and failure to service fire extinguishers within the prescribed time period. Owners are required to rectify the faults by a certain date, following which a re-inspection would be done. Fines would be imposed if the faults are not rectified. Last year, two outlets were fined for failure to comply with fire safety requirements. For very serious fire hazards that pose immediate and grave danger to the public, the SCDF Commissioner can order the closure of the premises.

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In short, Sir, stringent fire safety standards and regular enforcement are in place and, of course, this must be complemented by community responsibility and preparedness. In the event of a fire, staff and patrons, being "first on the scene" play a critical role in saving lives before the arrival of fire fighters and paramedics. On this score, since 2005, SCDF has been training entertainment outlet staff in evacuation and first aid under the Community Emergency Preparedness Programme (CEPP). To date, more than 900 persons have been trained. Advisories in the form of posters and pamphlets were also shared.

Dr Lam Pin Min (Ang Mo Kio): Mr Speaker, the senseless loss of 59 innocent lives in Bangkok's nightclub fire is a stark reminder that fire safety is paramount and should never be trivialised. The incident is not the first and will not be the last. I would like to ask the Senior Minister of State if the penalty will be increased to reflect the potential catastrophic outcome associated with the infringement of fire safety regulations, and also to send a strong signal to night entertainment club owners.

Assoc. Prof. Ho Peng Kee: Sir, the penalties currently are stiff enough because a person who breaches the requirements of the Fire Code can, in fact, be imprisoned up to six months and fined up to $10,000. Of course, a composition fine can also be imposed. But that is only the deterrence part. What I have really painted is a comprehensive and holistic approach in Singapore, starting from the time when the premises are structured and also, on the part of the operators, the sense of responsibility exercised by them. So they are very aware that there is a need to comply with the requirements. Also, in terms of the enforcement being carried out, there is a process of issuing fire notices. And so far, as the figures have indicated, most, in fact, have complied. Let us work this system. Of

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course, I take Dr Lam's point that we cannot take things for granted just because the record has been good. We must ensure that the big fire that happened in Bangkok should not and must not happen here.