1. “Prepare, Prevent, Respond”
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