Page 1 Singapore Branch President Vice President Honorary Secretary Honorary Treasurer SINGAPORE Executive Council Tan Jin Thong PGP, BBM FIFireE (UK), MIAAI (US) Azmi b Adam FIFireE Yeow Mei Leng FIFireE K Ramanathan GIFireE Council Members Koh Soon Chuang MIFireE Chairman of Examination Committee Dan Chong Kok Hoe MIFireE Chairman of Education Committee Ivan Sin Siang Meng MIFireE Chairman of Membership Committee K Ramanathan GIFireE Chairman of Social Committee Chiam Boon Hui MIFireE Chairman of Publication Committee Vincent Leong Kuan Yu MIFireE Webmaster Michael Mok Aik Chin AFFireE Vijay Rajaram MIFireE S E P T E M B E R - O C T O B E R I S S U E 2 0 1 2 IFE Singapore Member-Get-Member Referral Incentive Scheme IFE-Singapore is introducing this member-get-member referral incentive scheme to build our membership base. The incentive scheme is open to all individual members and run from 1 st Aug 2012 to 31 st May 2013. Member who has referred successful new members will receive an S$50.00 membership rebate voucher to be used for their membership renewal. The intent is to engage all members to actively contribute to the recruitment of new members. We believe that our members are in the best position to recommend new members to join IFE-Singapore. IFE-Singapore reserves the rights to amend, terminate or extend this incentive scheme at any time as it deemed appropriate. The incentive scheme is guided by the following terms and conditions: The rebate voucher of S$50.00 will be effective for the following fiscal year. No carry forward of rebate is allowed which means that the rebate must be "consumed" in the following fiscal year. No "multiplier" effect on the rebate for successful referrals which means that the member shall receive only one rebate of S$50.00 even if he or she is successful in referring more than one new member. For clarification, feel free to contact our secretariat at Tel No: 63389274 or e-mail ifespore@singnet.com.sg. David Goh King Siang AFFireE Golf Trip in Sydney, Australia Some golfing IFE members had a jolly good time in Sydney from 8 th to 12 th August 2012. The games were organised by our social committee with help from our Australian member, Chris Ang. Besides golf, they also visited the Blue Mountains and had a wine tasting at the Hunter Valley wine yards.
Page 2 IFE Singapore Loyal Member Incentive Scheme 2013-2014 To further our membership privileges of IFE-Singapore, we are introducing this Loyal Member Incentive Scheme to benefit our exiting members. This scheme allows our loyal members to enjoy a 10% discount off their 2-year membership fees for the year 2013 and 2014. The incentive scheme is ONLY open to exiting individual members and run from 1 st October 2012 to 31 st of December 2012. Members must pay up their 2-year subscriptions before 31 st of December 2012 to enjoy this Loyal Member s incentive, so lookout for our Loyal Member s email in due course. Please note that this incentive scheme is Not Open to lapsed membership reinstatement. For clarification, feel free to contact our secretariat at Tel No: 63389274 or e-mail ifespore@singnet.com.sg. IFE Singapore Reinstatement 2012 Reinstate your IFE membership with NO arrears payment!! As part of membership services, IFE-Singapore had initiated a reinstatement campaign with IFE-UK to re-admit lapsed membership without the need to pay arrears. Lapsed members are now given the opportunity to just pay the current year membership to reinstate their lapsed membership. As IFE-UK had agreed to waive the need to pay arrears plus administration fees ONCE ONLY for this special campaign, we hope you will take this opportunity to reinstate your IFE membership with us. This reinstatement campaign is open to all lapsed membership grade and run from 1 st September to 31 st December 2012. Lapsed members must pay up their current 2012 subscriptions before 31 st December 2012 to enjoy the NO ARREAR REINSTATEMENT. So, do contact our secretariat at Tel No: 63389274 or e-mail ifespore@singnet.com.sg immediately to take advantage of Reinstatement 2012 Campaign!! Upcoming Events in Work Plan 2013 Continual Education Courses on Fire Protection Systems to be conducted in 3Q/2013 for our IFE members. The short courses will mainly focus on the aspects for maintenance and servicing of fire protection systems. We strongly urge all our interested IFE members to look out for more details in our next few issues of IFE newsletter.
Page 3 Our Ref. :CD/FSSD/12/02/03/01 Tel : 68481457 Date : 10 Aug 2012 Fax : 68481490 Registrar, Board of Architects (BOA) Registrar, Professional Engineers Board (PEB) President, Singapore Institute of Architects (SIA) President, Institution of Engineers, Singapore (IES) President, Association of Consulting Engineers, Singapore (ACES) Dear Sir/Mdm, USE OF SMOKE DETECTORS OR MANUAL CALL POINT FOR ACTIVATION OF MECHANICAL VENTILATION SYSTEM IN CAR PARK The design of the ductless jet fan system is currently based on a set of requirements issued in a circular dated 25 Nov 2008. 2. As stipulated in Clause 3.3.1 of the requirements, the jet fans system is activated by the sprinkler system serving the car park level and any other areas located within the same level or by the activation of the manual call point. As the car park space is divided into virtual smoke control zones, the activation of the jet fans system can be confined to the smoke control zone on fire and all its adjacent zones. For purpose of activating the fans in the designated group of smoke control zones i.e. fire and its adjacent zones, the sprinkler control zone can be designed to correspond with that of the smoke control zone. 3. As an alternative form of fans activation, SCDF has no objection to the use of smoke detectors to activate the jet fans system on the following conditions: (i) The detectors are positioned at the effective mid-range of the jet fan profile and (ii) In-duct smoke detector is located at the start point of the exhaust duct. (iii) Jet fans system is only operated upon activation of 2 smoke detectors. This is to minimize any false alarm. 4. SCDF has also reviewed the requirement for jet fans system to be activated for an entire car park development by manual call points. As it may not be practical to do so for a very large car park, SCDF will not impose it as a mandatory requirement. However, the jet fans system shall still be operable at the Fire Command Centre (FCC) via an override switch as stipulated in Clause 3.3.1 of the FSR 3: 2008 guidelines i.e. A fireman cut off and activation (override) switch shall be provided at the Fire Command Centre. 5. This circular takes immediate effect. Please convey the contents of this circular to members of your Institution/Association/Board. The circular is available in CORENET-e-Info: http://www.corenet.gov.sg/einfo. 6. For any inquiry or clarification, please contact Maj Chong Kim Yuan at Tel: 68481476 or email: Chong_Kim_Yuan@scdf.gov.sg. Yours faithfully, MAJ Lee Kok Chuen Secretary, FSSD Standing Committee for Commissioner, Singapore Civil Defence Force
Page 4 Our File Ref: CD/FSSB/12/01/03/04 DID: 68481478 FAX: 68481493 15 August 2012 President, Singapore Institute of Architects (SIA) President, Institution of Engineers, Singapore (IES) President, Association of Consulting Engineers, Singapore (ACES) President, Real Estates Development Association of Singapore (REDAS) Registrar, Board of Architects (BOA) Registrar, Professional Engineers Board (PEB) Dear Sir/Mdm, TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR HOUSEHOLD SHELTERS 2012 SCDF and BCA have reviewed the Technical Requirements For Household Shelters (HS). The review covered aspects relating to the planning, design, construction and commissioning of HS. Amongst others, the updated Technical Requirements For Household Shelters 2012 includes revised requirements on setback distances, refinement in the setback distance envelope, revised clear height for wall thickness and reinforcement requirement, allowance of RC refuse chute, lift core and service duct (riser) within the setback distance envelope, additional illustrations on shielded and unshielded columns, slabs, transfer structures, use of steel mesh for wall and slab, additional details on shelter door and ventilation sleeve. 2 The updated Technical Requirements For Household Shelters 2012 is available in the SCDF website and published via CORENET, and shall take immediate effect. 3 We would appreciate it if you could disseminate the contents of this circular to members of your Institution or Association. 4 Please contact undersigned at 68481478 should you require further clarifications. Yours faithfully, MAJ ANG GUAN HOCK SSO SHELTER DEVELOPMENT FOR COMMISSIONER, SINGAPORE CIVIL DEFENCE FORCE
Page 5 Our Ref. : CD/FSSD/12/02/03/01 HQ Tel : 68481457 Date : 17 Aug 2012 Fax : 68481490 Registrar, Board of Architects (BOA) Registrar, Professional Engineers Board (PEB) President, Singapore Institute of Architects (SIA) President, Institution of Engineers, Singapore (IES) President, Association of Consulting Engineers, Singapore (ACES) Dear Sir/Mdm, AMENDMENTS TO THE FIRE CODE - FIRE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR MEGA UNDERGROUND DEVELOPMENTS An inter-agency Underground Master Plan Task Force (UMPTF), led by the Ministry of National Development (MND), was formed to formulate an underground master plan for Singapore. The Task Force studied the uses of space at the underground developments. Owing to its depth and poor accessibility, underground developments poses unprecedented challenges to designing for fire safety as well as fire-fighting and rescue operations. 2. As there are no relevant codes of practice to refer to, the consultant engaged by JTC on behalf of the Underground Master Plan Task Force sought SCDF s input on the fire safety requirements for mega underground developments. A workgroup was then formed to study the broad fire safety requirements to be imposed for a typical development. The requirements include provision of exits, protection to the escape routes, measures to minimise spread of fire, means for conducting fire fighting and rescue operations, etc. The list of fire safety requirements for mega underground developments is attached. As this kind of development is new, there may be areas that we have not foreseen as possible fire safety concerns. We urge developers and QPs to approach SCDF for consultation should there be any areas of peculiarity. 3. This circular shall take immediate effect. Please convey the contents of this circular to members of your Institution/Association/ Board. The circular is also available in CORENET-e-Info: http://www.corenet.gov.sg/einfo. 4. For any inquiry or clarification, please contact Maj. Choh Choon Jin at tel. no. 68481454 or email address Choh_Choon_Jin@scdf.gov.sg. Yours faithfully, MAJ Lee Kok Chuen Secretary, FSSD Standing Committee for Commissioner Singapore Civil Defence Force
Page 6 Our Ref. : CD/FSSD/12/02/03/01 Tel : 68481457 Date : 27 Aug 2012 Fax : 68481489 Registrar, Board of Architects (BOA) Registrar, Professional Engineers Board (PEB) President, Singapore Institute of Architects (SIA) President, Institution of Engineers, Singapore (IES) President, Association of Consulting Engineers, Singapore (ACES) Dear Sir/Mdm, USE OF PLASTIC MATERIALS FOR IN-FILL IN BUILDING CONSTRUCTION SCDF has received feedback from QPs that it is common practice in the building construction industry to use plastic materials as a cast-in in some construction work and sometimes such materials would eventually remain permanently in the building structure. Examples of such construction include retaining walls and base floor slabs, etc. 2. Clause 3.15 of the current Fire Code 2007 stipulates the requirements for construction materials. In particular, clause 3.15.2 states that all elements of structure shall be constructed of non-combustible materials. Plastics are not only highly combustibles, they emit large quantity of highly toxic fumes when subject to burning. 3. The circular serves to remind QPs of the need to comply with the fire code requirements stated therein. The practice of using plastic materials as a cast-in in the construction work processes is undesirable from fire safety viewpoint. Should there be a need to use plastics for any special purpose and with strong justifications, approval must be sought with SCDF before commencing the use. 4. Please convey the contents of this circular to members of your Institution / Association / Board. The circular is also available in CORENET-e-Info: http://www.corenet.gov.sg/einfo. 5. For any inquiry or clarification on this subject, please contact Mr Pang Tong Teck (SCDF) at Tel: 68481403, E-mail: Pang_Tong_Teck@scdf.gov.sg. Yours faithfully, MAJ Lee Kok Chuen Secretary, FSSD Standing Committee for Commissioner Singapore Civil Defence Force
Page 7 INVITATION FOR REGISTRATION AS FIRE SAFETY ENGINEER (FSE) SCDF has commenced its 9 th FSE registration exercise and is pleased to invite applicants for registration as FSEs. The closing date for the application for FSE registration is on 1 Dec 2012. Applicants who wish to register as a Fire Safety Engineer shall submit 5 sets of the supporting documents, together with a non-refundable application fee of S$250 made payable to Commissioner SCDF, directly to: The Secretariat Fire Safety Engineers Selection Panel c/o Fire Safety Consultation Branch Fire Safety & Shelter Department HQ SCDF 91 Ubi Avenue 4 Singapore 408827 For more information on the FSE registration details or the performance-based regulatory system, you may visit the following website, http://www.scdf.gov.sg/content/scdf_internet/en/buildingprofessionals/fire-safety-plan-approval/plan-approval/performance-based-approach/registration-for-firesafety-engineers.html or contact Major Chong Kim Yuan at tel. 68481476 or e-mail address: chong_kim_yuan@scdf.gov.sg. IFE EXAMINATIONS 2013 The Institution's examinations are currently held once a year throughout the world and provide the opportunity for candidates to gain nationally accredited qualifications and to satisfy the academic requirement for membership at different grades. The examinations are designed to assess underpinning knowledge and understanding at different levels and the resulting qualifications are recognised internationally as evidence of academic achievement in fire engineering. Applications for the 2013 examinations will be taken from 1st September 2012. Your application form and examination fees should be sent to the IFE Singapore branch for processing before 31 October 2012. Please also note that applications will not be processed unless accompanied by the corresponding fee. The examination centre will be in Singapore if arranged via IFE Singapore branch. Please contact the Secretariat as soon as possible to avoid missing the deadline or if you need additional information. You can also visit http://www.ife.org.uk/exams/ to find out more on the details of IFE Examinations. The President and Council Members Wish all IFE Members a Selamat Hari Raya Haji 2012
Page 8 Members Night - 24 August 2012 Institution of Fire Engineers Singapore 32, Ang Mo Kio Industrial Park 2, #07-06 Sing Industrial Complex, Singapore 569510 Phone: 6338 9274 Fax: 6481 4066 E-Mail: ifespore@singnet.com.sg We re on the Web! See us at: www.ife-singapore.org President s Opening Speech Presentation of Token of Appreciation to Dr Siew Yee Cheong Presentation by Mr. Vishnu from Care Incorporation Pte Ltd on Software Program: The E-Forms Tablet Revolution in Fire Safety Inspections & Services Signing of MOU with Association of Company Emergency Response Teams (A-CERTS) to cooperate in pooling of expertise and resources for the mutual benefit of members from both Associations Gentlemen Handshake Yummy Dinner Time Networking After Dinner