Demerit Point System (DPS)...Singapore Civil Defence Force Background A need to fine-tune existing powers in the FSA to deal effectively with repeated Fire Safety offenders Composition

Demerit Point System (DPS)

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Singapore Civil Defence Force

Scope

BackgroundCurrent Enforcement FrameworkKey Features of DPSKey BenefitsConclusion

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Demerit Point System

Announced by Minister for Law and Second Minister for HA – Mr. K Shanmugam

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Background A need to fine-tune existing powers in the FSA to deal effectively with repeated Fire Safety offenders

Composition fines and court actions where fines are meted do not provide the desired deterrent effect

A need to identify and deter repeat offenders as early as possible

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Current Enforcement Framework SCDF applies two sets of enforcement

processes for two categories of violations

Other Violations category

Fire Hazards Category

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Fire Hazards Category Define under Section 2 of Fire Safety Act

Issuance of Fire Hazard Abatement Notice (FHAN)

Common examples: Non-Maintenance of Fire Extinguishers Non-Maintenance of Exit Lights Obstruction to Escape Route

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Other Violations Category Other fire safety violations

Issuance of Notice of FireSafety Offence (NFSO)

Further non-compliance mayresult in court action

Fine not exceeding $10,000 orimprisonment for a term notexceeding 6 months or both

Fine not exceeding $500 forevery day during which theoffence continues afterconviction will be imposed.

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Key Features of DPS

To work in tandem with the current enforcementframework

Able to identify and deter repeat offenders as earlyas possible

The enhancement must be reasonable enough toshow a consistent pattern of non-compliance andmismanagement by responsible parties.

To work in tandem with the current enforcement framework;

Able to identify and deter repeat offenders as early as possible; and

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Key Features of DPS

To work in tandem with the current enforcementframework

Able to identify and deter repeat offenders as earlyas possible

The enhancement must be reasonable enough toshow a consistent pattern of non-compliance andmismanagement by responsible parties.

To work in tandem with the current enforcement framework;

Able to identify and deter repeat offenders as early as possible; and

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Cumulative as of 10 April 2012: 12 points

2011 2012 2013 2014

Coy ABC commits 2

serious offences – 6

Demerit Points Issued

14 April 2011

10 April 2014

Demerit Points (6 pts) for Coy ABC Expunged

2 years monitoring period

Coy ABC commits another 2 serious

offences – 6 Demerit Points

Issued

10 April 2012

14 April 2013

Demerit Points (6 pts) for Coy ABC Expunged

2 years monitoring period

Demerit Point System – Validity Period

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Key BenefitsImprove Fire Safety StandardsFair systemEngagement of Company’s OwnerTransparent system

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Affected Premises

All Commercial and Industrial Premises that are subjected to the Fire Safety Act

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Demerit Point System – Case Studies

2009 2011

09/06/09No violation

DP = 00

28/01/10Non maintenance of exit lightUnauthorised Fire Safety Works 01 FHAN issued01 NFSO issued

DP = 04

Accumulated DP = 04


DP = 00

Accumulated DP = 04

Case Study 1: ABC Pub

2010

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Case Study 2: ABC Industries Pte Ltd

2008 2011

14/02/08Obstruction to hose reelUnlicensed storage of P and FMUnauthorised change of useFire safety works without plan approval

01 FHAN issued03 NFSO issued

DP = 10

2010

14/02/10Expunge DP awarded on 14/02/08

DP = -10

Accumulated DP = 01

2009

09/10/08Obstruction to access way

01 FHAN issued

DP = 01

Accumulated DP = 11


DP = 00

Accumulated DP = 10


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Case Study 3: M Shopping Centre 2007 2009

09/02/071 Obstruction to access way2 Removal of extinguishers3 Obstruction to exit4 Obstruction to Fire access panel5 Obstruction to manual call point 6 Obstruction to hose reel7 Fire door wedged open

07 FHAN issued

DP = 07

26/05/071 Fire door wedged open 2 Overcrowding3 Obstruction to exit

03 FHAN issued

DP = 03

Accumulated DP = 10

28/06/071 Obstruction to exit2 Non maintenance of fire rated door3 Non maintenance of exit sign

03 FHAN issued

DP = 03

Accumulated DP = 13

22/08/071 Storage within lift lobby2 Non maintenance of exit sign3 Fire door wedged open4 Overcrowding5 Unauthorised Fire Safety Works

04 FHAN issued01 NFSO issued

DP = 07

Accumulated DP = 20

03/01/081 Change of use 2 Fire door wedged open 3 Obstruction to passageway

01 NFSO issued02 FHAN issued

DP = 05

Accumulated DP = 25


2008

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Implementation TimelineNecessary amendments to the FSAOct - Dec 2010

Full ImplementationJan 2011 onwards

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Conclusion

To deal effectively with repeat offenders

Trigger a paradigm shift in the mindsets of business operators

Elevate the standard of fire safety in Singapore to new heights

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Singapore Civil Defence Force20

Demerit Point System (DPS)...Singapore Civil Defence Force Background A need to fine-tune existing powers in the FSA to deal effectively with repeated Fire Safety offenders Composition

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