REQUIRED SITE CONDITIONS FOR TOP/CSC INSPECTION
Objective
This circular reminds the industry on the required site conditions for TOP/CSC inspections.
Background
The required site conditions for TOP/CSC inspections were earlier communicated to the industry through a circular (reference BCA BC 15.0.3) issued on 12 Jul 2010. Notwithstanding this, we have seen an increase in the number of incomplete sites calling for TOP/CSC inspections prematurely leading to termination of these inspections. These sites would eventually require a re-inspection and add unnecessary workload for both the project teams and government agencies. Calling for a TOP/CSC inspection when not ready, also deprives another completed site from an earlier inspection.
As a recap, appended below are some examples of incomplete work:
a) No safe and proper access to or within the development;
b) Incomplete building works, in relation to:
(i) Safety from falling from height;
(ii) Treads and risers as well as safety barrier of staircases;
(iii) Incomplete basic finishing work which affects TOP/CSC inspection such as measurements of width of corridors and staircases, height of safety barriers, headroom and ceiling height among others;
(iv) Incomplete accessibility requirements such as doors, accessible washrooms, ramps and floor surfaces, handrails and signages among others.
On this note, we would like to draw the attention of the industry, in particular the Developers and supervising Qualified Persons (QPs), to ensure all building works are completed before requesting for TOP/CSC inspections. The decision when to obtain TOP/CSC is a decision that necessarily involves the whole project team, especially the Developer and QPs of the building works.
Duties of stakeholders under the Building Control Act 1989 ("BC Act”)
We also wish to highlight that the declarations of completion of building works and compliance with the regulatory requirements, submitted before a TOP/CSC inspection, when the works on site are incomplete may amount to an offence of false declaration under section 43A of the BC Act.
In addition, we would also like to highlight to the supervising QPs for the supervision of building works that it is the duty of the supervising QPs, under section 9(4) of the BC Act, to take all reasonable steps and exercise due diligence in supervising and inspecting the building works to ensure that the works are carried out in accordance with the BC Act, Regulations, and the approved plans.
Administrative Actions That May Be Taken for Incomplete Site Conditions
We will take administrative action against the whole project team, including the Builder, where sites with incomplete works are presented for TOP/CSC inspections. This may include actions such as, written advisory, restriction of the availability of express TOP/CSC inspections and express TOP/CSC applications for the current and other projects, and the submission of detailed reports prior to TOP/CSC inspections. This is to increase accountability amongst the project stakeholders and ensure a higher level of compliance/performance for projects.
For Clarification
We would appreciate if you could convey the contents of this circular to members of your organisation. For clarifications, please contact us through BCA’s Online Feedback Form at https://www.bca.gov.sg/feedbackform/
Examples of Incomplete Building Works
1.Incomplete Safety Barriers
2)Incomplete Staircase
3)Incomplete Facades
4)Incomplete accessible routes
5)Incomplete Residential Units
6)Incomplete Common Facilities (eg roofs and tennis courts)
7)Incomplete Lightning Protection Systems
8)Storage of Materials Affecting TOP Inspection
