Mandatory Packaging Reporting

Background

Packaging waste, including plastics, makes up about one-third of domestic waste disposed of in Singapore. It is therefore one of the key priority waste streams identified in the Zero Waste Masterplan that we will need to focus our efforts on to close the resource loop and to help Singapore achieves its goal of towards becoming a Zero Waste Nation.

Under the Mandatory Packaging Reporting (MPR) scheme, producers of packaged products, such as brand owners, manufacturers and importers, as well as retailers such as supermarkets, will be required to submit packaging data and 3R plans to the NEA. Companies will have to provide information on the packaging that they introduce into Singapore annually, broken down according to type of packaging material (e.g. plastic, paper, metal, glass), packaging form (e.g. carrier bags, bottles) and the corresponding weights.

The 3R plans that companies are required to submit will have to include details of key initiatives, key performance indicators (KPIs) and targets. Companies will be required to report on the progress of these plans in subsequent years of reporting. The types of 3R plans for packaging that companies could consider include: (i) packaging reduction; (ii) packaging collection for reuse or recycling; (iii) consumer or industry outreach related to packaging 3Rs; (iv) use of recycled content in packaging material; and (v) improvements in recyclability of packaging.

Objectives

Mandatory packaging reporting aims to raise companies’ awareness of the benefits of packaging reduction and to spur companies to reduce the amount of packaging used. It will lay the foundation for an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme for packaging waste management.

Requirements

 

Companies that meet all the following criteria are required to comply with the MPR requirements under the Resource Sustainability Act (RSA):

• Carries on a business of supplying regulated goods* in Singapore
• Meet the prescribed threshold criteria which is an annual turnover of more than S$10 million
• Imports or uses specified packaging** 

*Regulated goods means any goods other than goods prescribed as excluded from this definition (please refer to Subsidiary Legislation)

**Specified packaging means any packaging other than any type of packaging prescribed as excluded from this definition (please refer to Subsidiary Legislation)

The MPR requirements include:

1. Submit annual reports on specified packaging that is imported or used in Singapore including supporting documents to NEA using the attached template (Download here)
2. Submit 3R plans for packaging annually
3. Keep records related to reports and plans for a period of 5 years

Companies are required to access the Waste & Resource Management System (WRMS) Mandatory Packaging Reporting portal at https://wrms2.nea.gov.sg to submit their packaging reports, 3R plans and supporting documents.

Timeline for 2023 reporting:

For the report to be submitted in 2023, producers (with an annual turnover of more than S$10 million in 2021) will need to report data on the amount of packaging imported/used in 2022 and develop 3R plans to be submitted by 31 March 2023.

Mandatory Packaging Reporting pre-recorded briefing

Part 1: Guide on Mandatory Packaging Reporting

Part 2: Mandatory Packaging Reporting Requirements under the Resource Sustainability Act

Resources

Resource Sustainability Act	https://sso.agc.gov.sg/Acts-Supp/29-2019/Published/20191004?DocDate=20191004
The Subsidiary Legislation (Resource Sustainability (Packaging Reporting) Regulations)	https://sso.agc.gov.sg/SL-Supp/S508-2020
Resource Sustainability Act 2019 (Commencement) Notification 2019	https://sso.agc.gov.sg/SL-Supp/S899-2019/Published/20191231?DocDate=20191231
Packaging Partnership Programme (PPP) 3R guidebook for packaging	http://www.packaging-partnership.org.sg/resources/3r-guidebook-packaging
Potential 3R plan examples (with reference to 3R Packaging / SPA Awards case studies)	www.nea.gov.sg/SPA
Mandatory Packaging Reporting Guidebook	Download Here

FAQs

General

How will the mandatory packaging reporting requirements improve Singapore’s waste management system?

What are the differences between this mandatory packaging reporting and the mandatory waste reporting which will extend to large industrial developments? Will there be double reporting?

How will NEA inform companies on their compliance obligations?

Will there be double-reporting of packaging across the supply chain?

 Prescribed threshold criteria

Is the annual turnover threshold based on local sales or overall sales turnover (including import)? Does a company only consider sales turnover of products sold in Singapore?

Is the annual turnover based on calendar year? What happens if my company’s annual turnover is based on financial year, which is different from calendar year?

Will a company need to comply if its annual turnover is less than $10 million?

What happens if the annual turnover of my company falls below the threshold (i.e., is equal or below $10 million) after registration?

 Mandatory Packaging Reporting

How does a company register for mandatory packaging reporting?

Do companies only start collecting packaging data after registration with NEA?

What are the types of data that a company needs to include in their annual reports?

What is the 3R plan? Is the 3R Plan a “future” plan, or the past year’s plan?

With reference to the template, does a company report the actual annual weight or round the weight to the nearest whole number?

What companies are required to comply with the mandatory packaging reporting requirements?

My company imports/purchases packaging. However, we engage a subcontractor to dispose of and/or recycle these packaging. Am I still required to report these packaging?

Are retailers required to report packaging used such as carrier bags?

Is there any difference in reporting for packaging incurred from regulated goods that are imported, and regulated goods that are purchased locally?

Does reusable packaging (e.g. glass bottles) need to be reported?

How do we report packaging that are reused?

Contact

For queries relating to the mandatory packaging reporting, you may email packaging@nea.gov.sg.

Fire Safety Guidelines for HDB Estates

Guidelines On The Use of Common Areas in HDB Estates

There are hundreds of fires in HDB common areas every year. Obstruction to common corridors and fire fighting equipment (e.g. dry risers & hose reels) can seriously hamper fire fighting efforts and smooth evacuation in a fire emergency, endangering your lives. Following the guidelines will help create a safer living environment for your loved ones. 

Guidelines on Usage of Common Corridor

While SCDF does not permit the storage of combustible materials along common corridors, we can allow for the placement of shoe racks, provided;-

1. It is for the sole purpose of keeping shoes, whereby, it would not constitute a substantial fire load,
2. A minimum clear escape passage of 1.2* m clearance is to be maintained from the parapet wall where the shoe rack is to be allowed.
3. No objects are to be placed along common corridors less than 1.2 m* wide. 
4. No placement of items such as clothing racks unless they can be easily folded or removed in times of emergency so that they do not obstruct the escape route.

*The minimum unobstructed width of the corrider was increased from 1m to 1.2m after the revision of the Fire Code in 2013.

Guidelines on Staircases and Its Landing

Strictly no placement/storage of objects at staircases and its immediate landing is allowed.

Guidelines on Maintenance of Fire Safety/Fighting Provisions

Fire safety / fighting provisions are to be regularly serviced and ensure its operational readiness at all times. Access to the fire safety/fighting provisions should not be impeded at all times.

1. No placement/storage of items within dry/wet riser compartment.
2. No placement/storage of items within hosereel compartment.
3. Access to dry/wet landing valves and dry/wet riser breeching inlet at common areas should not be obstructed. 
4. Lugs to the landing valves are to be checked regularly to ensure that it is present. If found to be missing, to replace the missing pieces as soon as possible.
5. Fire Alarm System is to be "ON" and operationally ready at all times.
6. Smoke or heat detectors must be properly and regularly maintained.

BCA Circular - SS 550 :2020 Requirement

REMINDER: COMPLIANCE WITH BUILDING LAYOUT RELATED REQUIREMENTS IN SS 550:2020

Objective

This circular reminds developers, qualified persons (for building plan), specialist professional engineers (for lifts and escalators) and lift installation contractors on building layout related requirements specified in SS 550:2020 - Code of Practice for Installation, Operation and Maintenance of Electric Passenger and Goods Lifts.

Background

2. For the performance of regular maintenance, inspection, repair or emergency rescue works, lift service personnel would need to access lift machine rooms/machinery spaces.

However, there have been circumstances in which the accessway provided for lift service personnel were too narrow and/or obstructed (e.g. by pipes, services or equipment), or were unsheltered (inadequate protection against rain and lightning). These conditions can hinder the service personnel’s (who may be carrying bulky equipment) performance of their works, especially during emergency situations.

Compliance with requirements on building layout related requirements in SS 550:2020

3. In January 2021, BCA issued a circular to inform that, with effect from 1 July 2021, any lift proposed in a project whose first set of plans is submitted to the Commissioner of Building Control for approval under the Building Control Act on or after this date would be required to comply with SS 550:2020. Please refer to the circular at https://www1.bca.gov.sg/docs/defaultsource/docs-corp-news-and-publications/circulars/circular-on-adoption-of-ss-550-2020.pdf.

4. Besides the design and installation of lifts, the SS 550 also covers requirements which are related to the building layout in areas of the lift shafts, machine rooms and roof access (if the machine room is located there). In particular, we would like to highlight the following requirements relating to access to the lift machine room. See Annex A for the list of building layout-related requirements in SS 550.

• Sheltered passageways providing access to machine rooms/machinery spaces shall be of clear width of at least 1m and clear height of at least 2m;
• Safety railings shall be provided along the passageways if the passageways are less than 1.5m away from the edge of the roof/building; and
• Access between a machine room/machinery space and the floor below should be by staircase. When a staircase cannot be provided, a ladder can be used where the height between a machine room/machinery space and the floor below is not more than 4m. For use of a ladder that is more than 3m in height, fall protection shall be provided.

5. Such requirements should be considered and provided for upfront in the building plan to avoid unnecessary abortive works and delays downstream when the building is almost completed.

6. During our recent audit of building plans of the projects which were subject to paragraph 3 above, it was found that some of these projects had not complied with the requirements in SS 550. Consequentially, there were unnecessary delays to the approval for the applications for Permit-to-Operate for the lifts as the qualified persons sought to regularise the noncompliances.

7. The Building and Construction Authority (“BCA”) would thus like to remind the industry to take note of the building layout related requirements in SS 550 and ensure that their projects comply with these requirements upfront. Please do not to leave the issues to be addressed at the installation stage of the lifts.

Feedback and Clarification

8. For further information, feedback or clarification, please submit your enquiry through BCA’s Online Feedback Form at https://www.bca.gov.sg/feedbackform or call us at (65)1800-342 5222 (1800-DIAL BCA).

Annex A

Clause 5.2.2 of SS 550:2020- Access to well and to machinery spaces and pulley rooms

5.2.2.1 The well, machinery spaces and pulley rooms and the associated working areas shall be accessible. Provisions shall be made to allow access to spaces other than the car interior only to authorised persons.

See also Annex D.

5.2.2.2 The access way adjacent to any door/trap giving access to the well or to machinery spaces and pulley rooms shall be lit by a permanently installed electric lighting with an intensity of at least 50 lux.

5.2.2.3 If access to the lift for maintenance and rescue purposes is via private premises, then permanent access of authorised persons to the premises and relevant instructions shall be provided.

The building designer/architect/owner shall be aware of the problems of access, fire, entrapment and also of security associated with lifts serving directly into private premises (see 0.4.2 information exchange).

5.2.2.3.1 As a minimum, permanent maintenance access must be provided at the topmost,lowest landings and preferably also at one or more intermediate landings.

5.2.2.4 A means to enter the pit shall be provided consisting of;

a) an access door where the pit depth exceeds 2,50 m;

b) either an access door or a ladder inside the well, easily accessible from the landing door,where the pit depth is not exceeding 2,50 m.

Any pit access door shall comply with the requirements of 5.2.3.

Ladders shall comply with Annex F.

5.2.2.5 A safe access for persons to machinery spaces and pulley rooms shall be provided.

Passageway shall be sheltered with a clear width of 1.0 m and clear height of 2.0 m. Access floor shall be treated such that it is not slippery and safety railings provided along passageway if it is less than 1.5 m from edge of roof/building. For difference in height in the access passageway, this should be effected entirely by way of stairs. In the exceptional case when a conventional staircase cannot be provided, ladders satisfying the following requirements shall be used:

a) the access to the machinery spaces and pulley rooms shall not be situated more than 4 m above the level accessible by stairs; For access over 3 m in height by ladder fall protection shall be provided;

b) ladders shall be fastened to the access permanently or at least by rope or chain in such a way that they cannot be removed;

c) ladders exceeding 1,50 m in height shall, when in position for access, form an angle between 65° and 75° to the horizontal and shall not be liable to slip or turn over;

d) the clear width of the ladder shall be at least 0,35 m, the depth of the steps shall not be less than 25 mm and in the case of vertical ladders the distance between the steps and the wall behind the ladder shall not be less than 0,15 m. The steps shall be designed for a load not less than 1500 N;

e) adjacent to the top end of the ladder there shall be at least one hand hold within easy reach;

f) around a ladder, within a horizontal distance of 1,50 m, the risk of falling by more than the height of the ladder shall be prevented.

Workplace Traffic Safety Management

Understand the importance of workplace traffic management. And learn how you can manage traffic at the workplace to minimise risks and hazards.

About Workplace Traffic Management

Workplace traffic management is a key part of operations for many industry sectors, which include construction, marine and logistics. Poor management of workplace traffic can result in vehicle collision, or injuries to employees or visitors, and downtime to business. It is therefore crucial for companies to have proper and effective onsite traffic management.

Workplace Traffic Safety Management Plan

An effective workplace traffic safety management plan is necessary to ensure the smooth traffic and safe operation of vehicles at the workplace.

As an employer, you must conduct proper risk assessments to identify all potential hazards and risks.

The plan should take the following into consideration:

• Transport activities taking place on site;
• Workplace traffic conditions;
• Types of vehicles operating in the premises;
• Traffic rules and regulations;
• Environmental conditions such as road and weather;
• Vehicle safety devices and available technologies;
• Work schedules;
• Drivers' behaviours and habits;
• Training and competency of drivers; and
• Health and fitness status of drivers.

Employer's Role

You should:

• Develop a workplace traffic safety management plan.
• Ensure the plan is implemented and communicated to all employees.
• Ensure that employees follow the traffic safety rules and safe work procedures.
• Ensure there is proper demarcation of pedestrian walkways from vehicular roads.
• Ensure employees are trained and competent to perform their roles.
• Familiarise employees with emergency response plans and procedures.
• Keep records of workplace traffic incidents and take timely interventions.
• Establish a vehicle maintenance regime.

Employee's Role

You should:

• Obey workplace traffic rules and observe traffic warning signs.
• Attend necessary training courses to be competent for the job.
• Drive only vehicles that you are licensed to operate.
• Operate vehicles with care and use them only for their intended purposes.
• Refrain from tampering with vehicle's safety devices.
• Wear all PPE provided properly.
• Report any damage to vehicle, safety device or PPE to your supervisor.
• Report all road accidents and near-miss incidents to your supervisor.

For More Information

WSH Guidelines on Workplace Traffic Safety Management (PDF)

Notebook for Vocational Driver (Are You a Safe Driver?) (PDF)

Employment Pass Qualifications Authentic

S'pore companies must ensure Employment Pass applicants' qualifications authentic: MOM

From Sep 1, Companies in Singapore must verify educational qualifications of Employment Pass applicants from Sep. 1, 2023.

Employers who wish to hire foreigners on EP will be required to ensure that candidates' academic qualifications are authentic.

The EP allows foreign professionals, managers and executives to work in Singapore. Candidates need to earn at least S$5,000 a month.

Employers must also demonstrate that they have fairly considered all jobseekers.

Minister for Manpower and Second Minister for Trade and Industry Tan See Leng said in his speech on Mar. 1 during the Committee of Supply (COS) debates that the requirement is to “safeguard against gaming by submitting fraudulent educational qualifications”.

Employers who wish to score points under Criterion Two on “Qualifications” will be required to submit verification proof for qualifications declared on the EP application.

In 2021, 15 work pass holders were investigated by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) for potentially submitting fake university degrees.

Done via COMPASS points system

This will be enforced through the new points-based Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS) which will be applied to incoming EP applications from September 2023.

This was announced in MOM's COS debate in 2022 and the ministry has been progressively releasing details on the framework's foundational criteria.

The COMPASS framework will also apply to renewal EP applications from September 2024.

Under the COMPASS framework, applicants can score up to 20 points on the "Qualifications" criterion (Criterion Two).

To ensure the qualifications submitted are authentic and to prevent the submission of fraudulent qualifications, employers are required to verify candidates’ educational qualifications declared in their EP application to score points under the criterion.

More details will be made available on the MOM website when the framework is rolled out.

Mandatory verification will "safeguard against gaming by submitting fraudulent educational qualifications", he said during his ministry’s Committee of Supply debate.

Last October, a man was sentenced to seven weeks' jail after making false statements in his declaration for an EP. His EP was approved based on the false statements that were made in February 2019.

In 2021, MOM investigated 23 foreigners who had declared qualifications from Manav Bharti University in India. Two people were jailed for submitting false qualifications in their work pass applications, while 19 were permanently barred from working in Singapore.

The probe in Singapore began after MOM was alerted that India's government was investigating the university for selling fake degrees. 

Singapore Green Plan - Electric Vehicles

Singapore aims to develop a greener and more sustainable land transport sector, reducing peak land transport emissions by 80%, by or around mid-century. The Singapore Green Plan 2030 includes a strong push to electrify our vehicle population, which would help Singapore achieve our vision of 100% cleaner energy vehicles by 2040. 

To support this, LTA have launched a new campaign to raise awareness of Electric Vehicles (EVs), their benefits to owners and the environment, as well as how we can all contribute towards the responsible and gracious sharing of charging infrastructure.

Electric Vehicle Campaign Logo

The campaign logo and tagline, ‘Power EVery Move’ calls on everyone to participate in the adoption of EVs for a greener and more sustainable future.

As we accelerate EV adoption for a more sustainable land transport system, here are some safety and fire safety related requirement 

Charging Standards and Installation of EV Chargers

Technical Reference 25

A nationwide electric vehicle (EV) charging standard, Technical Reference 25 (TR 25), was established in 2010 to provide technical safety requirements for EV charging systems (EVCS) in Singapore. 

The latest version of the technical reference is TR 25:2022, which supersedes the TR 25:2016. Please refer to this summary for the key changes to the revised TR 25. Chargers that have received a Letter of No Objection (LNO) need not be re-certified to TR 25:2022. The LTA EV Charging System Verification Panel (EVP) will continue to accept applications for LNOs based on TR 25:2016 for a period of two years after the TR 25:2022 is published. The exact cut-off date will be announced closer to 2024. 

To give the industry time to transit to the latest requirements in TR 25:2022, there will be a six-month transition period before compliance with the maintenance and installation requirements in the revised TR 25:2022 becomes mandatory. 

You can purchase a copy of the revised TR 25:2022 on the Singapore Standards website.

National Public Charging Standards

Type 2 AC and Combo-2 DC charging systems are adopted as the National Public Charging Standards (NPCS). In March 2020, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and the Energy Market Authority (EMA) jointly announced the addition of CHAdeMO charging systems as an Optional Public Charging Standards (OPCS) for EVs. This means that public charging stations can be provided with CHAdeMO charging point options, in addition to the mandatory Type 2 AC/ Combo 2 DEC chargers.  This enables providers of EV chargers to bring in a larger range of public charging options for drivers and supports the wider adoption of EVs in Singapore.

Proper Installation of EV Chargers

You should engage a Licensed Electrical Worker (LEW) and an equipment specialist to install, test, and certify the fitness of the EV Charging System (EVCS) installation before it is put into service. Please refer to the 'Requirements for Testing & Inspection of EVCS' section below for details on the commissioning of an EVCS. Before its installation, the equipment specialist must check that the EV Supply Equipment (EVSE) is issued with a Letter of No Objection (LNO) to ensure that it complies with TR 25 or the relevant International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards and the essential tests as per the Technical Compliance Checklist. 

The owner is responsible for the safe use and operation of the EVCS. To ensure this, regular maintenance, electrical safety inspection and testing shall be carried out on the EVCS according to TR 25:2022. Please refer to the section Inspection & Maintenance of EV Charging Systems for more details. 

EV chargers and charging cables must be installed in appropriate locations, without obstructing motorists and other users. Please refer to the non-exhaustive examples below:

• EV chargers should not block driving lanes and footpaths
• Charging cables should not dangle over or go across footpaths when in use
• When the charger is not in use, there should be sufficient floor space for the charging cables such that they do not intrude into the parking lots, driving lanes and footpaths
• Wall-mounted EV Chargers shall not enter the space above parking lots, driving lanes and footpaths
• When a vehicle is parked in an EV lot, the chargers and accompanying equipment shall not block the vehicle doors

And here is the fire safety requirement

CLAUSE 10.4 -ELECTRIC VEHICLE (EV) CHARGING INSTALLATION

10.4.1 General

The requirements in Cl.10.4.2 are exempted for PG I buildings.

10.4.2 Emergency main isolation shut-off switches

a. Each EV charging station shall be provided with at least one emergency main isolation shut-off switch(es) located such that no person need to travel more than 15m from the EV charging station and its parking lot(s) to reach a main isolation shut-off switch.

b. If more than one EV charging station is provided, the main isolation shut-off switch(es) shall be provided such that no person need to travel more than 15m from any EV charging station and its associated parking lot(s) to reach a main isolation shut-off switch. 

c. Main isolation switch(es) shall be located on the same storey as the EV charging station(s) they serve. The purpose of such main isolation shut-off switch(es) is to provide a safe means of isolating the main electrical power supply to the entire EV charging system on the same storey.

d. Every EV charging stations and EV parking lots shall be located at least 3m away from the nearest edge of any main isolation shut-off switches.

Exception

Main isolation shut-off switches can be allowed to be less than 3m from an EV charging station and its parking lot(s), as long as there is at least one other main isolation shut-off switch located at least 3m away but still within 15m of this EV charging station and its parking lot(s).

e. Main isolation shut-off switches shall be located between 800mm and 1.2m above the finished floor level and shall be located in a clearly visible and easily accessible location.

f. All main isolation shut-off switches shall be clearly labelled. Clear instructions shall be indicated on how to operate the main isolation shut-off switch. Signages shall be provided with a letter height of at least 50mm.

g. Where main isolation shut-off switch(es) cannot be seen clearly or not within line of sight from the EV charging station and its parking lot(s), additional signages shall be provided to direct persons to the main isolation shut-off switch(es).

 

Conjunctivitis Singapore

Some clinics in Singapore see up to 50% more conjunctivitis cases

At least one doctor told CNA that the increase in reported cases could be due to the relaxation of COVID-19 curbs, such as mask-wearing requirements.

SINGAPORE: Conjunctivitis cases are on the rise in Singapore. Some clinics are seeing more patients for the condition - also known as pink eye - in the first one-and-a-half months of this year, compared with the same period last year.

Conjunctivitis refers to inflammation of the conjunctiva - the thin, translucent tissue that lines the white part of the eye. 

Viral conjunctivitis, which can be spread by coughing and sneezing, starts with redness in one or both eyes. Other signs include swollen or puffy eyelids, persistent itching, and a mild fever.

CONJUNCTIVITIS CAN AFFECT ALL AGE GROUPS

At least one doctor told CNA that the increase in reported conjunctivitis cases so far could be due to the relaxation of COVID-19 curbs, such as social distancing measures and mask-wearing requirements. 

“Viral conjunctivitis is highly contagious, and the transmission is mainly through direct contact with hands or objects which may have been contaminated by the virus,” said Dr Woo Jyh Haur, senior consultant at the Singapore National Eye Centre’s Corneal and External Eye Disease Department.

“We have seen an increase in the number of patients, of up to about 50 per cent, compared to the same period last year.”

It is a similar situation that some clinics across the island are facing.

The National Healthcare Group Polyclinics said that while the number of patients visiting its clinics for conjunctivitis is nearly at pre-pandemic levels, it is not there yet. 

CNA spoke to seven family clinics. One such clinic in Bishan said it now sees about five patients a week. This is up from an average of two patients per week last year.

According to the Ministry of Health’s (MOH) weekly infectious disease bulletin, the daily average number of cases pre-pandemic was around 120.

Dr Woo noted that the condition can affect all age groups. 

It spreads more easily in areas which tend to be more crowded, such as in schools, offices and on public transport. It can also be spread by those with the common cold. 

RELAXATION OF COVID-19 CURBS MAY HAVE IMPACT

Dr Foo Fong Yee, an ophthalmology specialist and consultant at Raffles Eye Centre, said: "These germs can also be spread through the air by respiratory droplets during coughing or sneezing, when they are in close contact, in close proximity to infected individuals."

The relaxation of the COVID-19 restrictions, such as mask requirements and social distancing measures, could have put more people at risk of catching conjunctivitis, she added. 

“However, we do like to believe that after the pandemic, patients are generally more observant of their general hygiene measures,” said Dr Foo.

“And that could explain why even though there is some increase in the numbers, it has not gone back to the levels that were present pre-pandemic, in the sense that most patients might be observing these hygiene measures as a way of life.”

She urged the public to maintain good hygiene habits, such as continuing to wash their hands regularly and not sharing personal use items such as face towels, as these can help to prevent the spread of conjunctivitis

BCA Circular -Site Condition for TOP Inspection

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

CERT Recertification Program for Tier 1

Successfully organized and scheduled the CERT Recertification Program for my premise company emergency response team in mid February 2023 and passed the SCDF 3rd party CERT Audit. This is a structured and sustainable re-certification program for Tier 1 P&FM CERT

What is Tier 1 P&FM CERT

Tier 1

Premises storing more than 5 metric tons of Petroleum & Flammable Material

To learn more about other Tier's and its associated minimum fire safety training and minimum equipment inventory requirement click

National CERT Standard

CERT Recertification Program include

- include relevant practical components that will elevate the skill sets of CERT.

-Increase the confidence of CERT to tackle on-site incidents

-CERT Refresher Training component, and the CERT Audit component, which will be conducted by the approved training provider competent personnel. It is a total of 1 & half day programme, which consists of the briefing, training, and both the CERT documentation and practical audit. Both the documentation and practical audit.

Total Programme Duration:

One Day + Half Day 

CERT Recertification Briefing and Documentation Audit

- Up to 3 hours (Half Day) (Time can be adjusted within office hours)

- Only Key Personnel (FSM/ SMC/ SIC, etc) to be present

CERT Refresher Training and Audit

- 0830 hours to 1730 hours (1 Day)

- For CERT Team

My company had successfully completed the CERT Recertification Program and our premise will be considered to have fulfilled the CERT Audit requirements for the work year.

Premises which have sign up the CERT Recertification Program and successfully completed and fulfilled all the requirement stipulated in the SCDF CERT Audit Checklist before 01 April 2022 will be exempted from 2024 CERT Audit.

To learn more about the CERT Refresher Program and the list of SCDF approved training providers who are qualified to conduct the CERT Re-certification Program for your premise click HERE.

WORK INJURY COMPENSATION (WIC) INSURANCE

As an employer, you are required by law to purchase an approved work injury compensation (WIC) insurance policy from a designated insurer approved by MOM. Mandatory WIC insurance is applicable for all manual workers, and non-manual workers earning at or below the stipulated salary threshold. While you may buy one or a few insurance policies to cover all your employees, you are advised to insure all employees of specific job category with only one designated insurer.

You remain liable to compensate these employees of their work-related injuries. You are also encouraged to purchase WIC insurance policies for other groups of employees. You should also ensure adequate WIC insurance to reduce financial impact from compensation payouts

WHO HAS TO BUY WIC INSURANCE

With effect from 1 April 2020, the salary threshold for non-manual employees requiring Work Injury Compensation (WIC) insurance will be increased in 2 phases.

WHO NEEDS TO GET WIC INSURANCE

An employer is required to maintain adequate WIC insurance for:

For other employees doing non-manual work with monthly earnings above the salary threshold, employers have the flexibility to decide whether to buy insurance for them. In the event of a valid claim, the employer will be required to pay the compensation if he does not have insurance coverage for this group of employees

PROVIDING WIC INSURANCE DETAILS TO DESIGNATED INSURERS

Employers are to provide accurate* information and other supporting documents to the designated insurers during purchase and renewal of WIC insurance policies:

• Annual payroll of their company

• Total workforce size

• Any other information that the

designated insurer requires to

underwrite their police

*Failure to provide accurate information may result in designated insurers seeking compensation from the employers for what they had paid out.

THINGS TO NOTE ABOUT WIC INSURANCE

• Your employees must be covered under an approved WIC insurance policy
• Employers should only purchase approved WIC insurance policies from designated insurers approved by MOM.
• Employers are encouraged to insure all employees of specific job category with only one designated insurer.
• WIC insurance policies should cover all the benefits under WICA 2019.
• Includes medical leave wages (i.e. outpatient, hospitalization and light duty), medical expenses, and lump sum payments for PI and death

Check the coverage of employees and validity of the policy

• Policies should accurately reflect the occupation, salary and the employees who should be covered.
• Policies must be renewed before expiry.
• Employer’s designated insurer is liable to pay when there are multiple insurance policies
• When multiple contractors have separate insurances that cover an injured employee, the employer’s designated insurer will be the first to respond in the event of a valid claim.