bizSAFE Emergency Preparedness — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under Singapore's Fire Safety Act, what must every workplace have?
- Only a fire extinguisher at the entrance
- An approved fire safety plan including fire detection systems, extinguishers, evacuation routes, and trained fire wardens (Correct answer)
- Only a fire alarm
- Only a first aid kit
Correct answer: An approved fire safety plan including fire detection systems, extinguishers, evacuation routes, and trained fire wardens
The Fire Safety Act and Fire Safety (Buildings) Regulations require workplaces to have comprehensive fire safety plans including detection and alarm systems, extinguishers, emergency exits, and trained personnel.
Question 2: How often must fire drills be conducted in a Singapore workplace?
- Once every 5 years
- At least once every 6 months for most workplaces (Correct answer)
- Only after a fire incident
- Only during bizSAFE audits
Correct answer: At least once every 6 months for most workplaces
Under the Fire Safety Act, fire drills must be conducted at least once every 6 months (twice a year) to ensure all occupants are familiar with evacuation procedures.
Question 3: What is the role of a Company Emergency Response Team (CERT) in a Singapore workplace?
- To manage the company's finances during a crisis
- To respond to workplace emergencies including fire, medical emergencies, chemical spills, and natural disasters (Correct answer)
- To negotiate with insurance companies
- To file police reports only
Correct answer: To respond to workplace emergencies including fire, medical emergencies, chemical spills, and natural disasters
CERT members are trained to respond to various emergencies at the workplace, including firefighting, first aid, evacuation coordination, and hazardous material incidents.
Question 4: What first aid requirements exist under Singapore WSH regulations?
- No first aid is required
- Employers must provide first aid equipment, trained first aiders, and a designated first aid room for larger workplaces (Correct answer)
- Only a first aid kit is needed
- First aid is the responsibility of nearby hospitals only
Correct answer: Employers must provide first aid equipment, trained first aiders, and a designated first aid room for larger workplaces
Under the WSH (First Aid) Regulations, employers must provide adequate first aid facilities, maintain stocked first aid kits, and ensure a sufficient number of trained first aiders are available at the workplace.
Question 5: What is an Emergency Response Plan (ERP) and is it required in Singapore workplaces?
- An optional document for large companies only
- A mandatory plan detailing procedures for various emergency scenarios, evacuation routes, assembly points, and emergency contacts (Correct answer)
- A government-issued template that cannot be modified
- A plan only for construction sites
Correct answer: A mandatory plan detailing procedures for various emergency scenarios, evacuation routes, assembly points, and emergency contacts
An ERP is required for Singapore workplaces and must cover procedures for fire, medical emergencies, chemical spills, bomb threats, and other scenarios specific to the workplace's activities.
Question 6: What class of fire extinguisher is appropriate for electrical fires in a Singapore workplace?
- Class A (water) extinguisher
- Carbon dioxide (CO2) or dry chemical powder extinguisher (Correct answer)
- Class K (wet chemical) extinguisher
- Foam extinguisher
Correct answer: Carbon dioxide (CO2) or dry chemical powder extinguisher
For electrical fires, CO2 or dry chemical powder extinguishers are appropriate as they do not conduct electricity. Water and foam extinguishers must never be used on electrical fires due to electrocution risk.
