Fire Risk Assessment Template Singapore — Free Guide & Checklist (2026)

A fire risk assessment is a systematic evaluation of your premises to identify fire hazards, assess the risk to people, and determine whether existing fire safety measures are adequate. In Singapore, every business — from small offices to large industrial facilities — is legally required to comply with fire safety regulations enforced by the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF). Without a proper fire risk assessment, you risk not only hefty fines and enforcement action but also the lives of your employees, tenants, and visitors. This guide provides a comprehensive fire risk assessment template and checklist that you can use to evaluate your premises and ensure full compliance with Singapore’s fire safety laws.

What Is a Fire Risk Assessment?

A fire risk assessment is a structured process of identifying potential fire hazards in a building or workplace, evaluating who might be harmed and how, and implementing measures to eliminate or reduce those risks. Under the Fire Safety Act (Cap. 109A), building owners and occupiers in Singapore have a legal duty to ensure that their premises meet fire safety standards set by the SCDF.

The assessment examines three core areas:

• Fire hazard identification — sources of ignition, fuel, and oxygen that could start or feed a fire
• Risk evaluation — who is at risk and how likely a fire is to occur
• Control measures — fire prevention, detection, fighting equipment, evacuation procedures, and ongoing management

A fire risk assessment is not a one-time exercise. It must be reviewed regularly — especially after any change in building use, layout, occupancy, or following a fire incident. The SCDF may request evidence of your assessment during inspections, and failure to produce one can result in enforcement action.

Who Needs a Fire Risk Assessment in Singapore?

Under the Fire Safety Act, all building owners, occupiers, and employers in Singapore are responsible for fire safety in their premises. This applies broadly across all sectors and building types:

• Commercial buildings — offices, retail shops, shopping centres, hotels
• Industrial premises — factories, warehouses, workshops, logistics hubs
• Healthcare facilities — hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, laboratories
• Educational institutions — schools, tuition centres, childcare centres
• Food & beverage establishments — restaurants, hawker centres, central kitchens
• Residential buildings — condominiums, HDB common areas (management responsibility)
• Places of public assembly — places of worship, community clubs, event venues
• Construction sites — temporary structures, worker dormitories

Buildings that require a Fire Safety Certificate (FSC) or Temporary Fire Permit (TFP) from the SCDF must demonstrate compliance with fire safety requirements before they can be occupied or used. Certain high-risk premises — such as petroleum and flammable materials storage — face additional requirements under the Fire Safety (Petroleum and Flammable Materials) Regulations.

Fire Risk Assessment Template — Complete Checklist

Use this fire risk assessment template to systematically evaluate your premises. Work through each section, ticking off items as you inspect them. Any gaps should be documented and addressed with corrective actions.

Section 1: Fire Hazard Identification

Identify all potential sources of ignition, fuel, and oxygen in your premises.

• ☐ Electrical equipment inspected for damage, overloading, or faulty wiring
• ☐ Portable heaters, cooking equipment, and hot work tools assessed
• ☐ Smoking areas designated and properly managed with fire-safe receptacles
• ☐ Flammable liquids, gases, and chemicals stored in approved cabinets
• ☐ Combustible materials (paper, cardboard, textiles, wood) stored away from ignition sources
• ☐ Waste and rubbish disposal areas checked — no accumulation near buildings
• ☐ Arson risks assessed — external bins, access points, and security measures reviewed
• ☐ Lightning protection system inspected and certified (where applicable)
• ☐ Hot work permit system in place for welding, cutting, and grinding operations
• ☐ Kitchen extraction hoods and ducts cleaned and maintained on schedule

Section 2: People at Risk

Identify everyone who could be affected by a fire on your premises.

• ☐ All employees and regular staff accounted for, including shift workers and night staff
• ☐ Visitors, customers, and members of the public considered
• ☐ Contractors and temporary workers briefed on fire safety procedures
• ☐ Persons with disabilities or mobility impairments — personal emergency evacuation plans (PEEPs) prepared
• ☐ Lone workers and isolated areas identified — communication and alarm systems verified
• ☐ Young persons, elderly, or other vulnerable individuals given special consideration

Section 3: Fire Prevention Measures

Verify that measures are in place to prevent fires from starting.

• ☐ Electrical installations inspected and tested by a Licensed Electrical Worker (LEW)
• ☐ Portable appliance testing (PAT) completed and logged
• ☐ No-smoking policy enforced in all non-designated areas
• ☐ Flammable materials quantity minimised — only day supplies kept in work areas
• ☐ Housekeeping standards maintained — no clutter in corridors, stairwells, or escape routes
• ☐ Hot work procedures include fire watch and permit-to-work system
• ☐ Contractor management procedures include fire safety induction
• ☐ Kitchen fire suppression systems installed and serviced (for F&B premises)
• ☐ LPG cylinder storage compliant with SCDF requirements
• ☐ Electrical panel rooms kept locked, clear, and free of storage

Section 4: Fire Detection and Warning Systems

Ensure your detection and alarm systems will provide early warning in case of fire.

• ☐ Automatic fire alarm system installed and monitored (where required by SCDF)
• ☐ Smoke detectors and heat detectors positioned correctly and tested regularly
• ☐ Manual call points (break glass) located at exits and along escape routes
• ☐ Fire alarm audible throughout all areas of the building, including toilets and storerooms
• ☐ Visual alarm beacons installed in high-noise areas
• ☐ Fire alarm system maintained by an SCDF-registered contractor
• ☐ Weekly alarm tests conducted and logged
• ☐ False alarm management procedures in place to prevent alarm fatigue

Section 5: Fire Fighting Equipment

Check that appropriate fire fighting equipment is available, accessible, and maintained.

• ☐ Portable fire extinguishers provided — correct type for the fire risk (Class A, B, C, or K)
• ☐ Fire extinguishers serviced annually by an SCDF-registered contractor
• ☐ Hose reels installed, accessible, and tested quarterly
• ☐ Automatic sprinkler system inspected and maintained (where installed)
• ☐ Fire blankets available in kitchens and cooking areas
• ☐ All fire fighting equipment clearly signed and unobstructed

Section 6: Emergency Evacuation

Ensure everyone can escape safely in the event of a fire.

• ☐ Escape routes clearly marked with photoluminescent signage
• ☐ Emergency exits unlocked and unobstructed during occupied hours
• ☐ Emergency lighting installed, tested monthly, and battery-backed for minimum 1 hour
• ☐ Assembly points designated, communicated, and clearly signed
• ☐ Evacuation plan displayed on every floor and in common areas
• ☐ Refuge areas identified for persons with disabilities (in high-rise buildings)
• ☐ Stairwells free from storage, obstructions, and combustible materials
• ☐ Maximum travel distance to nearest exit complies with SCDF Code of Practice
• ☐ Roll call procedures established to account for all persons after evacuation
• ☐ Coordination plan with SCDF and emergency services documented

Section 7: Fire Safety Management

Verify that ongoing management systems are in place to maintain fire safety standards.

• ☐ Fire Safety Manager appointed and registered with SCDF (mandatory for certain building types)
• ☐ Fire safety policy documented and communicated to all staff
• ☐ Fire drills conducted at least once every six months (SCDF requirement)
• ☐ Staff trained on fire extinguisher use and evacuation procedures
• ☐ Fire safety records maintained — inspection logs, drill reports, maintenance records
• ☐ Fire risk assessment reviewed annually or after significant changes
• ☐ Company Emergency Response Team (CERT) formed and trained
• ☐ Incident reporting and investigation procedures in place for fire-related events

How to Conduct a Fire Risk Assessment — 5 Steps

Follow this five-step process to complete your fire risk assessment systematically:

Step 1: Identify Fire Hazards

Walk through your entire premises and identify all sources of ignition (electrical equipment, naked flames, hot surfaces), fuel (paper, chemicals, timber, fabrics), and oxygen (natural ventilation, air conditioning, oxidising substances). Use Section 1 of the checklist above to guide your inspection.

Step 2: Identify People at Risk

Determine who could be harmed if a fire breaks out. Pay special attention to areas where people sleep, work alone, or may have difficulty evacuating — such as persons with disabilities, elderly residents, or young children. Refer to Section 2 of the checklist.

Step 3: Evaluate, Remove, or Reduce Risks

For each hazard identified, decide whether you can eliminate it entirely, substitute it with a safer alternative, or reduce the risk through engineering controls, administrative procedures, or physical separation. Prioritise actions based on the severity and likelihood of each risk.

Step 4: Record Your Findings and Implement Actions

Document every hazard, the people at risk, and the control measures in place or planned. Assign responsibility and deadlines for corrective actions. Your fire risk assessment record should be kept on-site and available for SCDF inspection at any time.

Step 5: Review and Update Regularly

Review your assessment at least annually, or sooner if there are significant changes — such as building renovations, change of use, new equipment, or a fire incident. Keep a log of all reviews and updates.

SCDF Fire Safety Requirements for Singapore Buildings

The SCDF enforces fire safety in Singapore through several key regulatory instruments:

Fire Safety Act (Cap. 109A)

The primary legislation governing fire safety in Singapore. It empowers the SCDF to set fire safety standards, conduct inspections, issue enforcement notices, and prosecute non-compliance. Building owners and occupiers must ensure their premises comply with the Fire Code and relevant Codes of Practice.

Fire Safety Certificate (FSC)

All buildings intended for human occupation must obtain a Fire Safety Certificate before use. The FSC confirms that the building’s fire safety provisions — including structural fire protection, means of escape, fire detection systems, and fire fighting access — comply with the Fire Code. Operating without a valid FSC is an offence.

Temporary Fire Permit (TFP)

For buildings undergoing renovation or temporary use, a TFP may be required. This permit ensures interim fire safety measures are in place while the building is not in its final configuration.

Fire Safety Manager Requirement

Under the Fire Safety (Fire Safety Managers) Regulations, certain categories of buildings must appoint a registered Fire Safety Manager. These include commercial buildings above a certain floor area, industrial premises, hotels, hospitals, and places of public assembly. The Fire Safety Manager is responsible for maintaining fire safety systems, conducting drills, and liaising with the SCDF.

Fire Drills

The SCDF requires fire drills to be conducted at least once every six months for most occupied buildings. Drills must be documented and records kept for inspection. Failure to conduct regular drills can result in enforcement action.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Penalties under the Fire Safety Act are severe:

• Operating without a Fire Safety Certificate — fine up to SGD 200,000 and/or imprisonment up to 12 months
• Failure to maintain fire safety provisions — fine up to SGD 50,000 and/or imprisonment up to 12 months
• Obstructing fire safety inspections — fine up to SGD 10,000
• Repeated offences carry double penalties

How Sage Shield Can Help

Sage Shield Safety Consultants provides end-to-end fire safety services to help Singapore businesses achieve and maintain full SCDF compliance. Our fire safety team includes certified professionals with deep experience across commercial, industrial, healthcare, and F&B sectors.

Our Fire Safety Services Include:

• Fire Safety Manager Services — We provide qualified Fire Safety Managers to fulfil your SCDF registration requirements, whether you need a full-time, part-time, or outsourced arrangement.
• Fire Risk Assessment — Our consultants conduct thorough fire risk assessments of your premises, identify gaps, and deliver a detailed report with prioritised recommendations.
• Fire Drill Coordination — We plan, coordinate, and document fire drills that meet SCDF requirements, including tabletop exercises and full-scale evacuation drills.
• SCDF Compliance Consultancy — From Fire Safety Certificate applications to regulatory gap analysis, we guide you through every SCDF requirement.
• Fire Safety Training — Hands-on training for your staff on fire extinguisher use, evacuation procedures, and emergency response.

Whether you need a one-off fire risk assessment or ongoing fire safety management, Sage Shield has you covered.