The discovery comes after the owner of ICON@IBP alerted the SCDF in July that the composite panels used as cladding on the building’s façade are non-compliant with the Fire Code.
The Qualified Person (QP) for the development of ICON @ International Business Park (ICON@IBP) was fined after it was found that the cladding for the building’s façade was non-compliant, revealed the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) on Monday (30 September).
The discovery comes after the owner of ICON@IBP alerted the SCDF in July that the composite panels used as cladding on the building’s façade are non-compliant with the Fire Code.
Investigations by SCDF showed that the building owner had conducted a burn test of the composite panels in March 2018 to determine if they conformed with fire safety requirements. The panels failed the test.
The QP knew of the failed test result since April 2018 but did not inform SCDF as required by the Fire Safety Act. It was only in July that the owner of the building alerted SCDF.
“This prolonged duration between the burn test and the reporting of the test result is unacceptable,” said SCDF.
“The QP was not involved in follow-up discussions between the building owner and the main contractor about rectification actions before the building owner informed SCDF of the non-compliant cladding.”
While the building remains safe and fit for occupancy, the building owner was directed to remove the non-compliant cladding within 60 days.
The owner was also mandated to carry out fire safety measures within the next 14 days, including checking that the fire safety system is in good working condition, conducting evacuation drills and appointing personnel who would regularly carry out fire watches.
In imposing fine to the QP, SCDF noted that industry professionals such as QPs have a “professional and legal responsibility to ensure fire safety. They possess the necessary technical knowledge and are specifically appointed to supervise fire safety works. SCDF expects these industry professionals to discharge their duties fully and diligently.”
With this, SCDF also recommended to the Board of Architects the suspension of the QP in question.
Laveesh Hassija at PropertyGuru, edited this story. To contact him about this or other stories, email laveesh@propertyguru.com.sg
