Singapore Civil Defence Force Parameters
Singapore's fire safety and emergency response authority
About SCDF Requirements
SCDF is responsible for fire safety enforcement in Singapore, reviewing building plans for compliance with the Fire Code 2023[1] (with 4th batch of amendments, September 2025).[3] SCDF evaluates fire protection systems, means of escape, smoke control, and emergency vehicle access for all building developments.
SCDF's 55 IFC-SG parameters cover fire protection systems (sprinklers, fire extinguishers, hose reels), compartmentation (fire-rated walls, doors, dampers), smoke control systems (pressurization, smoke extraction), and emergency access provisions. Parameters intersect with BCA for fire resistance ratings and NEA for mechanical ventilation.
Common pain points include Fire Code 2023 transition, fire compartmentation deficiencies, and emergency vehicle access non-compliance.[2] Vision panel requirements (100mm x 600mm) in fire doors are frequently missed.
Key Compliance Areas
Fire Protection Systems
- Automatic sprinkler systems with design density specifications
- Fire extinguisher and hose reel provisions
- Fire alarm and detection systems
- Emergency lighting and exit signage
- Fire hydrant systems for large developments
Compartmentation & Fire Resistance
- Fire-rated walls, floors, and structural elements
- Fire doors with vision panels (100mm x 600mm requirement)
- Fire dampers in HVAC ductwork
- Firestopping at service penetrations
- Protected corridors and lobbies
Means of Escape & Emergency Access
- Escape staircase design and travel distances
- Exit discharge to place of safety
- Emergency vehicle access (EVA) roads and turning circles
- Fire command center location and specifications
- PWD holding points and refuge areas
Common SCDF Compliance Challenges
Fire Code 2023 Transition
The 4th batch of amendments (September 2025) introduced significant changes to fire safety requirements. Projects designed under previous code editions may not comply with current requirements. Practices must ensure they reference the latest Fire Code version.
Missing SGPset Fire Safety Parameters
CORENET X auto-rejects models before SCDF officer review if mandatory SGPset_ parameters are missing. Common failures: doors without SGPset_DoorCommon.FireRating, spaces with null OccupantLoad values, and walls mapped to standard Pset_WallCommon instead of SGPset_WallCommon. The validator checks every instance - one missing parameter on one door triggers rejection.
Invalid SpaceName Classifications
SCDF requires spaces to use the official IFC-SG SpaceName enumeration - not architectural names. Submitting "Marketing Dept" or "CEO Office" instead of "Office" triggers a schema validation error. The system cannot calculate Occupant Load Factors (Table 1.4B) without recognized space types, blocking clearance until every room is remapped.
Unclosed Fire Compartments
CORENET X enforces zero-tolerance on compartment boundaries. Modeling gaps - even 1-5mm from wall join errors - break the enclosed volume logic. The system reads a "leaky" compartment as undefined, potentially flagging an entire floor as one oversized compartment. In SCDF's Fire Safety View, walls missing FireRating parameters disappear entirely, triggering immediate Written Directions.
Smoke Control System Coordination
Smoke control systems must satisfy both SCDF (fire safety) and NEA (environmental) requirements. PE (Mechanical) must design pressurization, smoke extraction, and air handling to meet both agencies simultaneously. Exhaust discharge must be 5m minimum from air intakes.
Emergency Vehicle Access Non-Compliance
EVA road width, turning radius, and gradient requirements frequently violated. Access to fire command center, dry riser inlets, and sprinkler control valves must be maintained. Changes to site layout affecting EVA require resubmission.
SCDF Parameter Database
Search and explore all 55 parameters required for Singapore Civil Defence Force submissions.
Frequently Asked Questions about CORENET X for SCDF
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