What is the difference between an FSC, a TFP and a Fire Certificate?
A Fire Safety Certificate (FSC) is issued after fire safety works are fully completed in accordance with approved plans, and the premises cannot be used or occupied without it. A Temporary Fire Permit (TFP) allows occupation for a limited period when the works are satisfactorily completed with only minor deviations outstanding. A Fire Certificate (FC) is different: a periodic certificate under section 35 of the Fire Safety Act for designated buildings, renewed after annual inspection of fire protection systems.
From the RRD Field Guide, checked against the sources cited in SCDF Fire Safety for Fit-Outs in Singapore: Approvals, Inspections and Common Failures. General information, not advice for your project.
The fuller picture
Under Singapore's Fire Safety Act, fit-out works that touch fire safety — partitions affecting exits, sprinklers, fire doors, ventilation, change of use — need SCDF plan approval through a Qualified Person before work starts. Small works in buildings with a TFP or FSC can be lodged for S$90 within strict limits. After approved works, a Registered Inspector must certify them before SCDF issues a TFP or FSC.
More questions on this topic
- Does every office fit-out need SCDF approval?
- Who is the Registered Inspector and who appoints them?
- How many sprinklers can I move without full SCDF approval?
- Can I put up a partition without telling SCDF?
- What happens if SCDF finds problems at inspection?
- Is a change of use an SCDF matter?
- Does the building's Fire Safety Manager need to approve my works?