THE
process of setting up businesses will not be slowed down, although it
will take them some time to obtain the fire safety certifications
required under the Fire Safety Order 2016.
Head of Fire Prevention Division Taib Hj Abd Kahar said that the most
important thing for businessmen to note is to apply for the fire safety
certification and informing the Fire and Rescue Department of their
current situation.
The aims of having the new law, said Taib, is to facilitate the ease
of doing businesses to the community, therefore the Fire and Rescue
Department will allow businessmen to operate while waiting for their
application to be processed.
This, he said, also goes to existing businesses, where the fire
safety certifications are now required for them to operate within the
country.
Head of Fire Prevention Division Taib Hj Abd Kahar after
an interview with ‘The Brunei Times’ yesterday. Picture: BT/Waqiuddin
Rajak
“If they apply today, they may start operating their businesses in
the afternoon, given that they already have a place, while waiting for
their applications to be completed,” he said.
However, these businesses may also be subjected to other
documentation and requirements, including the Occupancy Permit issued by
the Authority for Building Control and Construction Industry (ABCI),
indicating their premises are adhering to the safety standards set under
the authority.
The application may include existing or planned fire safety works and
evacuation plans, which may then be subjected to approval or alteration
by the Fire and Rescue Department if they see that the business or
premises are fit for operation.
As stated in the Fire Safety Order 2016, Taib explained, operating
the businesses without obtaining the certifications is considered an
offence, liable to general penalties as mentioned in Section 59 of the
law.
It stated that those who are guilty for an offence that has no
penalty specifically expressed are liable to a fine not more than
$10,000, or a jail term of not more than six months, or both.
For a continuing offence, the person will be liable to a further fine
of not more than $1,000 for every day or part thereof during which the
offence continues after conviction.
“But if that person did inform us, and submitted their applications,
then they would not (be considered) have committed an offence,” he said.
“Operating without informing us, or without applying (for
certification), or against the ones that are already approved, are
considered an offence, as outlined in the Fire Safety Order 2016,” he
added.
Taib explained that so far, the law may require businessmen to apply
for two certifications, namely the Fire Certificate and the Fire Safety
Certificate.
A Fire Certificate is given to business owners, he said, while Fire
Safety Certificate are granted for owners of business premises,
indicating that their businesses and buildings are in adherence to the
fire safety requirements.
The requirements varied across different kinds of businesses and
sizes of premises, he said, giving an example out of eateries where
fireproof facilities are required in the kitchen, besides placing their
gas tanks outside of their lots or buildings.
Textile businesses, he said, may also need to place a fire
extinguishing facility within 15 metres of reach from persons manning
the business area.
For business premises, he said the basic requirements include having a
sprinkler in the building, a fire extinguisher, a fire alarm and an
evacuation passage.
A Fire Marshall may also be appointed from amongst the workers in the
building, who are trained to help evacuate the building in case there
is fire or any emergency breakdowns.
These certifications, according to the Fire Safety Order, are only applicable to buildings that have more than 200 occupants.
Taib added that buildings that see a large number of visitors every
day, including shopping malls and hotels, will also have to apply for
the fire safety certifications.
“Although it does not apply to small businesses like retail stores,
we will still issue to them an “acceptance letter” and will inspect the
fire safety aspects of their businesses from time to time,” he said.
While the Fire Safety Order 2016 has been gazetted, it has yet to be
implemented, as the government is looking to ensure that the business
community understands the ins and outs of the new laws.
“So this is amongst our phases of introducing and implementing the
law, and we might move on to exercising the authorities of the Fire and
Rescue director on ships and vessels next year,” he said.
“So for now, we are hoping that (the business community) would be
able to understand the new laws well and cooperate with us, so the new
Fire Safety Order 2016 can be conveniently and efficiently enforced,” he
added.
The Brunei Times
