Chapter 1
General: Scope, Codes & Standards, Abbreviations, Definitions
Chapter 1 establishes the foundational framework of the SCDF Fire Code 2023, defining its scope across all buildings in Singapore and identifying when other specialist codes (CPFPRTS, SS 641, NFPA 502, SS 634, SS 512, SS 532, SS 667) take precedence or apply instead. It sets out the hierarchy of codes and standards, explains how conflicts are resolved (Fire Code prevails), and mandates submission of a Fire Safety Report at building plan stage and a Fire Safety Instruction Manual at Temporary Fire Permit / Fire Safety Certificate stage. The chapter also provides the complete glossary of defined terms (including Purpose Groups, occupant load factors, and building element definitions) that underpin compliance decisions throughout the rest of the Code.
Scope: All buildings in Singapore. Certain specialist facility types (RTS, laboratories, road tunnels, open plant processing, pipeline corridors, flammable liquid/solid storage) are governed by referenced standards, with the Fire Code applying as a baseline or fallback.
Source: SCDF Code of Practice for Fire Precautions in Buildings 2023. This is a guidance summary — always verify against the full Fire Code clause text.
Critical points
Occupant load must be based on accessible floor area (AFA) unless a specific exemption applies under the Remarks column of Table 1.4B.
CriticalClause 1.4.77 / Table 1.4B (Note)For assembly occupancies with fixed seating, occupant load may be based on the number of fixed seats rather than the area-based formula.
ImportantClause 1.4.77(b)Use of an occupant load factor not stated in Table 1.4B requires prior SCDF approval.
CriticalClause 1.4.77(a)Functional spaces in Table 1.4B are non-exhaustive. For spaces not listed, seek SCDF approval for the applicable factor.
ImportantTable 1.4B (Note)
Compliance thresholds
| Parameter | Value | Condition | Clause |
|---|---|---|---|
| Occupant load factor — Office (admin/general) | 10 m²/person | General and administrative office spaces | Table 1.4B |
| Occupant load factor — Classroom / Conference / Meeting / Lecture room | 1.5 m²/person | Educational and meeting spaces | Table 1.4B |
| Occupant load factor — Restaurant / Cafeteria / Canteen | 1.5 m²/person | Dining areas (hawker centre: 1.5; fast food outlet: 1.0) | Table 1.4B |
| Occupant load factor — Shop / Showroom / Department store / Supermarket | 5 m²/person | Retail spaces | Table 1.4B |
| Occupant load factor — General / goods / book storage | 30 m²/person | Storage areas | Table 1.4B |
| Occupant load factor — Dormitory (bedroom area only) | 4.2 m²/person | Bedroom area only, excluding living area, toilet etc. | Table 1.4B |
| Occupant load factor — Backpacker hotel / Guestroom | 15 m²/person (min. 2 persons per room) | Hotel guest rooms; whichever is higher | Table 1.4B |
| Occupant load factor — Atrium floor | 3 m²/person | Atrium floor areas | Table 1.4B |
Interactive decision tree
Calculate occupant load for a building or space