‘7

SINGAPORE STANDARD
cP25:1999.
(ICS 13.320;91.120)

) CODE OF PRACTICE FOR

Emergency voice ’
communication system in
buildings

All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this Singapore

Standard may be reproduced or utilised in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilming, without
permission in writing from PSB at the address below:

Singapore Productivity and Standards Board

1 Science Park Drive
Singapore 118221

ISBN 9971-67-690-7
CP 25 : 1999

This Singapore Standard having been approved by the Electrical Industry Practice Committee was
endorsed by the Standards Council on 28 January 1999.

First published, 1983

First revision, 1999

The Electrical Industry Practice Committee appointed by the Standard Council consists of the following
members:

Name Organisation

Chairman : Mr Soh Siew Cheong Standards Council

Secretary : Mr Dennis Chew Singapore Productivity and Standards Board
Members : Dr David Chia Cheng Song Association of Consulting Engineers, Singapore
Mr Foo Kong Deen Singapore Electrical Trades Association
Mr Goh Kok Chan Port of Singapore Authority
Mr Ho Fui Chan Housing & Development Board
Er. N P Karthigayan institution of Engineers Singapore
Mr Koh Chai Kee Singapore Telecom
Dr Lock Kai Sang National University of Singapore
Mr Samuel Ong- Singapore Electrical Contractors Association
Mr Tan Sing Ong Jurong Town Corporation
Mr Tay Tien Seng Singapore Mass Rapid Transit
Assoc Prof Teo Cheng Yu Nanyang Technological University
Mr Wan Fook Sing Singapore Contractors Association Limited
Mr Yeo Yek Sena Public Utilities Board

The Technical Committee. on rgency Voice Communication System In

Buildings appointed by the Elec Ipastry Pr ittee and responsible for the preparation
of this standard consists of rem organisations:

Na Organisation

Chairman : Mr Pang Toh Ka rks Department

Deputy
Chairman : Major Choy Marn Ko gapore Civil Defence Force

Secretary : Mr Dennis Chew Singapore Productivity and Standards Board

Members : Mr Ashvinkumar s/o Kantilal Singapore institute of Architects

Mr Chan Yoke Lock institute of Engineers Singapore
Mr Koh Chai Kee Singapore Telecommunications Lfd
Mr Koh Chan Tia Singapore Confederation of lndus tries
Mr Koh Keng Chuah Housing & Development Board
Mr Ken Tan See Pian Associati& of Consulting Engineers, Singapore

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 CP 25 : 1999

Contents
Page

Foreword 4

CODE OF PRACTICE

1 Scope 5
2 Definitions 5
3 General requirements 6
4 Fire command centre 7
5 One-way voice communication system 7
6 Two-way voice communication system 8
7 Control console 9
8 Recording system 11
9 Installation and power supplies 11
10 Maintenance and testing 12

ANNEXES

A Operational requirement of systems 13

B Mode of operation and response of personnel 14

c Sample messages 15

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CP25: 1999

Foreword

This Code of Practice was prepared by the Technical Committee on the Code of Practice for Emergency
Voice Communication System In Buildings under the direction of the Electrical- Industry Practice
Committee. It is a revision of Singapore Standard CP 25 : 1982.

This Code of Practice was revised to keep abreast of the progress of voice communication technology in
building and to align the requirements with the new generation of highrise buildings constructed in the
recent years.

NOTE

1. Singapore Standards are subject to periodic review to keep abreast of technological changes and new
technical developments. The revisions of Singapore Standards are announced through the issue of
either amendment slips or revised editions.

2. Compliance with a Singapore Standard does not exempt users from legal obligations.

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 CP 25 : 1999

Code of practice for emergency voice communication system in

buildings

1 S c o p e
This code applies to the planning, design, installation, maintenance and testing of emergency voice
communication systems in buildings and sets out the requirements for the basic system. Recommended
procedures for the use of the system and other information of an advisory nature are given in the
appendices.

NOTE - The titles of the publications referred to in this standard are listed at the end of the standard.

2 Definitions

For the purpose of this code the following definitions shall apply:-

2.1 Alarm sounding devices

Devices such as bells, sirens, horns etc., meant to emit a loud sound to alert the building occupants of
an emergency.

2.2 Areas of refuge

Adjoining areas in the building which are fire separated from one another either horizontally or vertically
by walls or floors having fire resistance rating of at least two hours; and between any two such areas
supplemental means of escape, such as protected corridor, staircase, balcony, bridge, tunnel, etc. is
provided.

2.3 Audible signail

Soft sound produced by devices such as buzzers, chimes, electronic sound generators, ringing bells,
etc. to alert the security or operating personnel.

2.4 Central alarm and control console

A console or cabinet in which all the operational facilities for the emergency voice communication
system, the fire alarm indicator board, lifts position indicator board and status indicator board for the
essential building services are accommodated. See also “Control Console”.

2.5 Control console

A console or cabinet in which only the operational facilities of the emergency voice communication
system is housed. See also “Central Alarm And Control Console”.

2.6 Fire alarm indicator board

The main control board or panel of the fire alarm system on which are mounted the basic control and
indicator facilities. Alternatively, the board or panel may be replaced by a video display on a computer
monitor.

5
2.7 Fire command centre

A special room within the building from where major emergency situations are controlled and monitored
and where the supporting equipment is provided to assist in that function. .’ -,,.fC..‘; ‘:“hZ ’

2.8 Lifts position indicator board

A board or panel on which are mounted indicator lamps which show the positions of all the lifts in the
building. Alternatively, the board or panel may be replaced by a video display on a computer monitor.

2.9 Repeater panel

A duplicate panel with only indicators and not the other associated equipment. Alternatively, the board
or panel may be replaced by a video display on a computer monitor.

2.10 Party-line

A built-in facility in an internal telephone system whereby cross conversation can be carried out between
the master handset at the control centre and any one or more of the remote handsets, and also among
the remote handsets at the same time. See also “Private-line”.

2.11 Private-line

A built-in facility in an internal telephone system whereby private conversation between the master
handiet at the control centre and any one remote handset can be effected through the selector switches.
See also “Party-line”.

2.12 Mimic panel

A plan or elevation drawing/view of the floor/site layout mounted on a panel usually with light indicators
placed geographicatly. on the floor/site layout to reflect the dynamic status of the device/equipment.
Alternatively, the panel may be replaced by a video display on a computer monitor.

2.13 Sprinkler indicator board

The main indicator board or panel of the sprinkler installation to indicate the zone in which the sprinkler
system has been activated. Alternatively, the board or panel may be replaced by a video display on a
computer monitor.

2.14 Status indicator board

A board or panel which provides indications of the normal/abnormal and on/off conditions of the
equipment monitored. Alternatively, the board or panel may be replaced by a video display on a
computer monitor.

2.15 Visual indication

Visible indication in the form of illuminated lamp and/or a video display on a computer monitor of a
computerised building security and management system to show the condition of a system or
equipment.

3 General requirements

3.1 When a voice communication system is required by the Relevant Authority to be provided in a
building, it shall consist of a one-way voice communication system and a two-way voice communication
system both centrally controlled and monitored from a fire command centre within the building.

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 CP25: 1 9 9 9

3.2 The one-way voice communication system shall be in the form of a network of loudspeakers
installed at strategic positions of the building and shall be connected to a microphone and amplifier
system at the fire command centre.

3.3 The two-way voice communication system shall be in the form of a network of telephone
handsets located at designated areas of the building and shall be connected to the master handset at
the fire command centre.

4 Fire command centre

4.1 The fire command centre shall be located adjacent to the fire lift lobby at the designated level of
the building (i.e. the lobby of the building on the entrance level or immediately adjacent thereto) or at any
other location as may be designated by the Relevant Authority.

4.2 The fire command centre shall be separated from the rest of the building by a two-hour fire-rated
enclosure and shall be wholly constructed of non-combustible materials. In addition, the enclosure shall
1 be of sound resistance construction having a sound attenuation of 50 dB: The fire command centre shall
be no less than 4 m x 4 m in size. The door to the fire command centre shall be a two-hour fire-rated
door. A vision panel not exceeding 150 mm by 300 mm may be incorporated in the door provided it is
glazed with wired glass having not less than one hour fire resistance rating.

NOTE - If the door is not facing the main public area, a vision panel as stated above may be fitted on the wall
facing the main public area.

4.3 The fire command centre shall be provided with the following facilities:

the control console of the voice communication system;

ta).
(b) a fire alarm sounding device;

(4 a mim,ic or repeater panel of the automatic fire alarm and sprinkler indicator boards or the
boards themselves;

(d) a mimic panel of the lift’s position indicator board;

(e) a telephone connected directly to the external exchange;

)
(0 a switch to isolate background music when required.

4.4 The fire command centre shall be adequately illuminated to a minimum level of 100 Lux and
artificial lighting shall be on circuits that are separated from the general lighting and power circuits and
shall be connected to an emergency lighting power source which shall automatically function upon
failure of the normal mains supply and maintain adequate illumination for at least four hours.

5 One-way voice communication3ystem

5.1 The one-way voice communication system shall consist of microphone input, selector switches,
amplifiers and loudspeakers to perform the functions specified.

5.2 Loudspeakers operated from the fire command centre shall be of sufficient number and
appropriate design to provide effective voice communication to the following areas:

(a) habitable rooms;

(b) basement areas;

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CP25: 1999

Cc) escape staircases;

64 staircase lobbies and lift lobbies forming parts of the means of escape;

(e) the main entrance lobby;

(f) corridors leading to exits;

(9) service areas where people may be working;

U-0 areas of refuge;

(0 assembling areas;

(1) lift cars; and

(4 any other locations as may be required by the Relevant Authority.

5.3 The minimum sound level in the area covered shall be at least 10 dBA above the ambient noise
level. It shall be not less than 65 dBA and not more than 105 dBA.

5.4 Loudspeakers shall be grouped so that they can be controlled by zone, floor area and escape
staircases, both selectively and collectively from the control console at the fire command centre.

5.5 Loudspeaker circuits shall be provided with approved means to disconnect the circuit
automatically from the amplifier in the event of a short circuit and cause a visual indication at the control
console to indicate the defective circuit.

5.6 The microphone shall be a noise cancelling, dynamic microphone specifically designed for close
talking operation and shall effectively discriminate against sounds originating more than 150 mm away.
It shall have a uniform frequency response from 200 to 5 000 Hz.

5.7 The amplifiers used shall be of solid state design, and shall permit operation in open output
circuit without damage to the final stage. A transistorised protective circuit shall be provided enabling the
amplifier to restore itself to full operation within one milli-second after a short circuit or overload condition
has been removed. A defective amplifier shall be indicated by a visual indication at the control console.

5.8 The system shall be electrically supervised to indicate malfunctions of loudspeaker circuits and
components such as microphones and amplifiers.

6 Two-way voice communication system

6.1 The two-way voice communication system shall be independent of all other communication
systems within the building and it shall consist of a master handset, selector switches at the control
console and remote handsets installed at various designated locations.

6.2 Remote handsets shall be uniformly located on each storey either in fire lift lobby or a specially
designed area. Additional handsets shall be provided at the following areas:

(a) fire fighting related mechanical equipment rooms;

lb) air-handling control rooms;

(4 lift machine rooms;

 CP25: IQ99

(4 lift cars; and

(4 any other locations as may be required by the Relevant Authority.

NOTE - In general, at least one handset shall be located on each storey. When a storey is divided into two or
more fire-isolated zones used as areas of refuge for one another, each zone shall be provided with a handset. The
criteria to be considered in determining the position of each handset shall be such that, wherever possible, the
handset is near the protected staircase or near the central position of the zone covered by it and as remote as
possible from any alarm sounding device.

6.3 Handsets shall be securely mounted and recessed into the wall, with a glass fronted panel, at
1500 mm above the floor. The glass fronted panel shall be clearly marked with the word
“EMERGENCY” and identified as to its storey. The word shall be in red lettering of at least 12 mm high.

6.4 The two-way voice communication system shall have party-line and private-line facilities.

6.5 Under party-line, the fire command centre shall have the facilities to break in or terminate
communication between or among handsets.

6.6 The raising of any handset from its cradle at any location shall cause a distinct audible signal
and flashing visual indication at the control console, indicating the storey or zone where the handset is
located. The raising of the master handset at the control console shall silence the audible signal and
replace the flashing visual indication by a continuous visual indication. Any other handsets which may
be raised under this condition shall receive a “busy” tone at the handsets and cause a flashing visual
indication at the control console.

6.7 The handsets shall be in red and of durable high impact construction. The system equipment
shall be totally solid state. The amplifier shall have similar characteristics as that of the amplifiers of the
one-way voice communication system. It shall have an output power sufficient to operate
simultaneously all the components in the system.

6.8 The system shall be electrically supervised to indicate malfunctions in components and in each
circuit.

7 Control console

7.1 The control console at the fire command centre shall house all the facilities associated with the
voice communication system to enable the system to be systematically operated and monitored from a
centralised point. In particular, the following facilities shall be provided:

(4 for one-way voice communication system

0) a microphone and its associated “press-to-talk” button;

(ii) selector switches for individual speaker circuits and a common switch to operate all
speaker circuits;

(iii) individual fault indicator for each speaker circuit;

(iv) fault indicator/indicators for amplifiers, microphone and associated line connections.

U-4 for two-way voice communication system

0) master handset;

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CP 25 : 1999

(ii) selector switches for individual remote handsek for private-line connection and a
common button to enable communication with all remote handsets simultaneously;

(iii) “Call-in”/“On-line” visual indicator for each remote handset and a common audible
signal for all handsets;

(iv) individual fault indicator for each handset;,

(4 common fault indicator for two-way voice communication system.

(c) for auxiliary functions

(0 a switch to silence the fire alarm sounding device in the fire command centre;

(ii) a switch to silence all the fire alarm sounding devices in the building when the
loudspeakers are in use, but only after the fire alarm sounding devices have operated
and initially for not less than one minute;

(iii) flashing visual indication to indicate when the switch in item (c)(ii) above is operated;

(iv) a switch to activate all alarm sounding devices in the building.

NOTE - The other status indicators as described in items (c), (d) and (e) of Clause 4.3 can also be incorporated
into the control console to form a central alarm and control console, otherwise, such status indicators should be
placed immediately adjabent to the control console.

7.2 When required by the Relevant Authority, one or more of the following remote control facilities
shall also be accommodated in the same control console:

(4 manual means to shut down the building air-handling systems;

04 manual means to operate equipment for smoke control, including designated parts of the air-
handling systems, pressurisation fans, smoke vents, smoke dampers etc.;

(4 manual means to close all required fire doors and smoke doors, which. are normally held open
by magnetic door-holders;

(d) manual means to return all lifts to the designated level;

(4 manual means to stop all escalators;

(0 manual means to start the emergency generator;

(9) manual means to operate the fire pumps for wet rising mains, sprinklers etc.;

(h) manual means to turn off the supply to all the neon signs in the building.

7.3 In general, all fault indicators shall be in amber, while the other status indicators shall be either
red or green. Where filament lamps are used, they shall be twin metal filament type with bayonet cap or
else two individual lamps shall be used for each indicator, and the voltage applied shall not exceed 80%
of the’nominal operating voltage of the lamp.

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 CP25: 1999

8 Recording system

8.1 A tape recording device using cassettes of not less than 120 minutes duration shall be provided
at the central alarm and control console to record simultaneously all alarm signals, voice traffic over the
loudspeakers on one track and voice traffic over the two-way voice communication system on the other
track.

8.2 The tape recording device shall be automatically actuated when any of the alarm sounding
device in the building is activated.

8.3 The time lapse of the cassette shall be indicated by a running time meter that shall be actuated
whenever the cassette is operating.

8.4 When the tape recording device is operating, a continuous visual signal shall be actuated. At
the conclusion of the operating period of the cassette, the signal shall become flashing to indicate a
replacement of the cassette.

8.5 The removal of the cassette shall be indicated by a flashing visual signal which shall be
cancelled when the cassette is replaced.

8.6 The tape recording device shall be locked in the console to be accessible to authorised persons
only.

8.7 At least two spare cassettes shall be kept at the central alarm and .control console for use by
authorised persons only.

9 Installation and power supplies

9.1 All cables used for the emergency voice communication system shall be of such material and so
installed that fire will not disrupt the operation of the system for at least one hour.

9.2 Mineral-insulated metal-sheathed cable or fire-resistant cable complying with SS 299 shall be
securely fixed to the most substantial and fire-resistant parts of the building structure. High temperature
seals shall be used at all joints and terminations.

9.3 Wiring from the fire command centre to each zone/location shall be independent of all others so
that failure of one circuit will not affect any other. In addition, in a multi-plexing or addressable system,
wiring between the main panel in the Fire Command Centre and the sub-panel shall be of at least dual
redundancy arrangement.

9.4 Standby batteries shall be provided to power the emergency voice communication system in
case of failure of the normal power supply. The batteries shall be kept fully charged by a permanently
connected charger. The capacity of the batteries shall be sufficient to operate the whole’ system for not
less than four hours. In the case where an emergency generator is provided, the battery capacity may
be reduced to half.

NOTE - The same standby power supply can also be used to operate the emergency lighting at the fire command
centre.

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CP25:1999

9.5 The batteries shall be kept in a separate cool, dry and well-ventilated location as close as
possible to the control console. They shall be kept in a lock cabinet or a container that can be opened
only by the use of tools. Such cabinet or container shall be accessible for inspection. The interior of the
cabinet or container shall be protected against corrosion.

NOTE - For more details on the type of standby batteries to be used, reference can be made to SS CP 19.

10 Maintenance and testing

10.1 A monthly test of the emergency voice communication system shall be carried out during normal
working hours. The test shall include the following operations:-

(4 a message shall be transmitted over all the loudspeakers using the microphone at the fire
command centre;

lb) a message shall be relayed from one remote handset on each zone/location to the fire
command centre confirming that the loudspeakers in the zone/location have operated
satisfactorily;

(4 the message transmitted in (b) shall be acknowledged from the master handset at the fire
command centre and recorded in a log book;

(4 the recording system shall. be operated for the full duration of the test.

NOTE - Testing and maintenance of battery systems shall be carried out in accordance with SS CP 19.

10.2 A combined monthly test shall be ma,de of the fire alarm and emergency voice communication
systems under simulated fire emergency condrtrons. The test shall include the following operations:-

(4 all visual and audible indicating devices at the fire command centre shall be checked;

(b) all controls, including alarm signal silencing and alarm signal transferring devices, shall be
checked;

(c) the alarm sounding devices throughout the building shall be tested using the switches on the
console of the fire command centre;

(d) all loudspeakers shall be checked by actuating them selectively and collectively from the fire
command centre;

03 the handsets shall be checked by transmitting calls between the remote handsets throughout
the building and the master handset at the fire command centre on both a party-line and private-
line basis;

(0 building services which have remote control facility at the fire command centre shall be checked;

k.0 the recording system shall be checked.

10.3 All defects observed during the foregoing testing procedures shall be recorded in the log book
and shall be rectified immediately.

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 CP 25 : 1999

Annex A

Operational requirement of systems

A.1 One-way voice communication system

A.l.l The manual operation of any zone selector switch at the control console shall permit public
address announcements to be given to that zone when the “press-to-talk” button on the microphone is
depressed. i

A.1.2 The manual operation of an “all-call” switch shall permit public address announcements to be
given throughout the building when the “press-to-talk” button on the microphone is depressed regardless
of whether individual selector switches have been operated or not.

A.1.3 The depression of the “press-to-talk” button on the microphone shall shut down all background
music systems, if provided. Releasing the “press-to-talk” button shall not restart the background music
systems. It shall be necessary to manually restart them.

A.2 Two-way voice communication system

A.2.1 The raising of any remote handset from its cradle shall:-

(a) visually indicate at the control console the location of that handset by means of a flashing visual
indication;

04 sound a distinct.audible signal at the control console; and

(c) produce an audible tone in that handset to indicate that the system is functioning until such time
that the master handset at the control console is raised from its cradle, then the tone shall
disappear and messages may be received.

A.2.2 The raising of the master handset at the control console shall:-

(4 silence the audible signal;

1
03 replace the flashing visual indication with a continuous visual indication;

(4 permit two-way communication with one or any number of remote handsets; and

(4 shut down all background music systems, where provided. Replacing the handset shall not
restart the background music systems. It shall be necessary to manually restart them.

A.24 If during the course of a conversation between the master handset and a remote handset, one
or more additional remote handsets are raised, then this condition shall be indicated by a flashing visual
indication at the control console. These additional handsets shall receive a “busy” tone and shall be able
to listen to or join in the conversation after the fire command centre has activated the corresponding
selector switch.

A.2.4 Should the operator at the control console wish to engage a private conversation with a
particular remote handset, the operator shall be able to select the handset in question by depressing the
corresponding selector switch.

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CP 25 : 1999

Annex B

Mode,of operation and response of personnel

B.l General

The mode of operation of the voice communication and fire alarm systems and the response of
personnel in the event of a fire may vary according to the nature of the occupancy. A fire evacuation
plan should be drawn up and exercises should be regularly conducted to familiarise the personnel as
well as the occupants with the emergency procedures.

B.2 Recommended procedure

In the event of an alarm originating from the fire alarm system , the following basic procedure is
recommended:

(4 The respective storey/zone wardens, who are usually resident tenants of the storey/zone
specially appointed to the responsibility, should stand by and await instructions from the fire
command centre.

lb) The chief warden should ascertain the alarm originating storey/zone from the fire alarm panel
and use the one-way voice communication system to call the particular storey/zone or perhaps
some other storeys/zones for reports from the wardens. After one minute has lapsed, the chief
warden should switch off the alarm sounding devices.

(4 On receipt of information from the alarmed storey/zone, the chief warden should assess the
situation and initiate all necessary actions, e.g.:

0) if no unusual circumstances are discovered, all called wardens will standby until
dismissed by chief warden;

(ii) if evacuation of a storey or storeys are necessary, the chief warden issues the
appropriate orders to do so;

(iii) if communication with wardens on storeys/zones other than those previously alerted is
necessary, the chief warden conveys the message through the one-way,communication
system to the appropriate storeys/zones to summon the wardens to their stations;

(iv) in all cases, the chief warden should await the arrival of the Fire Service and advise
them of the situation on their arrival. From then on, operation of the system shall be
taken over by the Fire Service.

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 CP25: 1999

Annex C

Sample messages

SEQUENCE OF MESSAGES USED’IN CONJUNCTION WITH VOICE COMMUNICATION SYSTEM

FOR 1 ST PHASE EVACUATION

SIMULATED FIRE LOCATION: 31 ST STOREY

FIRE COMMAND CENTRE (FCC)

TO
31 ST STOREY
(BY ONE-WAY SYSTEM)

“Attention please, will the Fire Warden on the 31 st Storey report the cause of the alarm.”
\/
(REPEAT)

FCC TO’ALL STOREYS

(BY ONE-WAY SYSTEM)

“Ladies and Gentlemen, your attention please. An alarm has been activated at 31st storey. We are
investigating the cause, please remain calm and standby near the speakers for further instructions.”

(REPEAT)

FIRE WARDEN (31ST STOREY)

TO FCC
(BY TWO-WAY SYSTEM)

“A fire has occurred on this storey.”

FIRE WARDEN (31ST STOREY)

TO FCC
(BY TWO-WAY SYSTEM)

“The fire is spreading. Evacuation is necessary.”

FCC TO
29-l-H, 30TH, 31 ST, 32ND & 33RD STOREY
(BY ONE-WAY SYSTEM)

“Ladies and Gentlemen, your attention please. There is an emergency situation on the 31 st storey. Will
all occupants please evacuate now, using the nearest staircase. Do not use lifts.”

(REPEAT)
CP 25 : 1999

EMACLIATION SIGNAL

Following the above announcement, fire wardens on 29th, 30th, 31st, 32nd and 33rd storey will lead the
occupants on their respective storeys down the staircase to the Aembly Area. The fire wardens will
report clearance through the two-way voice communication system before leaving their respective
storeys for the Assembly Area.

FIRE WARDENS OF 29TH, 30TH, 31ST, 32ND &33RD FLOOR

TO FCC
(BY TWO-WAY SYSTEM)

storey is cleared.”

FCC TO ALL OTHER STOREYS

(BY ONE-WAY SYSTEM)

“Ladies and Gentlemen, your attention, please. The Fire Service has been informed of the emergency
situation and is on its way.”

(REPEAT)

The Fire Service attends to the fire situation and brings it under control.

FCC TO ALL 0THE.R STOREYS

(BY ONE-WAY SYSTEM)

“Ladies and Gentlemen, your attention, please. The emergency situation in the building is now under
control. You may resume your normal duties.”

(REPEAT)

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 CP 25 : 1999

Standards referred to:

ss 299 : - Fire resistant cables

Part 1 : 1998 Performance requirements for cables required to maintain

circuit integrity under fire conditions

ss CP 19 : 1991 Code of practice for the installation and maintenance of emergency lighting
and power supply systems in buildings
CP 25 : 1999

THE SINGAPORE PRODUCTIVITY AND STANDARDS BOARD

The Singapore Productivity and Standards Board (PSB) is a statutory board established in April 1996,
with the integration of the functions of the National Productivity Board (NPB) and the Singapore Institute of
Standards and Industrial Research (SISIR) and the takeover of the small and medium-sized enterprise (SME)
development function from the Economic Development Board (EDB). It is governed by a board of directors
comprising representatives from government, employers, trade unions and academia.

While NPB’s activities focused on training, productivity consultancy and promotion, SISIR’s work
centered on technology, quality, standards and industrial research. With the formation of PSB, synergy is
derived by putting the “soft” and “hard” aspects of productivity with the same organisation so that PSB is
greater than the sum of NPB and SISIR.

PSB’s mission is to raise the productivity and enhance Singapore’s competitiveness and economic
growth. The Board’s vision is to be a leading player with a global perspective in matters related to productivity
and standards.

One of the functions of PSB is the establishment of a national standardisation programme to support
industrialisation in Singapore. The Board is vested with the authority to appoint a Standards Council to advise
on the preparation, publication and promulgation of Singapore Standards, and promotion of their adoption.
Standards are in the form of specifications for materials and products, codes of practice, methods of testing,
nomenclature, etc. The standards are drawn up by the various Technical Committees appointed by the
Product Standards Committees (for product standards), the Practice Committees (for codes of practice) or the
Standards Committee (for both product standards and codes of practice), the final approval body being the
Standards Council.

To ensure adequate representation of all viewpoints in the preparation of standards, all Committees
appointed consist of representatives from various interest groups which include Government agencies,
professional bodies, tertiary institutions and consumer, trade and manufacturing organisations.
PSB operates a number of national certification schemes.

The Board is the owner of the Certification Mark shown in Figure 1. This Mark can be used only by
manufacturers licensed under the PSB (Singapore Quality Mark) Certification Scheme operated by PSB in
accordance with the Singapore Quality Mark Certification Regulations. The presence of this Mark on a product
with the inscription “Certified to Singapore Standard” is an assurance that the product has been produced to
comply with requirements of the relevant Singapore Standard under a system of supervision, control and
testing operated during manufacture and including regular inspection at the manufacturer’s premises.

PSB also operates the PSB IS0 9000 Certification Scheme which is a third party quality system
certification of manufacturing processes and services’to the relevant part of the SS IS0 9000 series of
standards on quality systems. The scheme confers recognition to companies which have properly designed
and implemented quality systems. It enables companies to gain greater international recognition thereby j
facilitating access to overseas markets. It also helps companies to reduce reject costs and improve quality and
productivity. Certified companies are entitled to use the PSB IS0 9000 symbol as shown in Figure 2 in their
marketing programme including letterheads, advertisements and other promotional materials.

In addition, PSB also operates the PSB IS0 14000 (Environmental Management System)
Certification Scheme which is a third party certification of environmental management systems to the IS0
14001 environmental management system standard. The scheme provides an independent and impartial
assessment with a view for continuous improvement in environmental performance. Certified companies are
entitled to use the PSB IS0 14000 Mark as shown in Figure 3 in their promotional materials.

SlNGAPORE
QUALlTY MARK
Figure 1. Figure 2. Figure 3.

For further information on PSB services and activities, please write to PSB, PSB Building, 2 Bukit Merah
Central, Singapore 159835.

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