Best Practices

Singapore Facilities Compliance Guide: BCA, NEA & MOM Requirements

Complete checklist for Singapore building maintenance compliance. Cover BCA fixed installations, NEA environmental, MOM workplace safety, and BMSMA requirements.

J

Judy Kang

Solutions Manager

April 16, 2024 12 min read
Singapore skyline with facility management compliance checklist overlay

Key Takeaways

  • BCA's Fixed Installations Regulations 2025 require new compliance pathways for lifts, escalators, and MCPS starting October 2025
  • Periodic Facade Inspection (PFI) is mandatory every 7 years for buildings over 13m tall once they reach 20 years old
  • MOM's Workplace Safety and Health Act carries penalties up to $50,000 or 12 months imprisonment for non-compliance
  • CMMS documentation provides the audit trail needed for BCA, NEA, and MOM inspections

Singapore facilities face a complex web of regulatory requirements from multiple agencies: BCA, NEA, MOM, and others. Missing a compliance deadline doesn’t just mean fines—it can mean criminal liability for facility managers.

This guide consolidates the key compliance requirements for Singapore building maintenance, with practical checklists you can implement immediately.

The Singapore Regulatory Landscape

Four primary agencies govern facilities compliance in Singapore:

AgencyFocus AreaKey Legislation
BCABuilding safety, structural integrity, lifts/escalatorsBuilding Control Act, BMSMA
NEAEnvironmental, waste, hygieneEnvironmental Protection and Management Act
MOMWorkplace safety, worker welfareWorkplace Safety and Health Act
SCDFFire safetyFire Safety Act

According to MOSAIC Safety’s EHS compliance guide, these agencies work together to ensure Singapore’s built environment remains safe and sustainable.

BCA Fixed Installations Regulations 2025

The Building Control (Fixed Installations) Regulations 2025 represent Singapore’s most significant advancement in lift safety management in over a decade.

Effective Date

All projects commencing from 1 October 2025 fall under the new regulations.

What’s Covered

Installation TypeRequirements
LiftsPeriodic maintenance, annual inspection, modernisation recommendations
EscalatorsSafety system upgrades, maintenance records
MCPS (Mechanised Car Parking Systems)3-year compliance period for existing systems

Major Works Categories

According to Hin Chong’s BCA analysis, major works are categorized as:

Category A Works:

  • Comprehensive modernisation
  • Upgrading to modern safety systems (ACOP, UCMP)
  • Timeline: Additional 4-8 weeks for regulatory compliance
  • Cost impact: 10-20% increase in project costs

Category B Works:

  • Less extensive modifications
  • Timeline: Additional 2-4 weeks for QP supervision
  • Requires PTO reapplication

BCA Compliance Checklist: Lifts & Escalators

RequirementFrequencyDocumentation Needed
Periodic maintenancePer manufacturer specsMaintenance logs, technician records
Annual examinationYearlyCompetent Person inspection report
Safety testingYearlyTest certificates
Modernisation assessmentEvery 15 yearsEngineering assessment report
Plan approval (major works)Per projectBCA plan approval (15+ working days)

CMMS Application: Use work order management to track all lift maintenance activities, store inspection reports, and trigger renewal alerts before deadlines.

Periodic Facade Inspection (PFI) Requirements

Under BCA’s Periodic Facade Inspection regime, facade inspections are mandatory for qualifying buildings.

Who Must Comply

Building CriteriaRequirement
Height > 13 metersSubject to PFI
Age > 20 yearsMust begin inspections
Inspection frequencyEvery 7 years
Landed housesExempted

Inspection Requirements

  1. Appoint a Competent Person (Professional Engineer or Registered Architect)
  2. Competent Person may be assisted by a Facade Inspector (FI)
  3. Complete visual and close-up inspection
  4. Submit findings to BCA
  5. Rectify identified defects within prescribed timeline

Facade Maintenance Tracking

ActivityFrequencyResponsible Party
Visual inspectionMonthlyBuilding management
Close-up inspection zonesPer 7-year scheduleCompetent Person
Defect rectificationUpon identificationLicensed contractor
BCA reportingEvery 7 yearsBuilding owner

CMMS Application: Set up preventive maintenance schedules for facade inspections, with automated alerts 6 months before the 7-year deadline.

BMSMA Compliance for Strata Properties

The Building Maintenance and Strata Management Act (BMSMA) governs all strata-titled properties in Singapore.

Management Corporation (MCST) Responsibilities

According to BCA’s Strata Management Guides:

ResponsibilityRequirements
Common property maintenanceRegular upkeep of shared areas
InsuranceAdequate coverage for common property
Financial managementProper accounting, sinking fund contributions
By-law enforcementEnsuring compliance with house rules
Record keepingMinutes, financial statements, maintenance logs

BMSMA Maintenance Checklist

SystemMaintenance RequirementRecord Required
LiftsAnnual inspection by Competent PersonInspection certificate
Fire safety systemsAnnual testingFire certificate
Swimming poolsWeekly water testingTest logs
Common area lightingMonthly inspectionReplacement logs
Landscape maintenanceWeekly/monthlyService records
Pest controlMonthlyTreatment records

CMMS Application: Asset tracking maintains complete maintenance history for all common property systems, supporting MCST reporting requirements.

MOM Workplace Safety and Health

The Workplace Safety and Health Act applies to all facilities where maintenance work occurs.

Employer Obligations

According to MOM’s WSH guidance:

ObligationRequirement
Risk assessmentIdentify hazards, implement controls
Safe work proceduresDocument and train staff
PPE provisionAppropriate equipment for tasks
TrainingSafety training for all workers
Incident reportingReport accidents within prescribed timeframes

Penalties for Non-Compliance

ViolationMaximum Penalty
Failure to comply with Remedial Order$50,000 or 12 months imprisonment
Workplace accident (negligence)$200,000 or 2 years imprisonment
Fatal accident (reckless conduct)$500,000 or 2 years imprisonment

WSH Compliance Checklist for Maintenance Teams

RequirementActionDocumentation
Risk assessmentComplete before any maintenance activityWritten risk assessment
Permit-to-workRequired for high-risk activitiesSigned permit forms
PPEProvide and ensure usageTraining records, inspection logs
Incident reportingReport within 10 days (non-fatal)Incident reports
TrainingRegular WSH trainingTraining certificates

CMMS Application: Digital forms can capture permit-to-work approvals, PPE checklists, and risk assessments directly within work orders.

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NEA Environmental Compliance

The National Environment Agency regulates waste, hygiene, and environmental standards.

Key NEA Requirements

AreaRequirementPenalty
Waste disposalProper segregation and licensed disposalFines up to $10,000
Pest controlRegular treatment, especially for F&BClosure orders possible
Air qualityEmission limits for equipmentFines and remediation orders
Noise controlLimits on construction/maintenance noiseFines up to $40,000
Water qualityProper discharge standardsFines and cleanup costs

Facilities Maintenance Impact

ActivityNEA Consideration
HVAC maintenanceRefrigerant handling, emission standards
Waste managementProper disposal of maintenance waste
Pest controlLicensed operators, treatment records
LandscapingStagnant water prevention (mosquito breeding)
Generator testingNoise limits, emission standards

NEA Compliance Checklist

RequirementFrequencyDocumentation
Licensed waste disposalPer disposalDisposal manifests
Pest control treatmentMonthlyTreatment reports
Vector control inspectionWeeklyInspection logs
Air emission testingAnnual (if applicable)Test certificates
Trade effluent testingAs requiredTest results

CMMS Application: Track pest control schedules, waste disposal records, and environmental testing using preventive maintenance with attached documentation.

SCDF Fire Safety Requirements

Fire safety compliance is critical for all Singapore buildings.

Key Requirements

RequirementDetails
Fire certificateAnnual renewal for applicable buildings
Fire safety inspectionsRegular self-inspections + SCDF inspections
Fire equipment maintenanceMonthly visual, annual servicing
Fire drillsAt least annually
Emergency lightingMonthly testing

Fire Safety Maintenance Checklist

SystemInspection FrequencyService Frequency
Fire extinguishersMonthly visualAnnual service
SprinklersMonthly visualAnnual flow test
Fire alarmsMonthly testAnnual service
Emergency lightingMonthly testAnnual service
Smoke detectorsMonthly testAnnual service
Fire doorsMonthly visualAs needed
Fire hose reelsMonthly visualAnnual service

CMMS Application: Create automated PM schedules for all fire safety equipment with compliance deadlines.

Building a Compliance-Ready CMMS

To maintain compliance across all these requirements, your CMMS should support:

1. Automated Scheduling

Set up recurring tasks for:

  • Annual lift inspections
  • 7-year facade inspections
  • Monthly fire safety checks
  • Weekly vector control inspections

2. Document Management

Attach and store:

  • Inspection certificates
  • Competent Person reports
  • Risk assessments
  • Training records

3. Audit Trail

Maintain complete records of:

  • Who performed each task
  • When it was completed
  • What was found
  • What action was taken

4. Compliance Alerts

Receive notifications:

  • 60 days before inspection deadlines
  • When certificates expire
  • When defects require follow-up
  • When permits need renewal

5. Reporting for Audits

Generate reports showing:

  • Compliance status by requirement
  • Overdue items
  • Historical compliance trends
  • Documentation completeness

Implementation Timeline

For facilities implementing compliance tracking:

Month 1: Foundation

  • Import all fixed installations (lifts, escalators)
  • Set up asset categories for compliance-critical systems
  • Configure user permissions for sign-offs

Month 2: Scheduling

  • Create PM schedules for all regulatory inspections
  • Set up compliance alerts with appropriate lead times
  • Configure calendar views for upcoming inspections

Month 3: Documentation

  • Upload existing certificates and reports
  • Create digital forms for inspections
  • Train team on documentation requirements

Month 4+: Optimization

  • Review compliance dashboard regularly
  • Adjust alert timing based on experience
  • Build contractor/vendor access for documentation submission

Common Compliance Gaps

Based on working with Singapore facilities, these gaps frequently cause issues:

1. Missing Documentation

Problem: Maintenance completed but not documented Solution: Mobile CMMS ensures documentation happens in the field

2. Expired Certificates

Problem: Renewals missed until audit Solution: Automated alerts 60-90 days before expiry

3. Inconsistent Inspections

Problem: Inspections completed at varying frequencies Solution: Automated PM scheduling ensures consistency

4. Contractor Records

Problem: Contractor work not captured in building records Solution: Contractor portal for work order updates and documentation upload

5. Historical Data Gaps

Problem: Previous maintenance records unavailable for audits Solution: Centralized digital records accessible for any audit period


Managing Singapore facilities compliance? See how Infodeck helps Singapore building owners maintain BCA, NEA, and MOM compliance with automated scheduling, document management, and audit-ready reporting—all with local Singapore support.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the BCA compliance requirements for building maintenance in Singapore?
Key BCA requirements include the Building Control (Fixed Installations) Regulations 2025 for lifts and escalators, Periodic Facade Inspection for buildings over 13m tall and 20 years old, and the Building Maintenance and Strata Management Act (BMSMA) for strata properties. All require documented maintenance records and periodic inspections by qualified professionals.
How often must lifts be inspected in Singapore?
Under BMSMA regulations, lifts require annual examination, inspection, and testing by a Competent Person (Professional Engineer or Registered Inspector). Additionally, periodic maintenance must follow manufacturer recommendations. BCA recommends modernisation for lifts over 15 years old.
What is the Periodic Facade Inspection (PFI) requirement?
Buildings taller than 13 meters must undergo facade inspection every 7 years once they are over 20 years old. A Competent Person (Professional Engineer or Registered Architect) must conduct the inspection, assisted by a Facade Inspector. Landed houses are exempted.
What are NEA compliance requirements for facilities?
NEA regulates waste management, hygiene standards, and environmental cleanliness under the Environmental Protection and Management Act. Facilities must maintain proper waste disposal, pest control, and hygiene standards. F&B establishments require additional food handler certification and strict cleanliness protocols.
What MOM workplace safety requirements apply to facility maintenance?
Under the Workplace Safety and Health Act, employers must conduct risk assessments, provide safe work procedures, and maintain hygienic conditions. Non-compliance can result in fines up to $50,000 or 12 months imprisonment. Maintenance teams must follow proper permit-to-work procedures for high-risk activities.
Tags: Singapore compliance BCA regulations facilities management building maintenance workplace safety
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Written by

Judy Kang

Solutions Manager

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