Use of Space at HDB Lift Lobbies

Mr Speaker, items placed at common areas of HDB blocks can seriously hamper fire-fighting efforts and evacuation in both fire and medical emergencies. To educate the public and create a safer living environment, SCDF has issued guidelines on the use of common areas by residents, which are available on SCDF's website.

The key principles are, first, that combustible items, such as wooden cabinets, sofas and carton boxes, should not be placed at the common areas, as they pose a serious fire hazard. Second, it is important to maintain free passage to facilitate the carrying of people on stretchers, and for mass evacuation purposes. A minimum clearance width of 1.2 metres is required along passageways. Third, fire safety equipment must be properly maintained and regularly checked.

These principles apply equally to HDB lift lobby areas. Generally, we encourage residents not to clutter up these areas, which could hamper rescue efforts by SCDF officers and other emergency personnel.

SCDF works closely with the Town Councils to enforce these guidelines at HDB common areas. Residents can check with their respective Town Councils if they need clarifications on how these guidelines apply to their specific circumstances.

I thank the Senior Minister of State for the answer. I would like to ask whether in cases of bicycles or potted plants − are these considered combustible materials? In lift lobbies where there is a minimum access area of 1.2 metres, would these items be allowed? Based on my experience, I have been getting quite consistent enforcement guidelines or enforcement practices by Town Councils that these are not allowed because of SCDF guidelines. The HDB, MND checking of Town Councils' performance leading to the quarterly reports seem to also adopt the same practices. So, I would like to ask the Ministry whether they could exercise some flexibility so that residents can have reasonable use of the lift lobbies so that the common space can be shared and that the Town Councils are not unduly penalised by blind application of the guidelines.

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Mr Speaker, we thank the Member for raising the clarification. Firstly, you are right. We should not blame SCDF for all these. If there are items placed outside the houses or in the lift lobbies which are combustible or present an obstruction for emergency evacuation, yes. These are requirements not only for the purpose of imposing rules but for the safety of the residents. But if there are other things, clutters or decorations or plants which may bring other kinds of problems, which do not necessarily impose fire hazards or evacuation problems, these are rules which MND or Town Councils have, in implementing them. It might be good for the Member to file a separate PQ to address the overall general principle on use of common areas because what I will address is only on the safety and security issues.

Just to clarify that I should be filing this PQ to MND who oversees the Town Councils?

Yes, that would be MND.

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