The recent incidents of building facade inspection in Singapore off from high-rise residential buildings have caught public attention. With over 90 incidents in the past three years, the matter has made its way into parliament and the media as a serious public safety concern.

To ensure the safety of Singapore’s residents, the government has recently introduced new requirements to conduct periodic facade inspections on all older buildings over 13 meters tall. Responsible parties are required to appoint a Competent Person (CP) who may be assisted by a Facade Inspector (FI) to carry out the facade inspections. The CP will need to propose appropriate rectification works for the identified facade deterioration after the inspection.

To meet the regulatory requirement, BCA has jointly developed a course – “Certificate in Facade Inspection” – together with industry stakeholders to equip participants with the essential knowledge and skills for conducting facade inspections. This includes familiarisation with the legislative framework, and inspection methodologies, as well as an in-depth understanding of various facade systems and materials.

Facade Matters: The Importance of Building Facade Inspection in Singapore by KK Forges

Besides being qualified as a CP, individuals who have completed the PFI course can choose to be appointed as an FI, allowing them to perform certain inspection tasks under the direction and guidance of the CP. However, the CP remains the person who is responsible towards BCA for the content of the inspection report.

With the growing popularity of drone technology, some drone service providers have started offering smart inspection services as an alternative to traditional methods for meeting PFI requirements. Compared to manual inspections, these solutions are faster, safer, more accurate and less expensive. Moreover, they can also provide 3D models of the facade and allow for easier management of defects and follow-ups.