What is a fire safety consultation
and when does your business need one?

A fire safety consultation is a professional review of your premises, fire protection systems and fire safety documents. It finds the gaps against BOMBA requirements and gives you a clear plan to fix them. In Malaysia, it is most useful when you open, renovate or change the use of premises, and when a designated premises needs to apply for or renew its Fire Certificate.

What is a fire safety consultation?

A fire safety consultation is an assessment by a fire safety specialist of how well your premises are protected against fire. It looks at three things:

• Equipment and systems – fire extinguishers, hose reels, fire alarm and detection, sprinklers, emergency lighting and exit signs.
• People and procedures – who is responsible for fire safety, whether staff know what to do, and how evacuation works.
• Documents – the Fire Certificate, maintenance and service records, the Fire and Emergency Response Plan and the Fire Safety Report.

When does your business need a fire safety consultation?

Most businesses need one at a point of change or when BOMBA paperwork is due. Common situations are:

• Opening new premises or taking over an existing building
• Renovating, changing the layout or changing the use of the premises
• Applying for, or renewing, a Fire Certificate for a designated premises
• After a BOMBA inspection lists items that must be rectified
• When fire systems are old, often faulty, or have no service records
• When a landlord, insurer or customer asks for a fire safety review

If your premises already hold a Fire Certificate, take advice before renovating. Under Section 32 of the Fire Services Act 1988, a designated premises with a Fire Certificate must not be modified in a way that makes its existing fire protection inadequate.

What does a fire safety consultation cover?

A typical consultation follows these steps:

1. Site inspection – a walk-through of every area, including exits, storage, plant rooms and electrical areas.
2. Fire risk assessment – identifying fire hazards, who is at risk and how serious a fire could be.
3. Fire system check – confirming that extinguishers, hose reels, alarms, sprinklers and emergency lighting are suitable and working.
4. Document review – checking the Fire Certificate status, service records, the Fire and Emergency Response Plan and the Fire Safety Report.
5. Action plan – a prioritised list of what to repair, upgrade or prepare, and by when.
6. Training and drills – helping staff and the fire safety team practise their roles.

Fire safety consultation vs fire safety design

They are related but not the same. For new buildings and major building works, the plans must be submitted for approval by a principal submitting person, such as a Professional Architect or Professional Engineer, under the Uniform Building By-Laws 1984 (UBBL). Passive fire protection is covered by Part VII of the UBBL, and active fire protection (alarms, detection, extinguishment and fire-fighting access) by Part VIII.

A fire safety consultant does not replace the submitting person. The consultant works alongside them to check the fire requirements, coordinate the fire protection systems, and prepare the premises for BOMBA inspection and the Fire Certificate.

What does BOMBA require from designated premises?

Under Section 28 of the Fire Services Act 1988, designated premises must hold a Fire Certificate, and it must be renewed every year. Which premises are designated depends on their use, size or location, as set out in the Fire Services (Designated Premises) Order 1998, amended in 2020. They can include factories, hotels, hospitals, office buildings and shops that meet the criteria.

Since 1 October 2020, the Fire Services (Fire Certificate) (Amendment) Regulations 2020 also require:

• New applications to include the certificate of establishment of a fire safety organisation (FSO, also called OKK), a Fire and Emergency Response Plan and a Fire Safety Report.
• Renewals to be submitted before the Fire Certificate expires, together with a Fire Safety Report. A late renewal means a fresh application.
• A fire safety organisation made up of one fire safety manager and at least three fire safety officers, all certified by the Director-General of Fire and Rescue.
• Ongoing duties for the FSO, including keeping fire equipment in good condition, removing fire hazards, and running fire safety training and a fire drill at least once a year.

How to prepare for a fire safety consultation

Having these ready makes the visit faster and the advice more accurate:

• Floor plans or a simple layout of the premises
• Your current Fire Certificate and any letters or inspection notes from BOMBA
• Service records for extinguishers and fire systems
• A list of the fire systems installed and when they were last tested
• Details of any planned renovation or change of use
• The name of the person responsible for fire safety on site

How LIM BEST can help

LIM BEST is a BOMBA-authorised fire extinguisher service provider in Johor Bahru with more than 20 years of experience. Our fire safety consultation covers site inspections, fire risk assessment, help preparing the Fire and Emergency Response Plan and Fire Safety Report, and support for your fire safety organisation. We also work with your Professional Architect or Engineer on fire safety design submissions.

Beyond advice, we carry out the work: from fire extinguisher supply and servicing to fire system inspection, maintenance and repair for businesses across Johor. WhatsApp us to arrange a consultation for your premises.

Frequently asked questions

Is a fire safety consultation required by law in Malaysia?

The consultation itself is not a legal requirement. What the law requires is that designated premises hold a valid Fire Certificate, keep their fire protection systems in good condition and, since October 2020, set up a fire safety organisation and prepare a Fire and Emergency Response Plan and a Fire Safety Report. A consultation is a practical way to check that you meet these requirements.

Does every business need a Fire Certificate?

No. A Fire Certificate is required for designated premises, which are defined by use, size or location in the Fire Services (Designated Premises) Order 1998 as amended in 2020. If you are not sure whether your premises are designated, check with BOMBA or ask a fire safety specialist.

How often must a Fire Certificate be renewed?

Every year. The renewal application must be submitted before the certificate expires, together with a Fire Safety Report. If it expires first, a fresh application is needed.

Can a fire safety consultant submit fire safety plans to BOMBA?

For new buildings and major building works, the plans are submitted by a principal submitting person such as a Professional Architect or Professional Engineer. A fire safety consultant works with the submitting person to check the fire requirements, coordinate the fire protection systems and prepare for BOMBA inspection.

Sources

• Fire Services Act 1988 (Act 341)
• Skrine – Fire Safety Requirements Enhanced (November 2020)
• IPM – Fire Certificate Application

This article is a general guide and does not replace the requirements of BOMBA or other authorities. Requirements can change, so always confirm with BOMBA for your premises.