The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) Petroleum and Flammable Material (P&FM) Storage License is a mandatory regulatory requirement for any facility storing petroleum products or flammable materials exceeding specified threshold quantities in Singapore.
For submission of P&FM Diesel Tanks:
The regulatory framework for petroleum and flammable material storage in Singapore is built upon several fundamental principles that guide all aspects of facility design, construction, and operation.
Risk-based approach forms the cornerstone of SCDF’s regulatory philosophy. This approach recognizes that different materials pose varying levels of risk based on their physical and chemical properties, storage quantities, and proximity to populated areas or critical infrastructure. The regulatory requirements are therefore calibrated to match the risk profile of each facility, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently while maintaining the highest safety standards.
Understanding threshold quantities is essential for determining licensing requirements. For Class 0 petroleum (flashpoint below 23°C), licensing is required for quantities exceeding 5,000 liters in above-ground storage or 20,000 liters in underground storage. Class I petroleum (flashpoint 23°C to 60°C) triggers licensing at 20,000 liters above-ground or 40,000 liters underground. For Class II petroleum (flashpoint above 60°C but below 93°C), the thresholds are 100,000 liters above-ground or 200,000 liters underground. Flammable gases require licensing when cylinder water capacity exceeds 1,000 liters aggregate, while toxic gases have much lower thresholds reflecting their higher hazard potential.
Singapore adopts a combination of local and international standards for P&FM storage facilities. The Singapore Standard SS 532 provides comprehensive requirements for the storage of flammable liquids, covering tank design and construction, piping and transfer systems, fire protection and emergency response, and inspection and maintenance requirements. This standard is regularly updated to incorporate international best practices and local experience.
International standards play a crucial role in areas where local standards may not provide sufficient detail. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards are widely referenced, particularly NFPA 30 for flammable liquids, NFPA 58 for liquefied petroleum gas, and NFPA 55 for compressed gases. American Petroleum Institute (API) standards provide detailed technical requirements for petroleum storage tanks and associated equipment.
Class 0 petroleum encompasses materials with flashpoints below 23°C, including most motor gasolines, certain solvents, and light petroleum distillates. These materials present the highest fire risk due to their ability to form ignitable vapor-air mixtures at normal ambient temperatures. Storage facilities for Class 0 petroleum require the most stringent safety measures including vapor control systems, extensive fire protection, and strict operational controls.
Class I petroleum includes materials with flashpoints between 23°C and 60°C, covering many common industrial solvents, kerosene, and certain fuel oils. While less volatile than Class 0 materials, Class I petroleum can still form ignitable mixtures under elevated temperature conditions common in Singapore’s climate. Storage requirements balance the reduced volatility with the need for adequate protection.
Class II petroleum comprises materials with flashpoints between 60°C and 93°C, including diesel fuel, heating oils, and heavier petroleum fractions. These materials typically require heating or atomization to create ignitable conditions but can still pose significant fire risks in industrial settings. Storage requirements focus on preventing temperature elevation and controlling potential ignition sources.
The Storage License is the most common category, authorizing the storage of petroleum and flammable materials at fixed facilities. This license covers storage tanks, warehouses, and other permanent storage arrangements. Requirements include detailed engineering drawings and calculations, fire safety and emergency response plans, evidence of adequate insurance coverage, and appointment of competent persons for key safety roles. The storage license is typically valid for one year and requires annual renewal.
The Import License authorizes the importation of petroleum and flammable materials into Singapore. This license is required in addition to storage licenses for facilities receiving imported materials.
The Transport License covers the road transportation of petroleum and flammable materials within Singapore.
The initial phase of any P&FM storage project involves comprehensive site assessment to determine feasibility and identify constraints. Civil and Structural Engineers must evaluate multiple factors that influence facility design and safety. Site topography affects drainage patterns, foundation design, and emergency response access. Soil conditions determine foundation requirements and influence secondary containment design. Proximity to sensitive receptors such as residential areas, schools, and hospitals affects risk assessment outcomes and may impose additional safety requirements.
Geotechnical investigation forms a critical component of site assessment. The storage of large quantities of petroleum products imposes significant loads on foundations, particularly for large atmospheric storage tanks that may weigh several thousand tonnes when full. Engineers must evaluate soil bearing capacity, settlement potential, and liquefaction risk. Special attention is required for sites with soft marine clay, common in reclaimed areas of Singapore, where deep foundations or ground improvement may be necessary.
Secondary containment provides critical protection against environmental contamination in the event of primary containment failure. SCDF regulations require secondary containment for all petroleum and flammable material storage facilities, with specific requirements varying based on material classification and storage configuration. Civil and Structural Engineers must design these systems to contain spills while considering operational access, drainage requirements, and fire protection needs.
Bund walls or dike systems represent the most common form of secondary containment for above-ground storage tanks. Design requirements include capacity to hold 110% of the largest tank or 100% of the largest tank plus 10% of aggregate capacity of remaining tanks, whichever is greater. Structural design must consider hydrostatic loads from contained liquids, impact loads from potential tank failure, thermal loads from fire scenarios, and seismic loads.
The design of bund floors requires careful attention to prevent ground contamination. Concrete floors must be designed with appropriate reinforcement to control cracking, sealed joints to prevent leakage, chemical-resistant coatings for product compatibility, and slopes to direct drainage to collection points.
Initial consultation with SCDF to discuss project scope, requirements, and potential issues
Appoint registered Qualified Persons for relevant disciplines (Structural, Fire Safety, etc.)
Develop detailed designs meeting SCDF requirements and relevant standards
Submit building plans and fire safety plans through Building Plan Submission System
Some Buildings might require Fire Protection Plan Submission (FP) and Mechanical Ventilation Plan (MV) submission depending on current building/infratstructure
SCDF technical review of submissions, may include requests for clarification
Receive approval for building and fire safety plans, proceed with construction
Complete construction, conduct testing and commissioning of all systems
SCDF inspection, QP certification of compliance with approved plans
Client to obtain via go business license portal to apply for P&FM
Architectural drawings must clearly show site layout and facility arrangement, including storage tank locations and spacing, secondary containment arrangements, fire protection equipment locations, access roads and emergency routes, and drainage systems and interceptors. Drawings must be prepared according to SCDF submission standards with appropriate scales, dimensions, and annotations.
Structural drawings and calculations demonstrate the structural integrity of storage systems and supporting infrastructure. Requirements include foundation designs and bearing capacity calculations, tank structural calculations according to applicable codes, seismic analysis and design provisions, and structural fire protection details. All calculations must be endorsed by the appointed QP for Structural Works.
SCDF’s technical review process involves detailed evaluation of submitted plans and documentation by specialized officers with expertise in fire safety, chemical engineering, and structural engineering. The review process typically takes 4-6 weeks for standard applications, though complex projects may require longer review periods. Understanding the review process helps applicants prepare comprehensive submissions and respond effectively to queries.
The review encompasses multiple technical disciplines to ensure comprehensive safety assessment. Structural review evaluates tank and foundation designs, structural fire protection measures, and seismic provisions. Fire safety review examines fire detection and alarm systems, fire suppression systems including water and foam requirements, means of escape provisions, and emergency response arrangements. Process safety review addresses material classification and properties, operational procedures and controls, risk assessment and mitigation measures, and safety management systems.