FSM and FSO Requirements for Fire Certificate Premises
The FSM and FSO requirements form an important part of fire safety compliance in Malaysia. A designated premise must do more than maintain its fire protection systems. It must also establish a clear fire safety management structure.
Therefore, the owner, occupier or person managing the premise must establish a Fire Safety Organisation. In Malay, it is known as Organisasi Keselamatan Kebakaran (OKK).
The organisation must include one Fire Safety Manager (FSM) and at least three Fire Safety Officers (FSOs). Together, they help the premise manage fire risks, inspections, records and emergency plans.
What Is a Fire Certificate?
A Fire Certificate confirms that a designated premise meets the applicable fire safety requirements. The Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (JBPM) issues this certificate.
The requirement comes from the Fire Services Act 1988 (Act 341) and its related regulations. Refer to the Official JBPM Portal for more information.
Several types of buildings may fall under the designated-premise category. For example:
- Office and commercial buildings
- Shopping complexes
- Hotels and accommodation premises
- Hospitals and healthcare facilities
- Factories and industrial premises
- Warehouses
- Educational institutions
- Buildings with a specified capacity or fire risk
However, the classification depends on the building’s use, size, occupancy and risk level. Therefore, management should confirm the building’s status with JBPM.
What Are the FSM and FSO Requirements?
The requirement to establish an OKK applies to designated premises. It supports both daily fire safety management and Fire Certificate compliance.
Regulation 6B of the Fire Services (Fire Certificate) Regulations 2001 covers this requirement. The Fire Services (Fire Certificate) (Amendment) Regulations 2020 [P.U. (A) 290/2020] introduced the relevant amendment.
Under this regulation, the owner, occupier or person managing the premise must establish an OKK. JBPM has also published an announcement on the establishment of OKK and nomination of FSMs and FSOs.
Management should contact the relevant state or zonal JBPM office for confirmation. This step helps the organisation understand the specific requirements for its building.
What Is a Fire Safety Organisation?
An OKK is the internal team that manages fire safety within a designated premise. It connects management, the FSM, the FSOs and the Emergency Response Team.
As a result, everyone understands their role before an emergency occurs. The organisation also creates a clear reporting and command structure.
Minimum Composition of an OKK
An OKK must include:
- One Fire Safety Manager
- At least three Fire Safety Officers
In addition, the FSM and FSOs must meet JBPM’s applicable competency and certification requirements. JBPM may impose further conditions based on the size, operation or risk level of the premise.
What Does a Fire Safety Manager Do?
The FSM leads fire safety management at the premise. This person coordinates plans, inspections, training and fire safety records.
Main Responsibilities of an FSM
An FSM may carry out the following duties:
- Prepare and coordinate the Fire and Emergency Response Plan
- Keep fire safety records updated
- Coordinate fire drills and evacuation exercises
- Monitor firefighting equipment inspections and maintenance
- Direct FSOs to conduct safety inspections
- Identify fire hazards and arrange corrective action
- Supervise fire safety training and awareness programmes
- Communicate with management and JBPM
- Monitor the permitted occupancy capacity
An FSM is not merely a certificate holder. The person needs enough authority to make decisions and direct corrective action.
For further information, read Fire Safety Manager vs Fire Safety Officer: Key Differences.
What Does a Fire Safety Officer Do?
An FSO supports the FSM with routine inspections and monitoring. The officer also reports hazards, defects and non-compliance issues to the FSM.
Main Responsibilities of an FSO
An FSO may carry out the following duties:
- Conduct regular fire safety inspections
- Inspect escape routes and emergency exits
- Check assembly areas
- Monitor fire extinguishers and fire protection systems
- Identify obstructions and fire hazards
- Report defects to the FSM
- Assist with fire drills and evacuations
- Maintain inspection records
- Provide initial assistance during an emergency
Although the FSM leads the organisation, every FSO has an important role. Regular checks help the premise remain safe and prepared.
Why Are FSMs and FSOs Important?
Fire protection equipment alone cannot manage an emergency. A premise also needs competent people who can inspect, monitor and coordinate its systems.
Therefore, appointing an FSM and FSOs can help the premise:
- Maintain compliance with JBPM requirements
- Organise fire safety records
- Correct hazards quickly
- Conduct regular evacuation exercises
- Reduce the risk of injury and property damage
- Create a clear emergency command structure
- Support Fire Certificate applications or renewals
- Improve employee and occupant preparedness
Furthermore, an active OKK supports self-regulation. Management can identify problems early instead of waiting for a JBPM inspection.
Does Course Completion Automatically Make Someone an FSM or FSO?
No. Course attendance forms only one part of the process. It does not automatically confirm a person’s appointment or certification.
Generally, a candidate must:
- Meet the eligibility requirements.
- Attend the relevant FSM or FSO competency course.
- Complete and pass the required assessment.
- Apply through the process determined by JBPM.
- Obtain certification from the Director General of JBPM.
- Receive an appointment under the premise’s OKK.
Candidates may manage applications through the JBPM Fire Safety Registration System. However, they should always follow JBPM’s latest procedures.
Who Should the Premise Nominate?
Management should nominate people who meet the eligibility requirements. In addition, the candidates should understand the building’s daily operations.
Suitable candidates may include:
- Building or facility managers
- Engineers or maintenance managers
- Security managers
- Safety and health officers
- HSE or SHE executives
- Emergency Response Team supervisors
- Fire safety personnel
- Operations personnel
Ideally, an FSM should have the authority to make decisions. The FSM should also communicate directly with senior management.
Before nominating participants, review the FSM and FSO eligibility and training information.
How Should Premise Management Prepare?
Management can follow these six steps.
1. Confirm the Premise Status
First, determine whether the building is a designated premise. Also, confirm whether it requires a Fire Certificate.
2. Review the Existing Structure
Next, review the current fire safety arrangements. Check whether the premise already has an OKK, FSM, FSOs and Emergency Response Team.
3. Identify Suitable Candidates
Select at least one eligible FSM candidate and three eligible FSO candidates. The employees should understand the premise and its operations.
4. Register the Candidates for Training
Then, enrol the candidates in the relevant competency programme. They should understand both the course and their future responsibilities.
5. Complete the JBPM Process
Prepare all required qualifications, experience records and assessment results. After that, follow JBPM’s current certification process.
6. Activate the Fire Safety Organisation
Finally, ensure that the OKK remains active. It should conduct meetings, inspections, training and corrective actions regularly.
Conclusion
The FSM and FSO requirements involve more than attending a training course. Both roles form an essential part of the OKK for a designated premise.
In summary, the premise should appoint one FSM and at least three FSOs. The candidates must also meet JBPM’s applicable requirements.
Early preparation can prevent compliance delays. More importantly, it helps the premise build a capable and organised fire safety team.
Register for FSM & FSO Training with FERA
FERA Training Center provides face-to-face Fire Safety Manager and Fire Safety Officer programmes. The programmes prepare candidates for fire safety management, inspections and emergency response duties.
Programme Information
- FSM: 5 days
- FSO: 4 days
- Face-to-face delivery
- Theory and practical assessments
- Individual and corporate registration
- HRD Corp claimable for eligible companies
Need help reviewing your candidates or planning training for your premise?
- WhatsApp: 012-273 0893 / 012-414 0893
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.fera.com.my
Prepare your team early. Keep your premise organised, ready and compliant with fire safety requirements.
