CONSTITUTION AND RULES OF THE FSMAS                                                    (amended as at July 2023)

1.  Name

The Association shall be known as the “Fire Safety Managers’ Association Singapore”, abbreviated to "FSMAS" and is hereinafter referred to as the “Association” or "FSMAS" 

2.  Place of Business

The place of business of the Association shall be at an address as decided upon by the Management Committee and approved by the Registrar of Societies.

3.  Objectives

The objectives of the Association shall be:

(i)  To represent members and to coordinate members' activities in promoting their legitimate individual and collective interest as Fire Safety Managers

(ii)  To coordinate efforts of members in preventing and detecting fire in the respective buildings and complexes for which the members are responsible

(iii)  To provide the opportunity for exchange of ideas and information on fire and the methods of operation with a view to upgrade the fire safety of their buildings and complexes

(iv)  To coordinate the implementation by members of fire prevention and protection measures that would help reduce fire in their respective buildings and complexes;

(v)  To act as a consolidated action-group to promote a sense of awareness and concern with fire prevention and protection in their respective premises to safeguard against fire;

(vi)  To promote the Association as a professional body of highly qualified, disciplined, respectable and efficient Fire Safety Managers;

(vii)  To make recommendations for the improvement of members' welfare and advancement in their calling.

4.  Membership

Membership shall comprise of:

(i)  Fellow is the highest grade of membership of the Association.

Fellow shall be an Ordinary Member of the Association that has fulfilled the following criteria

       (a)  A certified Fire Safety Manager or Senior Fire Safety Manager by SCDF

       (b)  Has been an Ordinary Member of the Association for a continuous period of not less than ten years         

       (c)  Nomination by two existing Fellow Members who know the applicant professionally.

      (d)  Evidence of significant support and contribution to the Association or evidence of substantial achievement in the area of Fire Safety Management arena.

     (e)  Submission of a thesis or portfolio of works which will be examined and approved by the Management Committee

(ii)  Ordinary Members

     (a)  All registered Fire Safety Managers;

     (b)  All those who are eligible for registration as Fire Safety Managers.

(iii)  Associate Members

     (a)  Notwithstanding the provision of clause 4(i), any person who belongs to any Institute of Higher Learning, who is teaching subjects promoting the objects of the Association, the Institution of Fire Engineers Singapore and any related professional body or organization which has similar objects of the Association, may apply to be an associate member of the Association.

The Management Committee may in its own discretion, approve or reject each application for associate membership. Associate members shall have no voting right and by the same context no voice in the affairs and management of the Association;

(iv)  Affiliate Members

The Association may admit as Affiliates such bodies who desire to support its aims and activities. Such bodies shall enjoy the same rights and privileges as that of Associate Membership.

Affiliates shall have no voting right and by the same context no voice in the affairs and management of the Association.

(v)  Graduate

Any person who is performing fire safety related work or has intention to pursue fire safety course, may apply to be a Graduate of the Association.

The Management Committee may in its own discretion, approve or reject each application. A Graduate has no voting right and no voice in the affairs and management of the Association.

(vi)  Honorary Fellow

The Management Committee shall have the power to nominate, appoint and transfer Associate, Affiliate and Graduate members who have at least four years continuous standing and/or any distinguished persons who have in the opinion of the Management Committee made a significant contribution to the objects of the Association into the class of Honorary Fellow.

An Honorary Fellow shall have no voting right and by the same context no voice in the affairs and management of the Association.

(vii)  Transfer of Membership

A Graduate may apply for upgrading to an ordinary member provided he qualifies the entry requirement of that grade.

He shall pay the subscription fee of the grade of the ordinary member with effect from the date of approval of the Management Committee.

He shall be informed in writing by the Honorary Secretary.

(viii) Institutional Membership

Any Non-Profit Organisation which has similar objective of the Association with employers or employees or members who are Fire Safety Managers or Senior Fire Safety Managers certified by the Singapore Civil Defence Force.

The Management Committee may in its own discretion, approve or reject each application.

5.  Cessation of Membership

(i)  The fellow, ordinary, associate, graduate or affiliate membership may be ceased under any of the following conditions:

     (a)  On the individual's application

     (b)  On the individual's failure to pay the subscription fees for a continuous period of sixty (60) days after it falls due

     (c)  Where a member is found guilty of misconduct under any disciplinary rule of the Association

     (d)  Where the Management Committee is of the opinion that the individual is no longer a fit and proper person to continue as a member of the Association.

(ii)  In the case of clause 5(c) and (d), the Management Committee shall consider the conduct of such member, and if there is sufficient evidence to justify calling on the member to answer any charge made against him, a notice in writing of not less than seven days shall be given to such member, at his known address, calling him to attend a meeting convened for the purpose.

At such meeting, the member concerned shall be informed of the charges made against him and shall have the right to be heard in his own defence.

If, after hearing such member, the Committee decides on the termination of the said member, he shall thereupon cease to be a member of the Association.

If such member refuses to attend the meeting in answer to the notice calling him to do so, the Committee may nevertheless proceed in his absence.

No appeal shall lie from the decision of the Committee to any Court of Law;

(iii)  Where any grade of member has been ceased, he shall be informed by the Honorary Secretary in writing accordingly.

6.  Entrance Fee

(i)  The entrance fee of an ordinary member may from time to time determine by the Management Committee

(ii)  The entrance fee of an associate member may from time to time determine by the Management Committee

(iii)  The entrance fee of a graduate may from time to time determine by the Management Committee

(iv)  The entrance fee of an Institutional member may from time to time determine by the Management Committee

7.  Subscriptions

(i)  Membership subscription of any grade of members shall become due and payable at the beginning of each month

(ii)  Membership subscription fee payable by Fellows may from time to time determine by Management Committee

(iii)  Membership subscription fee payable by Ordinary member may from time to time determine by Management Committee

(iv)  Membership subscription fee payable by Associate member may from time to time determine by Management Committee

(v)  Membership subscription fee payable by Affiliates may from time to time determine by Management Committee 

(vi)  Membership subscription fee payable by Graduate member may from time to time determine by Management Committee

(vii) Membership subscription fee payable by Institutional member may from time to time determine by the Management Committee

8.  Patron(s)

The Association may appoint Singapore citizens as patrons by reason of their exceptional and meritorious contribution to the objects of the Association or for such other reason as the Association may deem sufficient.

Patrons shall not have any voting right.

9.  Supreme Authority 

The Supreme Authority of the Association shall be vested in a general meeting of the members presided over by the President.

10.  Management Committee 

(i)  The daily affairs of the Association shall be entrusted to the Management Committee of ordinary members which shall comprise a President, a Vice President, an Honorary Secretary, an Honorary Assistant Secretary, an Honorary Treasurer, an Honorary Assistant Treasurer and eight other members;

(ii)  The Management Committee shall have the power to appoint one or more of the members of the Association to consider and present views of the Association on any matter of special interest to members;

(iii)  Sub-Committee

Where there are matters affecting any particular group of members, the Management Committee may appoint a sub-committee consisting of such number of members of the affected group as it deems fit to enquire and submit its recommendations to the Management Committee;

(iv)  Legal Advisors

The Management Committee may appoint honorary or paid legal advisors to advise and act on matters affecting the Association.

11.  Election of Management Committee

(i)  The President, the Vice President, Honorary Secretary, Honorary Assistant Secretary, Honorary Treasurer, an Honorary Assistant Treasurer and eight others as the members of the Management Committee making a total of fourteen (14) officials to be elected from the eligible pool of candidates at the Annual General Meeting to serve as the Management Committee.

All eligible candidates shall be nominated by a member and seconded by another member, both of whom must be eligible to vote in a General Meeting.

(ii)  Tenure of office

All members of the Management Committee shall hold office for two consecutive years.

The Management Committee shall be empowered to co-opt a fellow / ordinary / life member to fill any vacancy occurring in the Management Committee;

(iii)  Re-election

All officials, except the Honorary Treasurer and Honorary Assistant Treasurer may be re-elected to the same posts for consecutive terms.

12.  Meetings of Management Committee

(i)  The Management Committee shall meet as and when necessary to carry out the business of the Association but not less than once in a month provided that no meeting shall be convened unless there shall be present at least seven (7) members or fifty (50) per cent of the existing Committee, whichever is lower.

The Committee meeting shall be convened on the authority of the President or upon request by any four members of the Management Committee;

(ii)  The President, or in his absence, the Vice President shall chair all meetings of the Management Committee;

(iii)  Advisors

The Management Committee may from time to time invite any member of the Singapore Fire Service or any other competent authority to attend its meeting to advise on matters within the scope of his specialist duties.

A person so invited shall have no right to vote.

13.  Annual General Meeting 

(i)  The Honorary Secretary of the Association shall convene an Annual General Meeting not later than six (6) months from the end of the last Financial Year of the Association. 

(ii)  Notice of Meeting

A copy of the annual report, accounts and a provisional agenda containing such items as may be decided upon by the Management Committee shall be circulated with the notice of meeting to every member not less than twenty-one (21) days before the date fixed for the meeting;

(iii)  Motions

No motion shall appear on the agenda for the Annual General Meeting unless such motion shall have reached the Honorary Secretary in writing together with the names of the proposer and seconder at least fourteen (14) clear days before the date of the Annual General Meeting;

(iv)  Agenda

A copy of the agenda approved by the Management Committee shall be circulated to every member not less than seven days before the Annual General Meeting;

(v)  Quorum at General Meetings/Adjourned Meeting

The quorum at General Meetings shall be thirty (30) members or five (5) percent of the total members who are eligible to vote at such meetings (whichever is lower).

If within half an hour appointed for holding a general meeting, no quorum is present, the general meeting will be held as if quorum is present, but they shall no power to amend any part of the existing Constitution.

14.  Extra-Ordinary General Meeting

(i)  The Management Committee may call an Extra-Ordinary General Meeting by giving fourteen (14) days notice in writing;

(ii)  On the written request of not less than 30 (thirty) of the total number of members of the Association, the Management Committee shall summon an extra-ordinary general meeting by giving not less than fourteen (14) days notice in writing, provided that the matter for discussion is in accordance with the objects and rules of the Association;

(iii)  The notice calling an Extra-Ordinary General Meeting in accordance with this provision shall state the subject or subjects for discussion and no other may be introduced;

(iv)  The Extra-Ordinary General Meeting requisitioned by members shall not proceed unless there is at least 2/3 of those members who requested for the meeting physically present at the meeting, even though a quorum is present.

The meeting may nevertheless proceed if a majority of those present decides so.

15.  Voting 

(i)  At any General Meeting, the resolution put to the vote, shall be decided on a show of hands or by secret ballot by ordinary members;

(ii)  Each ordinary member shall have only one vote and in the case of an equality of votes, the resolution shall be declared to be defeated.

16.  Duties of Office-Bearers 

The duties of the office-bearers are as follows:

(i)  The President

The President of the Association shall preside as Chairman at all General and Committee Meetings of the Association.

In his absence, the Vice President shall preside.

In the absence of all the two, those present shall elect a member from amongst them to preside as Chairman.

The President shall also represent the Association in its dealings with outside persons;

(ii)  The Honorary Secretary

     (a)  The Honorary Secretary of the Association shall be responsible for calling all General Meetings of the Association and all meetings of the Management Committee.

He shall conduct its correspondence under the direction of the Management Committee and shall maintain an up-to-date register of members;

     (b)  He shall keep all members fully informed of all important activities of the Management Committee.

     (c)  He shall keep minutes of General Meetings of the Association and of the meetings of the Management Committee.

(iii)  The Honorary Assistant Secretary

The Honorary Assistant Secretary shall assist the Honorary Secretary;

(iv)  The Honorary Treasurer

     (a)  The Honorary Treasurer shall be responsible for the accounting of all funds of the Association and shall issue receipts for all payments made to the Association;

     (b)  The Honorary Treasurer shall open such banking accounts as the Management Committee may direct and shall deposit therein all monies received by him on behalf of the association; no later than six working days on receipt of such monies;

     (c)  All cheques shall be signed by the President or the Vice President and the Honorary Treasurer;

     (d)  Petty cash of not more than $200.00 may by kept with the Honorary Treasurer or Honorary Assistant Treasurer. All other cash shall be deposited into the Association bank account.

(v)  Honorary Assistant Treasurer

The Honorary Assistant Treasurer shall assist the Honorary Treasurer and deputise for him or her in his or her absence. 

17.  Honorary Auditors

The committee may determine to elect Honorary Auditors or appoint a firm of Certified Public Accountants to audit the accounts.

If the gross income or expenditure of the Association exceeds $500,000.00 in that financial year, the accounts of the Association shall be audited by a firm of Certified Public Accountants in accordance with Section 4 of the Societies Regulations.

(i)  In the event that the accounts of the Association shall be audited by Honorary Auditors, two voting members not members of the Committee shall be elected as Hon Auditors at alternate annual general meeting and shall hold office for two years only and shall not be re-elected for conservative terms.

They will be required by the President to audit the Association’s account for any period within their tenure of office at any date and make a report to the Committee. 

(ii)  In the event that the accounts of the Association shall be audited by a firm of Public Accountant, the firm of Public Accountant is to be appointed by the Committee and approved at the Annual General Meeting and no partners or employees of this firm shall be eligible to sit on the Committee or any Sub-Committee.

The firm of Public Accountant will hold office for a term of two years only and may be re-appointed by the Committee for consecutive terms.

(iii)  The firm of Public Accountant

     (a)  Will be required to audit each year's accounts and present a report upon them to the Annual General Meeting.

     (b)  May be required by the President to audit the Association's accounts for any period within their tenure of office and make a report to the Committee. 

18.  Financial Year

The financial year of the Association shall begin on January 1 and end on December 31 the same year.

The Management Committee shall prepare a statement of the receipts and expenditure of the Association during the year for the Annual General Meeting.

19.  By-laws

The Management Committee may make, rescind or amend such by-laws or regulations as may be necessary or expedient to carry out the provisions of but not inconsistent with this Constitution.

20.  Amendments

No alterations, additions or deletions to these rules shall be made except by a majority of two-thirds of the Ordinary Members present in person at a general meeting, and they shall not come into force without the prior sanction of the Registrar of Societies.

Particulars of all proposed amendments shall be sent to all members in the notice calling for the meeting.

21.  General

(i)  No member shall, without the authority of the Management Committee, disclose to any person who is not a member of the Association, any matter concerning the affairs of the Association or its Management Committee or any of its sub-committees;

(ii)  Every member shall abide by every decision made by the Association or by the Management Committee;

(iii)  Minutes of meetings and all records shall be kept in the English language.

22.  Interpretation

In the event of any question or matter arising out of any point which is not expressly provided for in the rules, the Committee shall have power to use their own discretion.

This decision of the Committee shall be final unless it is reversed at a general meeting of members.

23.  Expenditure 

The funds of the Association shall be controlled and managed by the Management Committee.

The Management Committee shall have the authority to expend the funds of the Association to promote and achieve the objects of the Association.

In addition, the Management Committee may incur any expenditure for the welfare and benefits of the members of the Association.

24.  Prohibitions

The Association shall be prohibited from the following:

(i)  Gambling

Gambling of the any kind and the playing of paikow or mahjong, whether for stakes or not, is forbidden on the Association premises.

The introduction of materials for gambling or drug taking and of bad characters into the premises is prohibited;

(ii)  Fines

The funds of the Association shall not be used to pay the fines of members who have been convicted in court;

(iii)  Trade Union

The Association shall not engage in any Trade Union activity as defined in any written law relating to trade unions for the time being in force in Singapore;

(iv)  The Association shall not attempt to restrict or interfere with trade or make directly or indirectly any recommendation to, any arrangement with its members which has the purpose or is likely to have the effect of fixing or controlling the price or any discount, allowance or rebate relating to any goods or services to be supplied by them;

(v)  Lotteries

The Association shall not hold any lottery whether confined to its members or not, in the name of the Association or its office-bearers or members, except with the prior approval in writing of the relevant authorities; and notification shall have been given tot eh Registrar of Societies;

(vi)  Fund-Raising

The Association shall not raise funds from public for whatever purpose without the prior approval in writing of the relevant authorities; and notification shall have been given tot eh Registrar of Societies.

25.  Dissolution

(i)  The Association shall not be dissolved, except with the consent of not less than 3/5 of the members of the Association for the time being resident in Singapore expressed, either in person or by proxy, at a general meeting convened for the purpose;

(ii)  In the event of the Association being dissolved as provided above, all debts and liabilities legally incurred on behalf of the Association shall be fully discharged, and the remaining fund will be donated to an approved charity or charities in Singapore;

(iii)  Notice of dissolution shall be given within seven (7) days of the dissolution to the Registrar of Societies.

BY-LAWS

1.0  Name

The Association shall be known as the “Fire Safety Managers’ Association Singapore”, abbreviated to “FSMAS” and is hereinafter referred to as the "Association" or "FSMAS".

2.0  Management Committee

The daily affairs of the Association shall be entrusted to the Management Committee of ordinary members which shall comprise a President, a Vice-President, an Honorary Secretary, an Honorary Assistant Secretary, an Honorary Treasurer, an Honorary Assistant Treasurer and eight other members hereinafter refer to as “Management Committee”.

3.0  Grades of Membership

The grades of membership are:

Ordinary Member       -   Corporate Members with voting rights

Affiliate Member         -   A Member without voting rights

Associate Member     -   A Member without voting rights

Institutional Member   -  A member with voting rights 

Patron                        -   A Member without voting rights

Thereinafter referred to as “members”.

4.0  Application for Membership 

1.  A proposal for membership shall be in accordance with the form, which shall from time to time be prescribed by the Management Committee.

The application form should be accompanied by the stipulated fees.

The Honorary Secretary shall present it before the Management Committee for approval.

2.  When a candidate for admission has been approved, the Honorary Secretary shall notify him, and his name shall be added to the Register of the Association. 

5.0  Indication of Membership 

Each member shall be entitled to affix to his name the following initial letters to indicate his class of membership of the Association.

Ordinary Members may affix MFSMAS

Associate Members may affix AFSMAS

Patron may affix PFSMAS

Fellow may affix FFSMAS

Graduate may affix GRADFSMAS

Institutional Members may affix IFSMAS

6.0  Register of Membership  

A Register, hereinafter referred to as “the Register” containing the names of all members of the Association shall be updated annually.

It is the duty of a member to inform the Honorary Secretary in writing of any changes to his particulars.

7.0  Certificate 

1.  A certificate shall be given to each member after he has been duly elected and has paid his fees.

All certificates are the property of the Association and must be returned if and when membership ceases.

2.  If during his term of membership a member loses his certificate, he may apply for a replacement. A duplicate copy shall be issued to him upon payment of a fee of ten (10) dollars. 

8.0  Subscription 

1.  The entrance fee and annual subscription may from time to time determine by Management Committee.

2.  The annual subscription shall be due on the 1st day of the following month in the following year.

The Honorary Secretary shall send at least two reminders to the last known address of those members whose membership is expiring.

3.  Any member, whose subscription is sixty (60) days in arrears, may by resolution of the Management Committee be excluded from membership of the Association after the Management Committee has informed him of their intention to do so in writing.

9.0  Re-admission of Membership

A person whose name has been removed from the Register may apply at any time to the Association for re-admission.

The Management Committee shall determine the application on its individual merits and may re-admit the person conditionally or otherwise, provided he satisfies three-fourths of the Management Committee that he is worthy of re-admission.

10.0  Life Members

Ordinary or Fellow or Associate Members

1.  having attained the age in accordance to the Government official retirement age and has been a paid up member for at least five (5) consecutive years from the year of joining the Association.

2.  has been a paid up member for at least twenty (20) consecutive years from the year of joining the Association but not attaining the age in accordance to the government official retirement age make application in writing to the Management Committee to have his membership transferred to the Life Members List and such transfer shall become effective from January of the following year upon affirmation and approval of the Management Committee.

Life members shall not be required to pay any membership subscription fee.

11.0  Publications 

The Management Committee may arrange for the publication of such papers, journals, books and other publications in any country or language which may be considered necessary for the furtherance of the objects of the Association.

12.0  Inspection of Documents

The membership records and account books shall be opened to the FSMAS members and to accredited persons who have an interest in the funds of the Association, provided that seven days’ notice in writing of such inspection is given to the Honorary Secretary subject to the approval of the Management Committee.

CODE OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT AND ETHICS

A Fire Safety Manager shall uphold the dignity standing and reputation of the profession.

The following code of professional conduct and ethics shall apply to all categories of membership of the Fire Safety Managers’ Association Singapore.

1.  All documents or evidence shall be the truth and any wilful omission of fact or suppression of material fact shall render the application of membership null and void.

2.  He shall not maliciously or recklessly injure or attempt to injure, whether directly or indirectly, the professional reputation, prospects or business of another Fire Safety Manager, unless he is called upon to produce evidence and is convinced that his duty to the public or to his employer compel him to do so, he shall not express opinions which reflect on the ability or integrity of another Fire Safety Manager.

3.  A Fire Safety Manager, in his responsibility to his employer and to the profession, shall have full regard to the public interest at all times.

4.  He shall not take on any other responsibility or duty with remuneration, without written consent from his employer.

5.  He shall discharge his duties to his employer with complete fidelity in terms of his skill and knowledge. He shall not hesitate to inform his employer when confronted by a problem which he does not possess the knowledge or experience, and make an appropriate recommendation as to the desirability of obtaining further advice.

6.  In the preparation of tenders, plans, specification and contract documents, and on the supervision of relevant fire or life safety works, he shall assiduously watch and the interests of his employer.

He shall discharge his respective duties and enjoy the respective rights, as set down in the contract agreement.

7.  He shall not make payment or accept the contract on behalf of his employer, unless so requested by his employer.

8.  When in a position of authority over other Fire Safety Managers, he shall direct and advise with his knowledge and experience and offer credit duly.

9.  He shall not endorse fire and life safety products or payment for introduction of the employment of Fire Safety Manager.

10.  He shall not canvass for commission or offer to make payment for introduction of the employment of Fire Safety Manager.

11.  He shall not receive directly or indirectly any remunerations without the written consent or authorisation in writing of his employer.

12.  He may recommend to his employer any contractor or organization of which he has interest in provided he declare his interest in the company or organization in writing to his employer prior to such recommendation. In this case, he shall maintain an attitude of complete impartiality.

13.  He shall not use for his personal gain or disclose any information which he may acquire as a result of special opportunities arising out of work for his employer.

14.  He shall not, directly or indirectly, attempt to supplant another Fire Safety Manager, nor shall he intervene or attempt to intervene in or in connection with fire and life safety work of any kind which to his knowledge has been entrusted to another Fire Safety Manager.

15.  He shall not be an undischarged bankrupt.

16.  He shall be considered unfit to be a member when convicted of a criminal offence or felony, which in the opinion of the disciplinary body, shall be guilty of improper conduct.

DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE

1.  NAME

The Disciplinary Committee shall be known as the “Fire Safety Managers’ Association Singapore Disciplinary Committee”, hereinafter referred to as the ‘Disciplinary Committee’.

2.  PLACE OF BUSINESS

The place of business of the ‘Disciplinary Committee’ shall be at an address as decided upon by the Management Committee and approved by Registrar of Societies.

3.  OBJECTS

The objects of the Disciplinary Committee shall be:

1.  To promote the Association as a professional body of highly disciplined, respectable and efficient Fire Safety Managers. 

2.  To protect the interest of all FSMAS members. 

4.  COMPLAINT

When a complaint is received by the Association against a member, the complaint shall be forwarded to the President of FSMAS within twenty-four (24) hours.

The President of FSMAS shall decide whether an inquiry is to be carried out.

5.  MEMBERS OF THE DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE

The President of FSMAS shall appoint the following persons to be the members of the Disciplinary Committee: 

1.  One member from the Management Committee; 

2.  One member from the Professional Ethics Sub-Committee; 

3.  Three other ordinary members of FSMAS 

6.  DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE MEMBERS

To conduct an inquiry into the charge or allegation made against a member so as to ascertain the causes and circumstances of the charge or allegation.

The Chairman of the Disciplinary Committee shall make a written report to the President of FSMAS stating the circumstances of the charge or allegation and adding any observations and recommendations which the Committee think right to make.

7.  MEETING OF DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE

Any member who had been convicted in court on criminal offence or who had created nuisance to the Association may be brought before the Disciplinary Committee. 

If there is sufficient evidence to justify calling on the member to answer any charge made against him, a notice in writing of not less than seven days shall be given to such member, at his known address, calling him to attend a meeting convened for the purpose.

8.  PROCEEDING OF THE MEETING

At such meeting, the member concerned shall be informed of the charges made against him and shall have the right to be heard in his own defence.

If such member refuses to attend the meeting in answer to the notice calling him to do so, the Disciplinary Committee may nevertheless proceed in his absence.

No appeal shall lie from the decision of the Committee to any Court of Law.

9.  FINDINGS OF THE DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE

If, after hearing such member, the Disciplinary Committee decides on the cessation of the said member, the Chairman of the Disciplinary Committee shall submit the verdict in writing to the President of FSMAS who will cease the said membership.

10.  RESULTS

Any member found guilty by the Disciplinary Committee shall be expelled from the Association.

Where the membership of an ordinary or associate member has been ceased, he shall be informed by the Honorary Secretary in writing accordingly. There shall be no refund of membership fee to any expired member.

Any member found not guilty will also be informed by the Honorary Secretary in writing.

Any expelled person shall thereafter be forbidden to use the distinctive titles of the Association as set out in paragraph 5.0 of the Bye-Laws.

11.  APPEAL 

Any member aggrieved by the cessation from the Association may appeal to the President of FSMAS against the decision of the Disciplinary Committee. 

The appeal shall be in writing stating the reasons and shall reach the Association within twenty-one days from the date on which the notice has been served on him.

The President shall review the appeal and his decision shall be final.

PROFESSIONAL ETHICS SUB-COMMITTEE

The policies of the Association are:

1.  To set a high standard of discipline and professionalism for members.

2.  To provide a sense of identity and recognition for members.

In order to achieve the above policies, the Professional Ethics Sub-Committee was formed to draft and formulate the following rules and regulations:

1.  Bye-laws

2.  Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics

3.  Disaster Fund

4.  Disciplinary Committee

The Association’s function and the conduct of members will be governed by the above rules and regulations.

The Professional Ethics Sub-Committee will continue to meet regularly so as to review and update the rules, regulations and bye-laws. The Sub-Committee will also assist in enforcing the rules.

CONTINUING EDUCATION SUB-COMMITTEE

Policies

It is the policies of the Association to provide continuing education and training to its members and to organize fire safety campaign and training courses for occupants of buildings so as to encourage its members to:

1.  Ensure that buildings and workplaces remain safe

2.  Upgrade fire safety standard

3.  Encourage occupants of buildings to adopt good housekeeping and fire safety practices

4.  Standardise the fire evacuation plan in high-rise buildings and

5.  Conduct fire evacuation exercise.

Educational talks and technical visits will be organized for members to upgrade and share knowledge on current fire safety and prevention technology.

Members of the Association will be allowed to attend the talk free of charge*

Certificate of attendance will be issued to members who attended the talk.

The Continuing Education Sub-Committee of FSMAS will also carry out the following activities in order to ensure that the policies are achieved:

1.  To assist members in formulating fire evacuation plan

2.  Where possible, to represent the Association in SPRING Singapore Technical Committee

3.  To organise or participate fire safety campaigns/competitions

4.  To liase with relevant authorities on fire safety matters and disseminate them to FSMAS members

5.  To compile records of past fire incidents both local and overseas for case studies and

6.  To make representation to the relevant authorities if the interests of the Association and its members are affected.

* Subject to availability of fund

Seminar or talk organized by the Singapore Hotel Association may be attended by members at the agreed rate.

PUBLIC RELATIONS SUB-COMMITTEE

Policies

It is the policies of the FSMAS to:

1.  Promote a good image of the Association to the Authority and the public;

2.  Promote good relations with the Authorities and other related organisations;

3.  Improve interaction and rapport amongst members both local and overseas;

4.  Keep members informed of current development

5.  Disseminating policies of SCDF or NFEC on fire safety matters to owners of buildings and provide feedback to the Authorities in tackling problems in fire safety;

6.  Draw up a programme for recruitment drive.

The Public Relations Sub-Committee was formed to ensure that the above policies were implemented. It will draw up a programme of activities and also to organize them.

Members will be allowed to attend the activities at a subsidized rate.

Regular get-togethers with the Authorities and building owners will be organized to develop and harness a healthy relationship.

Get-togethers will also be organized for members as to reinforce the role of the Association and to recruit new members.

The Association will also organize various social activities for members and their families. Such as:

1.  Games for members to compete against each other;

2.  Children’s party for member’s family;

3.  One-day tour to places of interests; etc

Newsletters and year book will be published and distributed to all members, building owners and the Authorities.

FSM Course participants will be informed of the FSMAS, its role and objectives.

It is hoped that members will support the Association by actively participating in the activities organized.

PUBLICATION SUB-COMMITTEE 

(To be formed after the AGM)

Policies

It is the policies of the Association to keep members informed of the Association’s activities and the development in the field of fire safety.

The Publication Sub-Committee was formed to publish quarterly newsletter/journal and yearbook. These will be distributed to all FSMAS members.

The Sub-Committee may use all legal means (such as advertisements, sponsorships etc) to generate income.

The chairman who will be the Chief Editor shall be responsible for editing and proof-reading.

Articles to be published should be approved by the Management Committee.

It is also the responsibility of the Chief Editor to obtain a permit and approval from the Ministry of Communication and Information before publishing.

Objectives

The Objectives of the Association are: 

1.  To represent members and to coordinate members’ activities in promoting their legitimate individual and collective interest as Fire Safety Managers’

2.  To coordinate efforts of members in preventing and detecting fire in the respective buildings and complexes for which the members are responsible

3.  To provide the opportunity for exchange of ideas and information on fire and the methods of operation with a view to upgrade the fire safety of their buildings and complexes

4.  To coordinate the implementation by members of fire prevention and protection measures that would help reduce fire in their respective buildings and complexes

5.  To act as a consolidated action-group to promote a sense of awareness and concern with fire prevention and protection in their respective premises to safeguard against fire

6.  To promote the Association as a professional body of highly qualified, disciplined, respectable and efficient Fire Safety Managers

7.  To make recommendations for the improvement of members’ welfare and advancement in their calling.