On 6 October 2026, approximately 100 community volunteers attended fire safety training organised by SCDF and NFEC. As part of Singapore's Better Awareness, Safer Homes campaign, the initiative highlights the importance of identifying fire hazards, maintaining clear escape routes and reporting safety concerns before emergencies occur.
SIDEX–ACDR 2026 & FiSAC: Fire Safety Lessons for Singapore Workplaces
Singapore Emergency Preparedness | Upcoming Event: 28–30 October 2026
Singapore will host SIDEX–ACDR 2026 alongside the Fire Safety Asia Conference (FiSAC) from 28 to 30 October 2026 at Singapore EXPO Hall 3. The programme places emerging fire risks, emergency response and organisational resilience in the spotlight.
What employers should know: The event is an opportunity to examine fire safety, disaster planning and emergency-response practice. It does not itself introduce new mandatory first aid or CERT training requirements. Organisations should review their existing obligations and readiness rather than assume that an exhibition announcement changes the law.
What Is SIDEX–ACDR 2026 and FiSAC?
According to the National Fire and Emergency Preparedness Council (NFEC) , FiSAC is being organised by COSEM Safety & Security Services in partnership with NFEC, with the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) as a strategic partner.
The co-located SIDEX–ACDR exhibition and conference brings together people working in fire rescue, emergency medical services and disaster management. Its announced theme centres on leadership, solidarity and preparedness. The Singapore EXPO listing states that an exhibition visitor pass is free; professional conferences and workshops require separate paid passes.
28–30 October 2026
Singapore EXPO, Hall 3. FiSAC conference sessions are scheduled for 28–29 October, with workshops on 30 October. The published programme is provisional and may change.
Which Emergency-Readiness Topics Are on the Agenda?
The organiser’s provisional programme lists an SCDF presentation on lithium-battery risks and their implications for emergency response on 28 October. Sessions also cover emerging fire risks, sustainable fire safety design and digital transformation.
On 30 October, the SIDEX programme is scheduled to address shared responsibility in disaster management and future-ready crisis planning. FiSAC workshops include emergency-planning audit readiness and fire-safety management topics. These are planned discussion topics, not conclusions already announced by speakers or new regulations.
Five Practical Checks for Singapore Workplaces
Employers do not need to attend a conference to begin reviewing preparedness. The following checks are practical recommendations grounded in existing SCDF guidance, not requirements created by SIDEX or FiSAC.
01
Review Changing Fire Hazards
Consider where batteries, charging devices, flammable materials and electrical equipment are used or stored. Update risk assessments and ensure escape routes remain clear. SCDF’s 2026 Civil Defence Emergency Handbook highlights active-mobility-device fire risks.
02
Check Evacuation and Emergency Plans
Confirm evacuation routes, assembly points, alarm arrangements and assistance for people who need support. SCDF’s Emergency Response Plan guidance explains how designated premises must prepare and practise their response arrangements.
03
Clarify Who Does What
Appoint clear contacts for raising the alarm, assisting evacuation, contacting 995 and handing information to responders. Where applicable, distinguish the responsibilities of the Company Emergency Response Team (CERT) from those of trained workplace first aiders. Do not assume every employee is qualified for a technical rescue.
04
Check First Aid and AED Readiness
Know where first aid supplies and AEDs are located, confirm that equipment is accessible, and check whether trained people are available on each shift. Staff should understand when to call 995 and how to help safely until professional responders arrive.
05
Practise a Realistic Scenario
Use a tabletop exercise or drill to test what happens when an exit is obstructed, a casualty needs assistance or a critical contact is absent. Record the gaps, assign corrective actions and repeat the exercise after improvements are made.
Where Does First Aid Training Fit In?
SCDF describes a CERT as trained personnel who provide an initial response at premises where the scheme applies. First aiders support casualty care; they are not automatically trained firefighters or hazmat rescuers. Applicable CERT and Emergency Response Plan obligations depend on the premises, as outlined in SCDF’s CERT guidance .
During an actual emergency:
Avoid entering an unsafe fire or smoke-filled area.
Move to safety and call 995
for a serious fire or life-threatening
medical emergency.
Once the scene is safe, trained responders
can assess casualties and provide first aid
within their competence, following
SCDF instructions.
Relevant SERA Courses
CERT First Aid
First aid, CPR and AED skills for appointed Company Emergency Response Team first aiders.
Explore CERT First Aid →Occupational First Aid
Workplace first aid training for appointed first aiders under applicable MOM requirements.
Explore Occupational First Aid →CPR + AED
Focused training in recognising cardiac arrest, providing CPR and using an AED.
Explore CPR + AED →Make Preparedness Practical
Conferences can prompt useful questions. Training and rehearsal help teams put suitable answers into practice. SERA supports Singapore organisations with practical first aid, CPR+AED and CERT first aider training.
Request Corporate Training →Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is SIDEX–ACDR 2026?
The event is scheduled for 28–30 October 2026 at Singapore EXPO Hall 3.
Is FiSAC part of SIDEX?
FiSAC is a co-located fire safety conference. Its conference sessions and workshops form part of the wider SIDEX–ACDR event programme.
Is entry free?
Singapore EXPO lists free public visitor admission to the exhibition. Paid conference and workshop passes are separate.
What will SCDF discuss at the conference?
The provisional 28 October programme lists a presentation on lithium-battery risks and considerations for emergency responders and regulators.
Does this event introduce new compulsory workplace first aid training?
No. The event announcement does not itself change existing workplace first aid or CERT requirements.
Which SERA course suits a CERT first aider?
SERA offers CERT First Aid for appointed CERT first aiders. Employers should confirm the specific competency requirements for each workplace role.
Official Sources and Further Reading
- NFEC — Fire Safety Asia Conference 2026 (updated 5 October 2026)
- Singapore EXPO — SIDEX–ACDR 2026 and FiSAC Listing
- SIDEX — Provisional Conference and Workshop Programme
- SCDF — Emergency Response Plan Guidance
- SCDF — Company Emergency Response Team Guidance
- SCDF — Civil Defence Emergency Handbook (2026)
- SCDF — Emergency Medical Services and Calling 995
Editorial note: This is a pre-event draft for review. The programme may change. The featured image is illustrative, not a photograph from the event. No publication date has been assigned.
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