Accuracy note
Requirements may differ by premises and may change. Verify appointment and training obligations against current SCDF and other applicable official guidance.
Is IIMP a fire-fighting course?
No. It focuses primarily on incident command, coordination and decision-making. Practical response capabilities may sit with trained CERT members or public emergency services.
Does IIMP replace an Emergency Response Plan?
No. Training helps personnel implement a plan; the organisation still needs a site-specific, current and practised plan.
Who should be trained as an alternate?
A person with sufficient authority, site knowledge and availability to assume the role when the primary controller is absent.
Is IIMP mandatory for all WSH officers?
Not automatically. Relevance depends on the person's appointed duties and the premises' emergency organisation.
Is a CERT required at every workplace?
No universal claim should be made. SCDF requirements depend on the premises; current SCDF guidance should be checked.
Can an employer train more people than the minimum?
Yes. Training alternates and personnel across shifts improves resilience, provided appointments and responsibilities remain clear.
Can the SMC also be the SIC?
Organisations should follow the applicable SCDF guidance and their approved incident structure. Separating strategic and operational control generally reduces overload.
Where should the SMC be located?
At a safe command point with reliable communications, access to plans and sufficient visibility of the overall response.
What is the most common SMC failure?
Becoming involved in tactical details while losing oversight of people, escalation, communications and external coordination.
Should the SIC enter the incident area?
The SIC should normally maintain operational control from a safe position rather than becoming another task-level responder.
Who reports to the SIC?
This depends on the organisation's incident chart, but usually includes designated CERT response functions operating at the scene.
Can the SIC order a withdrawal?
Yes. Protecting responders and staying within capability are fundamental responsibilities.
What is the most important first step?
Raise the alarm and obtain help without exposing more people to danger.
When does recovery begin?
Recovery planning can begin during the response, but no recovery action should interfere with life safety or incident control.
Why keep an incident log?
It supports coordination, handover, investigation, reporting and organisational learning.
Is CERT the same as SCDF?
No. CERT is the organisation's internal team. SCDF is the public emergency authority.
Can untrained staff join a response task?
They should not be assigned hazardous response work beyond their competence, equipment and procedures.
How often should a CERT exercise?
Follow current SCDF requirements and conduct additional exercises where risk, staffing or operational changes justify them.
What is span of control?
It is the number of people or functions directly supervised by one leader. Excessive span makes oversight and communication unreliable.
Should job seniority determine emergency command?
The appointed competent role and approved plan should determine command, not informal seniority alone.
What if the designated controller is absent?
A trained alternate should assume the role through a clear activation process.
Can we use a generic ERP template?
A template can provide headings, but the final plan must reflect the actual premises, people, hazards and requirements.
Should the plan include personal mobile numbers?
Use controlled contact arrangements that meet operational needs and applicable privacy practices.
Who approves the ERP?
Approval depends on the premises and regulatory context. Follow current SCDF requirements and organisational governance.
Should people use lifts?
Follow the approved evacuation plan and fire-safety instructions. Ordinary lifts are generally not used during a fire evacuation unless specifically designed and directed for that purpose.
What should a warden check?
Only the assigned areas and only where safe, without delaying their own escape.
What if the assembly area is unsafe?
Use the planned alternative or follow instructions from the incident command team or emergency services.
What is the most dangerous mistake?
Any failure that delays life-safety action or exposes responders beyond their capability can have severe consequences.
How can leaders reduce confusion?
Use a practised command structure, standard reports, clear role cards and regular exercises.
Should every drill be announced?
Different exercise types serve different purposes. Follow regulatory requirements and plan exercises so safety is never compromised.
What does IIMP stand for?
Implement Incident Management Processes.
What is the difference between an SMC and an SIC?
The SMC maintains overall strategic control; the SIC directs operational activity at or near the incident scene.
Is IIMP only relevant to factories?
No. Relevance depends on emergency roles and premises requirements, not simply whether the workplace is a factory.
Does completing a course make a CERT operationally ready?
No. Readiness also requires a site-specific plan, equipment, staffing, communications, exercises and corrective-action follow-through.
Should alternates attend training?
Yes, where they may be expected to assume an emergency command role.
What number should be called for fire or ambulance emergencies in Singapore?
Call 995 for SCDF fire and emergency ambulance services.
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