In a city where precision and safety define progress, inspections aren’t just paperwork but protection.
Whether you manage building assets, oversee lifting equipment, or handle procurement for industrial operations, statutory inspections are not merely a regulatory checkbox. They’re a safeguard, one that ensures the systems we rely on daily are not just functioning, but functioning safely and legally.
In Singapore, these inspections are governed by agencies like the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), the Building and Construction Authority (BCA), and the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF). But what exactly qualifies as a statutory inspection, and what should organisations know to stay compliant?
Here’s what every facility manager, company owner, and safety team needs to know
Understanding Statutory Inspections
A statutory inspection is a scheduled, mandatory examination of high-risk equipment to ensure it complies with relevant regulations, technical standards, and safe operating conditions. These inspections are required under Singapore’s Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Act, and non-compliance may lead to fines, operational shutdowns, or legal liabilities.
The scope covers a wide range of systems, including:
- Lifting equipment (cranes, hoists, and material platforms)
- Pressure vessels (steam boilers, air receivers, and autoclaves)
- Lifts and escalators in buildings
- Petroleum and flammable material storage
- Fire protection systems in designated premises
Each category has a specific inspection frequency — for instance, lifts and escalators require annual inspections by a Specialist Professional Engineer (SPE), while certain cranes and pressure vessels must be inspected every 6 or 12 months as prescribed in MOM’s WSH regulations.
Why It Matters — Real Incidents, Real Impact
Singapore’s stringent inspection regime is not without reason. Behind the legislation are real-life cases that reveal the critical role inspections play in preventing equipment-related tragedies.
In November 2020, a luffing jib tower crane collapsed at a construction site near Tan Tock Seng Hospital. The accident claimed a worker’s life and left another injured. Investigations found that the crane’s wire ropes had become entangled, ultimately leading to the structural failure of the jib. A post-incident learning report by MOM highlighted not just mechanical issues but systemic gaps in inspection and operational vigilance. This incident underscored the importance of not only following a regular inspection regime, but ensuring those inspections are detailed, technically sound, and conducted by certified professionals.
A few years earlier in October 2015, a lift at Block 322 Tah Ching Road malfunctioned and injured an elderly woman, resulting in the amputation of her hand. The lift ascended unexpectedly while she was entering. Though the safety devices were technically functional, investigations pointed to lapses in maintenance and inspection practices, reinforcing that compliance is not about ticking boxes but protecting lives.
How Statutory Inspections Are Conducted
At its core, a statutory inspection follows a defined process. While the details may vary depending on the equipment, the general workflow includes:
- Pre-inspection planning – A review of inspection schedules, equipment history, and regulatory timelines.
- On-site examination – Conducted by a qualified Authorised Examiner (AE) or Specialist Professional Engineer (SPE), assessing the physical condition, compliance with standards, and operational readiness.
- Issuance of report—The client is provided with a detailed report indicating whether the equipment passed or failed and outlining required corrective actions if needed.
- Certification—Upon passing, relevant certificates or approvals (such as BCA’s Permit to Operate for Lifts) are submitted to the authorities.
Who Can Carry Out These Inspections?
In Singapore, statutory inspections must be conducted by authorised professionals under strict regulatory control. These include:
- Authorised Examiners (AEs) accredited by MOM
- Specialist Professional Engineers (SPEs) licensed by the Professional Engineers Board
- Approved Inspection Bodies (AIBs) like Emaan Inspection, which provide end-to-end, compliant inspection services
These professionals are trained to not only identify current risks but anticipate potential failures that could arise from overlooked wear, improper installation, or poor maintenance.
Partnering with the Right Inspection Provider
With over two decades of experience and a track record of professionalism, Emaan Inspection is proud to be one of Singapore’s trusted MOM-approved inspection bodies. Our team of qualified PEs, SPEs, and AEs provide critical services across various sectors — from construction and logistics to property management and manufacturing.
We deliver:
- Lifting equipment and crane inspections
- Pressure vessel assessments
- Annual lift and escalator inspections
- Petroleum system certifications
- Consultancy for audit preparation and compliance
Our clients choose us not just for our technical ability, but for our integrity, transparency, and responsiveness at every stage.
Explore our full list of services here.
Ready to Stay Compliant and Confident?
Statutory inspections aren’t an administrative formality but your front line of defense against failure, non-compliance, and risk. With the right inspection partner, you can avoid last-minute scrambles, reduce downtime, and strengthen trust with regulators, clients, and your teams.
At Emaan Inspection, we make the process seamless. Backed by over two decades of industry expertise, our inspections are prompt, professional, and MOM-approved, giving you peace of mind that every asset, system, and certificate is in place.
📞 Is your next inspection coming up? Let’s make it seamless. Contact us today.
📧 info@emaan.com.sg | 📞 +65 6292 3549 | 🌐 www.emaan.com.sg
