The Developer's Role in Design for Safety
An overview of how Developers typically participate in the Design for Safety process in Singapore. This is general information, not legal advice, and does not describe every statutory duty in detail.
The Developer sits at the top of the project's value chain and is generally best placed to appoint a DfSP directly, provide the design team with the information they need, and make sure DfS reviews actually happen at the right stages — but appointing a DfSP does not remove the Developer's own duties.
What this typically involves
Early appointment
Appointing a DfSP early enough for the review process to influence concept and detailed design, rather than being retrofitted once drawings are largely fixed.
Providing information
Giving the DfSP and design team the project information needed to identify foreseeable risks, including site constraints and intended use.
Engaging competent parties
Engaging designers and contractors capable of participating meaningfully in the DfS review process for their scope.
Active participation
Taking part in, or being kept informed of, DfS review meetings and their outcomes rather than treating DfS as solely the DfSP's or design team's concern.
Coordination
Helping coordinate between Designers, temporary works designers and the Contractor so DfS reviews happen at the right project stages.
Handling the Register
Receiving the up-to-date DfS Register at project completion and arranging its transfer to future owners, operators or maintenance teams as relevant.
The appointment of a DfSP does not remove duties that legislation places directly on the Developer or other duty holders. Engaging a DfSP supports the Developer's process; it does not substitute for it.
| Role | Primary DfS contribution | Responsibility not transferred |
|---|---|---|
| Developer | Appointments, information, coordination and project-level arrangements for DfS | Duties placed directly on the Developer by legislation |
| Designer | Eliminate or reduce foreseeable risks through design, so far as reasonably practicable | Technical responsibility for the design itself |
| Contractor | Communicate construction-related design risks and participate in reviews where required | Construction methods and site execution |
| DfSP | Facilitate reviews and maintain risk information where appointed to do so | Designers' design duties and Contractors' site duties |
Appointing a DfSP for a new project?
Tell us the project stage and design team so we can advise on timing and scope of appointment.