Launched in 2021, Singapore’s ES Regime was developed after the COVID-19 pandemic and gastroenteritis outbreaks that majorly affected eldercare facilities and pre-schools. This comprehensive framework is a brainchild of the National Environment Agency (NEA) which aims to promote good environmental hygiene and the prevention of transmission of infectious diseases. Additionally, this regime focuses on cleanliness and maintenance in premises with higher footfall and public interaction, such as preschools, schools, coffee shops, food centres, and markets, community care and eldercare facilities, social service facilities, food courts and canteens, student care centres, and specified shopping malls.
To uphold Singapore’s hygiene and sanitation levels, the ES regime instructs that every premises under this framework adopt an Environmental Sanitation Programme (ESP) which comprises an inclusive cleaning plan, disinfection schedules, and the appointment of a trained Environmental Control Coordinator (ECC). Overall, the focus is to bring about a co-regulatory approach where patrons take responsibility for their respective premises with the ownership of the ES standards.
The need for an Environment Sanitation Regime
The Environment Sanitation Regime or ES regime reinforces Singapore’s global image as a hub for business, tourism, and trade. By ensuring stringent sanitation standards, the ES Regime boosts public health, and confidence, and supports the country’s hygiene practices. To provide a clear framework, it focuses on the following aspects:
Higher-risk premises:
Singapore’s urbanised environment poses a threat to the spread of infectious diseases. This regime, therefore, prioritises high-risk environments with vulnerable occupants. It focuses on schools, eldercare facilities, healthcare services, and premises that attract people like shopping malls and food courts.
Accountability and ownership:
The regime ropes stakeholders and managers in the process. By putting them in charge of cleanliness, the Regime ensures proactive participation with a heightened sense of responsibility in maintaining hygiene measures.
Collaborative approach:
With co-regulation, the ES Regime promotes a shared and collaborative approach. The framework and guidance come from the NEA, while the managers and the stakeholders take ownership of executing and fulfilling sanitation measures.
Benefits of the Environment Sanitation Regime or ES Regime
The ES Regime offers numerous benefits for the general public and businesses functioning in Singapore. The top benefits include:
- A systematic approach to sanitation: Promotes a consistent and structured method for upholding cleanliness and sanitation across various premises. It also ensures thorough checks on high-traffic areas.
- Establishes a structured method for maintaining environmental sanitation across various premises.
- Improved public health: Promotes hygienic public spaces by maintaining clean and sanitised premises.
- Reduced risk of disease: Improved hygiene curbs the spread of infectious diseases.
- Reduced healthcare burden: By preventing the outbreak of transferable diseases, there is less pressure on healthcare facilities.
- Enhanced public confidence: An infection-free, safe, clean, and hygienic communal space fosters a sense of public trust. It encourages people to use more facilities, thereby, boosting the hospitality, retail, and tourism sectors.
- Business advantages: Abiding by a clear framework of hygiene standards allows businesses to attract customers who prioritise cleanliness and well-being. Moreover, it helps businesses avoid legal liabilities from food poisoning incidents and poor sanitation.
- Supports Singapore’s global reputation: By maintaining superior cleanliness measures, the country’s image of a well-maintained destination is built which in turn supports international business and travel.
Focus areas: High-risk premises
The Environment Sanitation Regime or ES Regime targets locations that have higher footfall or services and establishments with vulnerable occupants. For instance:
- Eldercare facilities or community care
- Educational institutions: Student care centres, schools, and pre-schools
- Social Service residences/facilities and day-care centres
- Food Establishments: Markets, coffee shops, community kitchens, food courts, hawker centres, or canteens
- Shopping malls: The latest on the block! Larger malls with major retail space were included in the list from August 2022
ES Regime: Key requirements
To maintain a sustainable approach to hygiene, ES Regime defines key requirements that all premises must comply with. Here are some notable requirements:
Environmental Sanitation Programme (ESP):
Premises that fall under the ES Regime have to design an ESP. Their ESP module must outline and implement steps targeted towards comprehensive hygiene practices. These can include, regular cleaning and routine disinfection, daily inspection of specific areas, staff training and equipment handling, and so on.
Appointment of an Environmental Control Coordinator (ECC):
Each premises will appoint an ECC who will work in tandem with ESP and oversee its correct implementation. An ECC must be an NEA-certified professional or trained from any accredited institution. They must display the skills and knowledge to address any sanitation-related issues. Furthermore, they must be equipped to ensure ESP compliance and conduct regular inspections.
Regular Audits and Inspections:
Appointed auditors or members from NEA can conduct inspections to ensure compliance with ES Regime standards. The audit is carried out to gauge the effectiveness of the ESP. If the premises are highlighted as non-compliant, they will be asked to take corrective measures or face penalties.
Public Awareness:
The regime outlines the importance of education about rigorous cleaning standards and good hygiene practices for common people and staff members. It is advised that premises display posters, digital prints, and other educational material on several important cleanliness areas like proper waste disposal, the importance of pest control, advantages of hand hygiene, among others.
The link between ES Regime and pest exterminators
The ES Regime hails pest control management for its contributions towards a hygienic environment. It guides the implementation of a crucial plan called a Comprehensive Pest Management Survey (CPMS). This survey is mandatory and can be conducted only by registered pest exterminators at least every six months. Pest control companies are the best guides to identify common pests and infestation levels, pinpoint their risk factors, offer recommendations, provide structural recommendations, and evaluate the effectiveness of an ongoing plan.
Moreover, the ECCs from each premises collaborate with pest management companies to ensure the creation of safer and healthier conditions for all. It is the combined efforts of both ES Regime and professional exterminators to form a solid foundation for Singapore’s public health infrastructure.
How can ORIGIN help with ES Regime requirements?
With ORIGIN you can fulfil holistic ES Regime’s pest management requirements. We can help you with:
- Comprehensive pest control surveys are carried out every six months by expert vector control operators.
- Detailed analysis of any pest activity in your premises and tailored prevention plan.
- Findings and recommendations on structural defects or sanitation issues.
To Conclude, ORIGIN can conduct the Comprehensive Pest Management Survey to help meet all the requirements with ease. Contact us Today!
