The National Environment Agency (NEA) said on 7 June that they have created guidelines on the use of LED wreaths and inflatables at funeral wakes.
This comes in the wake of several funeral parlours banning LED flower wreaths and inflatable structures completely over safety concerns.
NEA developed the guidelines with the Association of Funeral Directors Singapore, limiting the number of LED wreaths to just 10, including one inflatable structure.
The wreaths and inflatables will be confined to the immediate area of the funeral (HDB void decks etc), and will have to be approved by the relevant authorities and subject to conditions.
A spokesperson for NEA said that “The guidelines aim to provide recommendations to premises owners and the industry on the use and deployment of light-emitting wreaths and inflatables at wakes to prevent issues such as light and noise pollution, obstruction to pedestrian traffic, and potential circuit breaker trips.”
He further added that “NEA is working with town councils to incorporate the guidelines in the terms and conditions for a permit to hold wakes, as many wakes are held at communal spaces in HDB estates.”
Guidelines
LED wreaths and inflatable structures are not allowed to be placed near carparks, roads, walkways, business entities or residences.
If the structures are deployed within common areas such as walkways and pavements, there should be at least 1.5 metres of walking space.
They must also not be within 5 meters of a fire hydrant and not be obstructing any fire safety provisions and equipment.
LED wreaths are also not allowed to be switched on from 10pm to 7am.
Written permission from the town council or any relevant authority is needed for any deviation from the guidelines.
Images source: LEDWreaths.sg on Facebook