Qualified Person (QP) Roles & Fixed Installation Inspectors Explained

Planning a major lift modernisation? You'll need to engage specialised professionals called Qualified Persons (QPs). The BC(FI) Regulations 2025 introduce two distinct QP roles with specific responsibilities at different project stages.

This guide explains who these professionals are, when you need them, what they do, and how they work together to ensure your lift project meets Singapore's safety and regulatory requirements.

If you're looking for information on other BC(FI) Regulations topics, click on the following links to learn more about:

• BCA Fixed Installations Regulations 2025: What Singapore Lift Owners Need to Know
• BCA Fixed Installation Plan Submission Requirements: A Complete Guide for Singapore Lift Owners
• Major Alteration & Replacement Works: What Lift Owners Need to Know Under BC(FI) Regulations 2025
• MCST Guide: BC(FI) Regulations 2025 & Condominium Preparation
• BCA Reportable Matters Regulations 2025: Incident Reporting Requirements for Lift Owners

Why Professional Oversight Matters

The BC(FI) Regulations 2025 shift from reactive to proactive safety management, ensuring professional oversight at every critical stage—from design through installation to ongoing operation.

Key benefits include compliance verification before installation begins (preventing costly corrections), physical QP supervision ensuring work matches approved plans exactly, and enhanced inspection procedures identifying potential safety concerns early.

What is a Qualified Person (QP)?

All QPs must be Specialised Professional Engineers in Lift and Escalator Engineering (SPE(L&E))—professionals registered with BCA who have demonstrated expertise specifically in lift and escalator systems. This specialisation goes beyond general Professional Engineer status, requiring current knowledge of safety standards (ACOP, UCMP, electronic safety systems), Singapore-specific requirements, and complex building system integration.

Two Distinct QP Roles

The BC(FI) Regulations create two separate QP roles:

QP(Plan)—Plan Submission QP:

• Focus: Design compliance and regulatory approval
• Phase: Pre-installation planning and BCA approval
• Output: BCA-approved FI plans

QP(Supervisor)—Supervisor QP:

• Focus: Installation supervision and commissioning oversight
• Phase: Physical installation and testing
• Output: Professional certification for PTO application

Important: The same SPE(L&E) can serve both roles, providing continuity from design through installation and potentially reducing costs through combined engagement.

Plan Submission QP (QP(Plan)): Design & Approval Expert

QP(Plan) ensures your modernisation design meets all regulatory requirements before installation begins.

When You Need QP(Plan)

Required for:

• Category A alteration/replacement works (comprehensive modernisations)
• All new lift installations
• Any project requiring FI plan submission to BCA

Not required for:

• Category B major works (no plan submission needed)
• Annual maintenance and PTO renewals
• Existing lifts without major modifications

Key Responsibilities

1. Design Compliance Verification

Verify design meets BC(FI) Regulations 2025, SS550:2020, and current safety standards. Review hoistway dimensions, refuge spaces, and validate safety systems including ACOP and UCMP specifications.

2. Type Testing Certificate Management

Check all 13 required type testing items for lifts (1 Lift System Model + 12 safety components), verify validity at submission time, and ensure certificates match project specifications exactly. Coordinate with manufacturers and contractors to obtain certificates, flagging any missing or expired documentation early.

3. FI Plan Preparation & BCA Submission

Prepare the comprehensive submission package including all required drawings (site plans, hoistway plans, structural), certificates, and technical reports. Submit via CORENET X or FormSG, manage document encryption requirements, and respond to BCA queries during the 15+ working day review process.

4. Post-Approval Distribution

Supply approved FI plans (valid for 24 months) to QP(Supervisor) and contractor, ensuring all parties understand specifications and limitations.

5. Professional Accountability

Notify the Commissioner of Building Control of any contraventions and provide professional liability for design compliance.

Engagement Timeline

Appoint QP (Plan) 6-8 weeks before planned submission during the early design phase. Early engagement allows compliance guidance, time for type testing certificate procurement (3-6 month lead time), and prevents costly design changes.

Supervisor QP (QP(Supervisor)): Installation & Commissioning Oversight

QP(Supervisor) provides hands-on professional supervision during installation and testing phases.

When You Need QP(Supervisor)

Mandatory for ALL major works:

• Category A alteration/replacement works (requires both QP(Plan) and QP(Supervisor))
• Category B alteration/replacement works (QP(Supervisor) only, no plan submission)
• All new installations from 1 October 2025

Critical distinction: QP(Plan) needed only for Category A works. QP(Supervisor) needed for BOTH Category A and Category B major works.

Key Responsibilities

1. Physical Supervision of EITC Activities

EITC = Examination, Inspection, Testing, Commissioning

QP(Supervisor) must be physically present during all EITC activities—no remote oversight permitted. Physical presence enables immediate identification and correction of compliance issues, professional witness to critical safety tests, and real-time validation of installation quality.

2. Installation Compliance Verification

Verify installation matches approved FI plans exactly, checking all dimensions, clearances, and refuge spaces. Confirm safety components as specified and ensure work meets BC(FI) Regulations 2025, SS550:2020, EN81-20, and EN81-50 requirements.

3. EITC Process Supervision

Examination: Visual inspection, component verification, and workmanship assessment.

Inspection: Detailed examination of safety-critical elements, refuge spaces, clearances, door systems, safety gear, governors, and buffers.

Testing: Functional testing of all systems, safety device activation, load testing, and performance verification.

Commissioning: Final system integration, performance validation, and test result documentation.

4. Professional Certification

Issue professional certification only after successful EITC completion. This certification is a prerequisite for PTO application—you cannot obtain new PTO without QP(Supervisor) certification. Documentation includes comprehensive EITC records, test results, and compliance confirmation suitable for BCA submission.

Fixed Installation Inspector: Annual Lift Certification Support Role

Fixed Installation Inspectors may only assist SPEs (Specialised Professional Engineers) during annual lift inspections only. They have clearly defined limitations.

What Fixed Installation Inspectors Do

Role: Assist SPE during annual lift EIT (Examination, Inspection, Testing)—not EITC. Work under SPE supervision, not independently.

Cannot do: Assist with new installations, major alterations, or commissioning activities. These can only be done by a QP.

Inspector vs. QP: Key Differences

Inspector Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities:

Assist SPE during EIT by conducting examinations and testing procedures under SPE direction. Must be physically present (no remote oversight), documenting findings in real-time. Verify maintenance work meets standards, check safety systems function properly, and report all findings to SPE for final review. SPE retains ultimate professional responsibility.

Critical Limitations

Inspectors cannot provide professional oversight for new installations or major alterations—these require QP(Supervisor) supervision. Inspectors are limited to routine maintenance verification and PTO renewal support only.

How These Roles Work Together

Category A Major Modernisation: Full Professional Coordination

Phase 1: Design & Plan Submission (QP(Plan))

1. Owner appoints QP(Plan)
2. QP(Plan) reviews design, verifies 13 type testing items (1 Lift System Model + 12 safety components), submits FI plans
3. BCA reviews and approves plans (3-4 weeks, valid 24 months)
4. QP(Plan) distributes approved plans to QP(Supervisor) and contractor

Phase 2: Installation & Commissioning (QP(Supervisor))

1. Owner appoints QP(Supervisor) (may be same SPE as QP(Plan))
2. Contractor performs work per approved plans
3. QP(Supervisor) provides physical EITC supervision
4. QP(Supervisor) issues professional certification

Phase 3: New PTO Application

1. Owner submits new PTO application with QP certification (existing PTO has ceased)
2. BCA reviews and grants new PTO
3. Lift resumes operation

Category B Major Works: Simplified Process

Same as Category A, but skip Phase 1 (no plan submission). Start with a QP(Supervisor) appointment and proceed directly to installation supervision and new PTO application.

Annual Lift Testing: SPE + Inspector (Optional)

1. Service contractor performs scheduled maintenance per MCP
2. SPE supervises EIT (Examination, Inspection, Testing)
3. Inspector may assist SPE during EIT, documenting findings
4. SPE reviews all findings and certifies maintenance compliance
5. Owner submits PTO renewal with SPE certification
6. BCA renews PTO for another cycle

Professional Coordination Essentials

Establish clear communication channels between professionals, define roles explicitly in contracts, plan for QP availability during critical phases, and maintain version control of approved plans for smooth BCA submissions.

What Building Owners Need to Know

Planning Major Modernisation

Determine QP Requirements:

• Category A works: Need both QP(Plan) and QP(Supervisor)
• Category B works: Need QP(Supervisor) only (no plan submission)
• Budget for professional fees (varies by project complexity and lift count)

Timeline Planning:

• Appoint QP(Plan) 6-8 weeks before submission (Category A only)
• Allow 3-4 weeks for BCA plan approval
• Ensure QP(Supervisor) availability for physical EITC supervision
• Add 6-12 weeks total for Category A, 2-6 weeks for Category B projects

Cost Optimisation:

• Same SPE(L&E) can serve both QP roles (potential fee reduction)
• Package rates available for multiple lifts in same building
• Coordinated EITC scheduling optimises professional time

Annual Lift Testing

Annual lift testing remains the same. SPE supervises EIT or is carried out by the Lift Inspector instead.

Project Timeline & Cost Expectations

Timeline Impact

Category A Projects (requires plan submission):

• QP(Plan) review and type testing verification: 4-8 weeks
• BCA plan approval: 3-4 weeks (minimum 15 working days)
• QP(Supervisor) EITC supervision: Several days to weeks
• Total additional time: 6-12 weeks

Category B Projects (no plan submission):

• QP(Supervisor) coordination and EITC supervision
• Total additional time: 2-6 weeks

Professional Fee Considerations

QP(Plan) Services: Design review, type testing verification, plan preparation, and BCA submission.

QP(Supervisor) Services: Physical EITC supervision, compliance verification, and PTO certification.

Cost Optimisation: Same SPE(L&E) serving both roles can reduce overall costs. Package rates available for multiple lifts.

Fees vary by: Project complexity, number of lifts, submission requirements, and EITC duration.

Preparation Checklist

For Major Modernisation Projects

3-6 Months Before:

• Classify works as Category A or B
• Engage QP(Plan) if Category A (6-8 weeks before submission)
• Begin type testing certificate procurement (3-6 month lead time)
• Budget for professional fees and extended timeline

1-2 Months Before Installation:

• Complete FI plan submission (Category A only)
• Engage QP(Supervisor) if different from QP(Plan)
• Await BCA approval (allow 3-4 weeks)
• Coordinate QP(Supervisor) availability for EITC

During Installation:

• Provide unrestricted site access for QP(Supervisor)
• Schedule EITC with adequate professional time
• Address QP concerns promptly
• Obtain QP certification before PTO application

For Annual Lift Testing

• Engage service contractor familiar with enhanced EIT requirements
• Confirm SPE supervision arrangements
• Understand potential Inspector involvement
• Address defects identified during EIT
• SPE submission to BCA for PTO renewal

Conclusion

The BC(FI) Regulations 2025 introduce three distinct professional roles that ensure safety throughout your lift's lifecycle. Understanding when and how to engage these professionals is essential for successful compliance.

Key Takeaways:

• QP(Plan) handles design compliance and BCA approval (Category A works only)
• QP(Supervisor) provides physical EITC supervision (all major works—both Category A and B)
• Fixed Installation Inspectors assist SPEs during annual maintenance only
• Same SPE(L&E) can serve both QP roles, potentially reducing costs
• All QPs must be SPE(L&E) registered professionals
• Physical supervision is mandatory—no remote oversight permitted
• Budget for 6-12 weeks additional time for Category A projects, 2-6 weeks for Category B

Success requires: Early engagement (6-8 weeks before submission), realistic timeline planning, and understanding each role's scope.

Need expert guidance navigating the new professional oversight framework? Hin Chong has established relationships with qualified SPE(L&E) professionals and deep experience with the BC(FI) Regulations 2025. We provide:

• Professional Coordination: Seamless QP appointment and management
• Works Classification: Expert determination of Category A vs Category B requirements
• Timeline Planning: Realistic project scheduling with regulatory compliance buffers
• Compliance Support: Complete guidance through plan submission and EITC processes

Learn more about our lift modernisation services for comprehensive support tailored to your building's needs.

This article provides comprehensive guidance on professional roles under Singapore's BC(FI) Regulations 2025. For the most current information and specific technical queries, consult directly with BCA through their official channels.