A smoky Singapore F1 race again? As haze threat looms, outdoor event organisers ready contingency plans

Various agencies work closely with Singapore GP to ensure the safety, health and well-being of spectators, staff, drivers and crew, said the government’s interagency Haze Task Force.

Member agencies will work closely with Singapore GP on measures to be taken at various PSI and PM2.5 levels.

These measures include keeping everyone in the circuit informed of the latest haze developments, with medical assistance and N95 masks accessible on-site if required.

“In the event that haze conditions affect visibility, public health, or operations, the relevant member agencies will work closely with Singapore GP to assess the situation before making any collective decisions regarding the event,” the task force said.

Formed in 1994, the task force is chaired by the National Environment Agency and comprises 28 government agencies, including the Ministry of Trade and Industry and the Singapore Tourism Board, which oversees the F1 race in Singapore.

Member agencies have action plans in place with tiered responses depending on the intensity of the haze, based on the 24-hour PSI and hourly PM2.5 readings.

For schools, outdoor activities will be adjusted and air purifiers will be switched on, the task force said. 

For workers, outdoor work will be scaled back, with special attention paid to the elderly, pregnant women and employees with chronic lung or heart disease, it added.

The task force was convened in April this year to review and update the respective agencies’ response plans in preparation for possible transboundary haze.

The authorities have also stepped up public communications to increase awareness on the increased risk of transboundary haze this year and precautions to take.