In Singapore, every HDB flat and many condominium units come with a bomb shelter — a reinforced room designed to protect occupants during emergencies. While these spaces are rarely used for their original purpose, most homeowners turn them into storage rooms.
However, not everything is allowed inside a bomb shelter. Many don’t realise that there are strict regulations set by HDB and SCDF (Singapore Civil Defence Force) about what you can install or store.
If you’re planning to add a bomb shelter rack, here’s what you should know to stay compliant and safe.
Before turning your bomb shelter into a storeroom, it’s important to understand why these regulations exist.
Bomb shelters — officially known as Household Shelters (HS) — are part of Singapore’s civil defence infrastructure. They are built with reinforced concrete walls, floors, and ceilings designed to withstand blast pressure and flying debris.
During an emergency, the shelter must remain structurally sound and airtight to protect its occupants. Any unauthorised drilling, hacking, or heavy installations can compromise this integrity — which is why HDB and SCDF enforce strict guidelines.
You can still make your bomb shelter functional as a storage space, provided you follow a few key rules.
You’re allowed to use freestanding shelving systems or boltless racks that don’t require drilling or bolting into the walls, ceiling, or floor. These racks are sturdy, space-efficient, and can be easily removed if needed.
This is why boltless bomb shelter racks are so popular — they offer excellent storage without violating HDB/SCDF guidelines. At ZEssentials, for instance, our racks are designed to fit standard bomb shelter dimensions while maintaining stability and accessibility.
Accessories such as plastic containers, portable shelves, and modular organisers are fine as long as they’re not permanently attached to the structure.
You can store items like:
Just make sure your items are well-organised, and that you can clear the shelter quickly in case of emergencies.
Here’s where many homeowners accidentally breach regulations.
You are not allowed to drill, hack, or modify any part of the bomb shelter structure — including the walls, floor, ceiling, or door frame.
Doing so can compromise the shelter’s airtightness and structural integrity, and you could be fined or required to restore it at your own cost.
Avoid installing built-in cabinets, wall-mounted shelves, or false walls. All fittings inside must be removable. Even electrical wiring or lighting modifications require prior approval from HDB.
The bomb shelter door and frame are part of the protective system and must not be painted over or altered.
If you wish to match your interior colour, you can install a decorative panel or laminate covering that doesn’t interfere with the door’s operation.
Items such as gas canisters, paint thinner, aerosols, or fuels are prohibited. These materials can pose a serious fire or explosion risk.
According to HDB’s and SCDF’s published guidelines:
“No drilling, nailing, hacking or other works are to be carried out on the walls, floor slab, ceiling slab or door frame of the household shelter.”
“All fixtures installed inside the household shelter must be removable.”
These rules ensure that the bomb shelter can function as intended during emergencies — maintaining structural strength, air tightness, and safety.
When selecting a bomb shelter rack in Singapore, keep these factors in mind:
Ensure the rack is boltless, freestanding, and does not require wall mounting. Look for racks designed specifically for bomb shelters — they’ll typically fit the limited space and meet height or clearance requirements.
Bomb shelters often double as heavy storage spaces, so choose racks with strong load capacity. High-quality steel or powder-coated metal racks offer durability and can hold multiple boxes or containers safely.
Avoid blocking the ventilation openings of your bomb shelter. Proper airflow prevents musty smells or moisture build-up.
Select modular racks with adjustable shelves. This helps you maximise vertical space and fit items of different sizes — from bulky luggage to small household tools.
Singapore’s humidity can cause metal racks to rust over time. Choose powder-coated or galvanised steel racks for long-term protection.
Boltless racks are the perfect solution, because they meet all compliance criteria while offering maximum utility. They:
They strike the right balance between compliance, safety, and functionality — exactly what Singapore homeowners need.
Your bomb shelter doesn’t have to be a cluttered or wasted space. With the right boltless bomb shelter rack, you can transform it into an efficient, compliant storage area that keeps your home organised while meeting HDB and SCDF regulations.
Always remember: no drilling, no permanent fixtures, and no hazardous materials. A smart, well-planned storage setup ensures both safety and convenience.
At ZEssentials, we provide HDB-approved, boltless bomb shelter racks that maximise space without breaking any rules. Our racks are sturdy, easy to assemble, and perfectly fitted for Singapore homes.
Explore our full range of storage racks and shelving solutions today — and make your bomb shelter a safe, organised part of your home.
