Reply to Media Queries on SAF's adoption of NEA's soon-to-be introduced bands and descriptors for 1-hour PM2.5 concentration readings

"The health and safety of our servicemen are of paramount importance to the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). To ensure that servicemen train and operate safely, the SAF monitors the air quality in Singapore closely, and has in place a set of Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) - Activity Guidelines formulated for the SAF population. These guidelines take into account servicemen's medical fitness and the nature of activities to adjust our outdoor activities and training according to the haze situation, to limit servicemen's exposure to the haze. For 24-hour PSI reading below 100, activities will continue as per normal. With the 24-hour PSI reading exceeding 100, outdoor activities and training will be adjusted accordingly. These guidelines are consistent with the Ministry of Health’s health advisory for haze.

In addition, commanders on the ground will also conduct a risk assessment prior to each outdoor or training activity. Factors such as prevailing weather, ground situation and servicemen's conditions are taken into consideration before deciding on the modification or cessation of outdoor or training activities. Commanders can use the new bands and descriptors for 1-hr PM2.5 concentration readings as one of the factors when making their risk assessments."