English for Domestic Helpers Singapore Safety Guide

Welcome to the essential guide for Foreign Domestic Workers (FDW) and Migrant Domestic Workers (MDW) in Singapore. Whether you are new to Singapore or have been working here for years, clear communication with your employer (Ma'am/Sir), the children, and elderly family members is the key to a happy and safe working environment. This guide focuses on practical English used in Singaporean households, including safety instructions, daily chores, and managing emergencies.

Did You Know? The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) emphasizes safety above all else. Understanding instructions correctly can prevent accidents. If you don't understand, always ask: "Ma'am, can you repeat that please?" or "Sorry Sir, I am not sure how to use this machine."

1. Essential Safety Vocabulary & Phrases

Safety is the most important part of your job. In Singapore, many accidents happen due to cleaning windows or using electrical appliances incorrectly. Mastering these terms is crucial.

Window Cleaning Safety (High-Rise Living)

Most Singaporeans live in HDB flats or Condos. Cleaning windows can be dangerous.

• Grilles: The metal bars on windows. "Must lock the grilles."
• Ledge: The narrow shelf outside the window. "Do not stand on the ledge."
• Extendable Wiper: A tool to clean windows from inside. "Use the extendable wiper, don't climb out."
• Safety Belt: Protective gear strictly required if cleaning the exterior (though usually discouraged).

Employer: "Maria, please clean the living room windows today."

Helper: "Okay Ma'am. I will use the long wiper. I know I cannot stand on a chair or climb out."

Employer: "Correct. And make sure the window grilles are locked when you are not cleaning."

Kitchen & Fire Safety

Singapore kitchens use gas stoves or induction cookers. Knowing how to describe hazards is vital.

• Gas Leak: "I smell gas." / "The gas cylinder is empty."
• Switch Off: "Please switch off the stove before you go out."
• Flammable: "Don't put oil near the fire."
• Ventilation: "Open the windows for ventilation when cooking."

2. Daily Communication with Employers (Ma'am & Sir)

Singaporean employers appreciate politeness and honesty. Using "Ma'am" and "Sir" is standard. Also, be prepared for some "Singlish" (Singapore English).

Morning Routine

Start the day with clear confirmation of tasks.

Helper: "Good morning, Ma'am. Breakfast is ready. I made kaya toast and soft-boiled eggs."

Employer: "Thanks. Did you iron Sir's shirt?"

Helper: "Yes Ma'am, it is hanging in the master bedroom."

Employer: "Great. Today, can you go to the wet market?"

Helper: "Yes Ma'am. Do you have a list of things to buy?"

Understanding Singlish Instructions

Employers might speak fast using local terms.

• "Dapao" / "Tabao": Takeaway food. "Go kopitiam dapao chicken rice."
• "Marketing": Going to the wet market or supermarket to buy groceries. "Go do marketing."
• "Tombalik": Go back/return (Malay origin, common in older generations).
• "Switch off the light hor": The "hor" is for emphasis to remind you.

3. Caring for the Elderly (Ah Ma / Ah Gong)

Many helpers look after elderly grandparents. They may speak English, Mandarin, Malay, or Dialect, but you need English to report to your employer about their health.

Health & Medication Vocabulary

• Blood Pressure (BP): "I took Ah Ma's blood pressure. It is 130 over 80."
• Medication/Medicine: "It is time for Ah Gong's diabetes medicine."
• Dizzy / Giddiness: "Ah Ma says she feels dizzy."
• Appetite: "Ah Gong has no appetite today, he didn't eat his porridge."
• Fall Risk: "I will hold Ah Ma's hand when walking to the toilet."

Employer: "How was Ah Ma today?"

Helper: "She was okay, but she complained of leg pain. I applied the medicated oil for her."

Employer: "Did she eat her lunch?"

Helper: "Only half. She said not hungry."

4. Marketing & Grocery Shopping

Whether you go to NTUC FairPrice, Sheng Siong, Giant, or the local Wet Market, you need to know food names.

Common Local Ingredients

• Choy Sum / Kai Lan / Bok Choy: Leafy green vegetables.
• Ikan Bilis: Dried anchovies (often used for soup stock).
• Santan: Coconut milk.
• Three-layer pork / Pork belly: For braising.
• Minced meat: Ground meat.

Money & Change

Always keep the receipt to show your employer.

• "How much is one kilo?"
• "Can you give me a discount?" (At wet markets)
• "Please give me a receipt."
• "Here is the change, Ma'am."

5. Handling Emergencies

You must know who to call. In Singapore, the emergency numbers are vital.

• 995: Ambulance / Fire (Only for life-threatening emergencies like heart attack, unconsciousness).
• 999: Police.
• 1777: Non-emergency ambulance.

Scenario: Ah Gong falls down and cannot get up. He is bleeding. Action: Do not move him if it looks bad. Call 995 immediately. Then call your employer. What to say on phone: "Hello, my location is Block 123 Bedok North, #05-10. An elderly man fell down. He is bleeding from the head. He is conscious."

6. Smart Home & Appliance Vocabulary

Modern Singapore homes are full of gadgets.

• Robot Vacuum: "Empty the dustbin of the robot vacuum."
• Air Fryer: "Put the nuggets in the air fryer for 10 minutes at 180 degrees."
• Washing Machine: "Use the 'Delicate' cycle for these clothes."
• Digital Lock: "The battery is low on the door lock."

7. Conflict Resolution & Asking for Leave

According to MOM rules, you are entitled to rest days. Negotiating this politely is key.

Helper: "Ma'am, for my off-day next Sunday, can I leave slightly earlier at 8 am? I have a church activity."

Employer: "Okay, but please ensure the dog is fed before you go."

Helper: "Yes Ma'am, I will do that. Thank you."

If you break something

Honesty is the best policy.

• "I am very sorry Ma'am. I accidentally broke the white plate while washing dishes."
• "I will be more careful next time."

8. Conclusion

Working in Singapore is a great opportunity. By mastering these English phrases, you build trust with your employer. A trusted helper is a happy helper. Remember, your safety is the priority. Never do anything that puts your life at risk, no matter who asks you to do it. Keep learning and communicating!

This guide is designed for educational purposes to assist FDWs in Singapore. For official regulations, always refer to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) website.