Whether in hotel rooms, entrance halls or open-plan offices - no publicly accessible place can do without fire extinguishers, alarm plans or instructions on behaviour in the event of a fire. These effective means of fighting fires are directly related to fire safety regulations.
Fire safety regulations are of particular importance in the workplace. Supervisors are required to minimise the risk of fire with the measures available to them.
Fire safety regulations are part of the safety precautions in companies and businesses. Employers have a duty of care for their employees. A fire safety standard creates adequate framework conditions for the protection of all employees.
What is the purpose of fire safety regulations? What role does the fire safety standard play? How can fire safety regulations be complied with in an employer's company? Such questions are of particular concern to company managers, but also to private individuals. In this article, managers will find useful information about fire safety regulations in companies. It also explains the DIN fire protection standard and the duties of fire safety officers.
Fire protection regulations from A to Z
Fire protection in Germany covers a large number of areas for which a brief definition of terms is useful. Their meaning is described in detail in the following chapters.
1. fire protection regulations
Fire safety regulations are rules and regulations for the prevention of fires. Fire protection in Germany is a sub-area of hazard protection. Fire safety regulations apply to public facilities, apartment blocks or companies. In this case, we are also talking about fire protection company regulations.
The fire safety regulations in a public building include the fire safety regulations part a and the supplementary parts b and c. The addressees of the three fire safety regulations are different groups of people.
2. fire protection standard
A fire protection standard applies to fire protection in Germany. It comprises the regulations of DIN 4102 or the category EN 13501-1, which has been introduced throughout Europe. The guidelines refer to the flammability of building materials.
3. fire protection regulations
Fire safety regulations are concretely formulated provisions of the fire safety regulations. They have two purposes - to prevent fires and to fight them effectively. By introducing and complying with fire safety regulations in companies, employees are sensitised to potential sources of danger on the premises.
4. fire protection officer
A fire safety officer is a trained member of staff in the employer's company. He or she is able to comply with the company's fire safety regulations in the event of a fire. The specialised knowledge is imparted as part of further training measures.
5. fire protection regulations part a
The contents of fire safety regulations b and c are based on fire safety regulations part a. The provisions of the fire safety regulations part a do not refer to a specific institution or a specific group of people. They represent the general safety precautions in the event of a fire.
What is a fire safety regulation?
Fire safety regulations are safety regulations that apply to all parties involved in the event of fires in companies and businesses. However, fire protection in Germany goes far beyond this: the precautions in the fire safety regulations fulfil a preventative purpose.
The following measures counteract the development of fires:
- Installation of fire alarms in every room
- Appointment or instruction of fire safety officers
- Seminars focussing on the fire safety regulations of the respective company
- Installation of fire extinguishers
- Employee training (behaviour in the event of a fire)
- Ban on open sources of fire such as candles
- Signposting of emergency exits and assembly points
- Installation of signs for extinguishing equipment
A fire safety regulation is not the same set of rules as a fire safety concept. The concept includes the elaborated measures for prevention and control. Once the protection concept has been developed, the final fire safety regulations are documented in writing and published as the fire safety regulations part a plan.
Fire safety regulations are made up of two aspects. The installation of extinguishing equipment and the display of information signs are part of securing the premises. Other parts of the fire safety regulations include unrestricted access to emergency exits and escape routes. The appointment of fire safety officers and the instructions in accordance with the general fire safety regulations part a involve the relevant persons in the planning.
Implementing the fire safety regulations in practice
A safe working environment is created by furnishing the premises in accordance with the fire safety regulations. Fire alarms are one of the most effective protective measures. Since July 2013, fire safety regulations in Germany have made the installation of fire alarms in every room mandatory throughout the country. This regulation applies not only to private individuals, but also to companies.
Fire alarms are installed on the ceiling. They are effective early warning systems for fighting fires. The way the devices work is based on a lamp. It transmits signals into the chamber of the fire detector. When smoke penetrates, the rays of light hit the soot. This contact triggers the fire detector's alarm. The batteries are replaced regularly to ensure the efficiency of the devices.
Fire safety officer know the fire safety regulations just as well as the specific fire safety company regulations. The number of authorised representatives depends on the size of the company. For companies with few rooms and a manageable staff, one expert in fire safety regulations is sufficient. In large companies, several contact persons are appointed.
Training courses focussing on the current fire safety regulations benefit all employees in the company. Instruction in the fire safety regulations is provided by an external seminar leader, the line manager and/or the fire safety officer. Emergency rehearsals take place independently of the training sessions. Such practical exercises allow conclusions to be drawn about the company's knowledge of fire safety regulations: If employees behave in accordance with the internal fire safety regulations and present themselves at the assembly point, they are prepared for an actual emergency.
Fire protection in Germany requires the availability of functional fire extinguishers for public buildings. Regular maintenance of the extinguishers and a check of the expiry date are carried out by the fire safety officer. During training courses on fire protection company regulations, participants are introduced to the proper use of fire extinguishers. Similar to emergency exits, the extinguishers are also freely accessible so that those present can use them immediately in the event of a fire.
According to fire safety regulations, objects such as burning candles or oil lamps are only permitted in public facilities with restrictions. In churches, their use is permitted subject to the appropriate safety precautions; fire safety regulations prohibit the use of highly flammable objects.
Another prevention option relates to the labelling of escape routes. Escape plans are displayed on office doors in accordance with fire safety regulations. Further plans with colour-coded escape routes, emergency exits or fire extinguishers can be found in the entrance area or in conference rooms. Emergency exits or routes towards the assembly point must be kept clear. The areas must also be signposted and illuminated.
Fire safety regulations - general facts
Fire protection in Germany is not a legal obligation for employers. Companies decide on their own internal fire safety regulations. There are currently no rules for generally applicable fire safety regulations.
Nevertheless, the introduction of statutory fire safety regulations is being discussed. The welfare of employees is the most relevant argument in favour of generally applicable fire safety regulations in Germany. Standardised national fire safety regulations make it easier for employers to comply with and implement the applicable fire safety regulations.
A synonym for fire safety regulations is fire safety regulations. They are reviewed every 24 months by an external expert or the responsible fire safety officer. A comprehensive knowledge of the standards in the fire safety regulations is necessary for the revision of the fire safety company regulations.
In-house training courses on the subject of fire safety regulations are scheduled once a year as mandatory dates. In exceptional cases, training courses may take place more frequently. In this case, the employer decides.
The fire safety regulations part a can be summarised in three steps:
- Contact the fire brigade
- Go to a safe place
- Extinguish the fire without putting yourself in danger
This 'basis' of the fire safety regulations is not only valid for fire protection companies, but for all public facilities and private residences.
The fire protection standard categorises highly flammable materials into groups a, b, c, d and f. These categories are called fire classes. They are indicators for the correct extinguishing process:
- Class a: Fabric and wood
- Class b: Liquid substances such as petrol, diesel or oil
- Class c: Gas
- Class d: Flammable metals
- Class f: Fats
- Extinguishers for class a: grease, powder, water or foam extinguishers
- Extinguishers for class b: Foam, powder, grease fire or carbon dioxide extinguishers
- Extinguishers for class c: Powder extinguishers
- Extinguishers for class d: Powder extinguishers for metal
- Extinguishers for class f: Grease fire extinguishers
Fire protection as a measure to combat and prevent fire can be categorised into four areas. A distinction is made between prevention and intervention. Organisational, structural and technical protection prevents fires from starting. Preventive fire protection involves containing the spread of fire. The fire safety regulations specify the guidelines for the protective measures.
Organisational protection is based on the fire protection regulations part a. The creation of escape plans is subject to the applicable fire protection standards. Technical fire protection is a collective term for the installation of technical devices that are used to extinguish fires. Structural fire protection involves complying with fire protection regulations when handling flammable materials. In addition, a protection concept is developed for the respective buildings.
Failure to comply with the fire safety regulations will be prosecuted. Compensation is paid, for example, for fire-related damage to buildings. In the event of serious breaches of the fire safety regulations, the persons concerned will receive a fine.
The categorisation of fire safety regulations in DIN standards ensures uniformity and facilitates compliance with the rules in the form of fire safety regulations. The fire safety regulations part a can be supplemented by specific fire safety regulations.
Standards - Fire protection
A fire protection standard guarantees a general safety standard. The standards stipulate the minimum legal requirements in terms of heat resistance and fire resistance for windows and doors.
Fire protection in Germany categorises materials for further processing in industry or construction in the DIN 4102 fire protection standard.
For fire-resistant windows and doors, the fire protection standard differentiates between fire-retardant/highly fire-retardant and fire-resistant/highly fire-resistant models. The fire protection regulations according to the current DIN standard are criteria for test phases. In the test units, the material is tested for stability. If it can withstand the thermal loads, it meets the standards of the fire protection regulations and is suitable for further processing.
Fire-resistant doors and windows can be integrated as modules in building façades or entrance halls. Windows with self-closing function are particularly effective at keeping out fire and smoke. They fulfil the guidelines of the F30 to F90 fire protection standards.
In the fire safety regulations, the rules of behaviour in the event of danger form a separate category. Fire protection in Germany is divided into fire protection regulations a b c. Each fire safety standard is addressed to a specific group of people.
Fire protection part a
The fire safety regulations part a refer to all employees of a company or persons present in a public facility. It includes the basic criteria of the fire safety regulations.
In the instructions, a distinction can be made between prevention and correct behaviour in the event of a fire. The smoking ban is an important principle in the fire safety regulations for public facilities. The use of cigarettes, lighters and matches is prohibited indoors. Outdoor areas are provided as an alternative. Burnt cigarettes or matches are disposed of in the bins provided for this purpose.
Electrically operated equipment harbours a potential hazard. Defective cables, sockets and light switches must be repaired in accordance with the fire safety regulations or reported to the relevant specialist personnel (technician, electrician). A permit is required for the storage of highly flammable materials. If permission is granted, care must be taken to ensure that the materials are stored properly.
Doors and windows must be closed when leaving rooms or the building. Emergency exits and escape routes, on the other hand, must remain clear to enable evacuation in the event of danger. The same rule applies to fire brigade entrances.
According to fire safety regulations part a, such measures serve to prevent fires. In the event of a fire, specific instructions for containing the damage apply in addition to the fire protection regulations. The following issues are dealt with in the fire safety regulations part a:
1. who belongs to the groups of people concerned (employees, guests, tenants, etc.)?
2 Which building is on fire?
3. what is the cause of the fire?
4. are there any casualties?
5. in which area/room is there a fire?
6. was the fire brigade contacted?
7. were independent extinguishing attempts made in the premises?
The provision of extinguishing equipment is mandatory in public buildings in accordance with the applicable fire safety regulations. Lifts are not used in the event of fire. There is a risk of suffocation here. Instead, the emergency exits create space for people to get outside. Instructions from the fire safety officer or the fire brigade must also be followed in accordance with fire safety regulations part a.
The instructions in the fire safety regulations part a are displayed in the building as a clear emergency plan. Updates are included in the fire safety regulations by those responsible. Maintenance of technical equipment in conjunction with an inspection of the premises is the responsibility of specialists. During the inspection, repairs are carried out as required in order to contribute to the general safety of the premises.
Fire safety regulations part b
The fire safety regulations part a specify the framework conditions for preventive measures and firefighting.
Compared to the fire safety regulations part a, the fire safety regulations of category b are more specific. It contains instructions for groups of people without fire protection tasks. The fire safety regulations in these fire safety regulations describe behaviour in an acute emergency.
In the event of a fire, all those present are obliged to leave the building immediately in accordance with the fire safety regulations. Persons in need of help will be assisted by third parties during evacuation. In the event of heavy smoke, people should leave the facility in a crouched position and with a damp handkerchief in front of their nose. Depending on the location, the shortest escape route is to the outside area as quickly as possible. At the same time, the fire safety regulations of the fire safety regulations part a are followed.
Contents of the fire safety regulations part b at a glance:
1. compliance with the fire protection regulations in accordance with fire protection regulations part a
2. leaving the premises in accordance with the instructions of the fire brigade or those responsible for fire protection tasks
8 Fire safety regulations c
The fire safety regulations of the Fire Safety Regulations Part a and the Fire Safety Regulations Category b apply to all groups of persons present at the respective location.
The fire safety regulations part c were developed as a supplement. Fire safety regulations c are aimed at groups of people with fire safety responsibilities. These include volunteer and/or full-time fire safety officers. They are authorised to issue instructions in the event of an emergency, but are also responsible for those present. Self-protection has priority. The fire safety regulations with the various fire safety regulations help those responsible to act appropriately and in accordance with the rules.
If several fire safety officers are present, the areas of responsibility are distributed among them. The tasks include, for example, notifying the fire brigade, securing the premises or providing assistance when leaving the building. The officers act as coordinators. They show those present the way to the emergency exits, wait for the fire engine to arrive and liaise with the fire brigade on site.
In addition to the internal or external fire safety officers, the emergency services and the fire safety management are subject to the fire safety regulations part c.
Contents of the fire safety regulations part c at a glance:
1. compliance with the fire protection regulations in accordance with fire protection regulations part a
2. compliance with the rules of the fire safety regulations part c (escorting those present, reporting the fire to the fire brigade control centre and coordinating procedures)
3. ensuring personal protection while at the same time taking into account self-protection in accordance with the applicable fire safety regulations and the provisions of the fire safety regulations part a
4. support of the groups of persons assigned to the fire protection regulations part b
Regulations for operational fire protection
Internal fire safety regulations are updated at regular intervals. The revision of the internal fire safety regulations serves to protect all staff. Employees are made aware of the new fire safety regulations during training sessions. The seminars are often led by the fire safety officers.
The provisions of DIN 14096 apply to the development of fire safety regulations. It contains specifications for the content of the fire safety regulations and the locations where the emergency plans are to be found.
The formal requirements for the fire safety regulations stipulate a clear DIN A4 page format. Abbreviations or pictograms on the written fire safety regulations are congruent with the information signs. The fire safety regulations are written in the respective national language.
A red page margin draws the reader's attention to the fire safety regulations. The date of publication confirms that the fire safety regulations are up to date.
Fire protection in companies Regulations
The fire protection regulations in companies correspond to the fire protection standard. These include the regulations DIN 4102, DIN EN 13501 and DIN EN 1992-1-1. The abbreviation EN denotes the European-wide standards. DIN stands for the German fire protection regulations.
When constructing new buildings, those responsible are guided by the building permit procedure. The document contains requirements that must be complied with when drawing up fire safety regulations. Once the construction work has been completed, the fire safety regulations apply to all parties involved.
Case study I: In a factory for building materials, the employees work with materials of fire class a. The fire safety regulations part a apply to all members of staff. When processing flammable materials, the production steps are designed in accordance with the fire safety standard DIN 4102 and the supplement DIN EN 13501. The fire protection regulations according to DIN 4102 describe the so-called burning behaviour of the raw materials. In the fire protection regulations according to DIN EN 13501, the burning behaviour is assigned to the respective material.
Case study II: In addition to concrete and wood, steel is also used in the construction of an office building. The fire protection regulations take this into account with the fire protection standard DIN 4102 and the regulations DIN EN 13501 and DIN EN 1992-1-1.
In addition to the specific regulations of the internal fire safety regulations, the rules of the fire safety regulations part a are followed. This general validity can be extended to all companies.
The rule of thumb is 5 per cent: 5 per cent of employees must be appointed as fire safety officers. This figure is only the minimum requirement. In large companies, more than 5 per cent of employees are often appointed fire safety officers.
Fire protection in the office Regulations
File folders, paper and electronic devices pose a latent fire hazard in offices. This circumstance is dealt with in the fire safety regulations part a. The fire safety regulations of the respective company also apply.
The risk can be reduced with a general smoking ban. Furthermore, the use of lighters or flammable materials on the premises is prohibited or only permitted under certain conditions.
Emergencies are rehearsed in unannounced drills. During rehearsals, those present comply with the requirements of the fire safety regulations part a.
In the event of a fire, important documents are taken with you when you leave the building. The employer usually determines which documents have priority in this regard. According to the fire safety regulations, the fire safety officer acts as a control person. After the evacuation, the officer determines whether everyone involved has left the building. This is done using an attendance list. If not all those involved have arrived at the assembly point, the fire safety officer initiates further measures to rescue people in collaboration with the fire brigade.
Fire protection in office buildings Regulations
The spatial conditions of the building complex have an influence on the fire safety regulations part a. These fire safety regulations are visualised as a plan.
The outlined fire safety regulations show employees the quickest route to the assembly point. Different escape routes apply to each room. For this reason, a separate site plan is developed for the individual offices. A copy of the fire safety regulations part a is displayed in a clearly visible place. It contains all instructions and safety precautions in the event of a fire.
The fire safety regulations are already relevant during the construction of office complexes. Contractors follow the guidelines of the fire safety regulations part a in order to create a safe working environment for future employees. Adapting the internal fire safety regulations is the responsibility of the supervisor. They have a duty of care for the workforce and are obliged to comply with the regulations. In company training sessions on the subject of fire safety regulations, he informs his staff about updates to the fire safety regulations part a or a planned test alarm.
An inspection of the premises with an expert in fire safety regulations is often carried out in the presence of the fire safety officer. During the inspection, adjustments such as replacing fire extinguishers or checking the effectiveness of fire doors are made. Updates to the fire safety regulations are documented in writing. After the revision of the fire safety regulations part a, those responsible replace the previous alarm plans with new copies.
Note: There are no standardised fire safety regulations in Germany. The requirements vary depending on the federal state. In addition, the regulations of the fire safety regulations part a or the company-specific fire safety regulations depend on the spatial conditions of the location.
Fire safety officer - tasks
The regulations for company fire safety stipulate the appointment of a fire safety officer. This is usually a member of staff who is familiar with the internal fire safety regulations.
Fire safety officers take part in seminars in which they are made aware of fire safety regulations and the respective company fire safety regulations. In addition to an introduction to the theory (purpose of fire safety regulations), the practical application of fire safety regulations in the company is a focal point of the training courses.
The seminars for fire safety officers must be distinguished from training courses for the entire workforce. During the so-called 'refresher seminars', employees learn how to behave in the event of a fire. Fire safety officers deal particularly intensively with the company's fire safety regulations.
If you have any questions about the fire safety regulations part a or the contents of the internal fire safety regulations, the officer will be happy to help. Fire safety officers in companies or public institutions are informed of updated specifications in the fire safety regulations.
In the event of an emergency, the officers shall instruct persons without fire protection duties during evacuation or check that all those present are present. The latter must immediately comply with the requests of fire safety officers. A fire safety officer is therefore a person of authority when it comes to fire safety regulations.
Note: Many public institutions employ fire safety officers who are not part of the organisation's staff. They work full-time in the area of fire safety regulations and fire safety rules. Unlike the voluntary officers, the full-time experts are paid for their work.
Fire protection - no room for sources of danger
With the fire safety regulations, supervisors provide their employees with guidelines that can save lives in an emergency. The fire safety regulations go beyond the written regulations and take into account the spatial conditions on site: In the event of a fire, doors and windows made of heat-resistant material provide the necessary protection.
With the replacement of conventional windows with Special fire protection windows This makes an important contribution to the safety of employees. These products comply with the fire protection standard and are made of fire-resistant materials. They can be installed as fixed modules or tilting windows. In addition Entrance doors for buildings manufactured. They are designed for outdoor areas. All versions fulfil the required guidelines of the fire protection regulations and the fire protection standard.
With the Planning of the manual work it is advisable to consult trained specialists. Equipment that complies with fire safety regulations is a long-term investment. Paying attention to quality is already a preventive measure to fight fires.
Fire safety regulations - Conclusion
Fire protection in Germany does not yet provide for standardised fire protection regulations. The introduction of valid fire protection regulations is the responsibility of the federal states. Regulations for operational fire protection are subject to the fire protection standard or fire protection DIN. The other sections b and c are based on the fire safety regulations part a. The distinction between the addressees makes the fire safety regulations clearer and emphasises the responsibilities of those involved in the event of danger.
Knowledge of fire safety regulations and the creation of fire safety regulations pose a challenge for many employees. Displaying the fire safety regulations part a as an emergency plan does not fully prepare employees for an emergency. Both the training units focussing on the fire safety regulations and an inspection of the premises sharpen employees' awareness of sources of danger.
Here interested parties have the opportunity to obtain comprehensive information on the topic of fire safety regulations in the company. The practical tips are an aid to planning a safe working environment in accordance with the fire safety regulations and the fire protection company regulations.
In principle, compliance with the fire safety regulations not only protects oneself, but also other people such as colleagues, neighbours or visitors. Individuals make an important contribution to general safety by familiarising themselves intensively with the fire safety regulations part a and applying the rules of these fire safety regulations without hesitation in an emergency.
