Ensuring Compliance with Fire Safety Regulations in a Building is an essential tool to protect lives, property, and their material values in case of an emergency.
- The building owner is responsible for ensuring regular fire risk assessments, which reflect possible fire hazards. Such risk assessments must take into account factors such as – building design, occupancy load, fire safety systems and their technical condition, emergency evacuation procedures. Based on the assessment results, it is crucial to develop a fire safety plan and implement necessary measures to reduce risks.
- The building must have a fire detection and alarm system installed and maintained in working order, which will alert the building’s occupants in case of fire. The fire safety system must be regularly tested to ensure its proper functioning. To ensure maintenance and inspection of the system, it is essential to involve a fire safety specialist who will help maintain the system according to regulations and immediately address any operational defects.
- Fire safety systems such as sprinklers, fire extinguishers, aerosol fire extinguishing systems, fire pump stations, and fireproof doors/gates must be properly maintained to ensure their effective operation during a fire. Regular inspections and testing of these systems should be carried out by qualified specialists.
- Fire safety measures should be implemented to prevent the occurrence of fire in the building. This includes proper cleaning and maintenance of building premises, safe storage of flammable materials, and regular inspection and maintenance of electrical equipment.
- Building occupants should be provided with fire safety training. The owner is responsible for regularly training the building’s occupants on the actions to take in the event of a fire. Fire safety training includes a theoretical part on general building fire safety rules and a practical part – evacuation procedures according to the building’s specifics, fire alarm signal recognition, and proper use of fire extinguishers. Fire safety training is conducted regularly under the supervision of a qualified fire safety specialist, following regulations to practice emergency procedures.
- The building owner is obliged to comply with construction norms and regulations, as well as fire safety regulations applicable to the specific building. It is important that the building, according to its specifications and design, meets all the requirements and has received appropriate documents – permits and certificates – proving the building’s compliance with accepted norms.
- The building owner must keep a record of all activities related to fire safety. This detailed record of fire risk assessments, system inspections, maintenance actions, and training conducted in the building must be kept in documentation form and serve as proof of the building’s compliance and the occupants’ fire safety knowledge. Such documentation is valuable during building audits and inspections.
By prioritizing the above guidelines and following the regulations, the building owner and manager have all the necessary tools to maintain a safe environment and protect the building’s occupants from disasters. Investing in fire safety measures is not only a mandatory requirement but also a moral obligation for the building owner to protect lives and property in case of a fire.
IMPORTANT to remember that regular prevention plays an essential role in reducing fire risks and ensuring quick response by building occupants in unforeseen emergencies.
BSAFETY is a qualified fire safety service provider whose specialists regularly update and revise fire safety measures on-site, conduct regular inspections of fire safety equipment and systems according to accepted standards and regulations, and offer fire safety system design, installation, and repair services. In collaboration with BSAFETY, the building’s compliance with standards and regulations is ensured, reducing accident risks and ensuring the safety of people and property.
Contact Information for Inquiries and Additional Information:
e-mail: bsafety@bsafety.lv
phone number: +371 22834323
