S 1.6 Adherence to fire protection regulations

Initiation responsibility: Head of Site Technical Services; Fire Protection Officer

Implementation responsibility: Fire Protection Officer, Site Technical Services

It is imperative that the existing fire protection regulations (e.g. DIN 4102) and the requirements imposed by the building inspectorate with regard to buildings are complied with. When drawing up fire protection plans the local fire department should be consulted.

A person who will be responsible for compliance with the fire protection regulations should be nominated. This can be a fire protection officer or a person entrusted with this responsibility who has had appropriate training.

It is advisable to take note of other fire protection information such as that contained in the " Räume für EDV-Anlagen " (Rooms for IT equipment) leaflet issued by VdS Schadenverhütung GmbH.

It is particularly important that escape routes are well signed. The mandatory signs must be used here and the regulations regarding the putting up of these signs must be adhered to. The escape routes must be kept open at all times, i.e. in particular they must never be obstructed e.g. due to items set down in the corridor or because the emergency exits have been locked.

If the fire department is to begin fire fighting promptly in the event of a fire, it is important that the central fire alarm system, the fire alarm annunciator panel and the feeding points for water for fire fighting are marked so that they can be quickly located.

To implement efficient fire protection it is necessary that all persons with responsibilities in this area work closely together. This includes the fire protection officer (the employer is responsible for adhering to the fire protection regulations), the workplace safety expert (required under Sections 5 and 6 Occupational Safety Act, arrangements for fire protection at work) and the security officer (Section 22 Social Security Code VII, executive activities, assists the workplace safety expert).

Additional controls:

• Is there an exchange of ideas with the local fire department?

• Is there a fire protection officer or a person entrusted with this responsibility who has had appropriate training?