Installation fire safety
Fire alarms, evacuation alarms, emergency lighting, sprinklers and smoke control. We determine which installations your building needs under the Building Decree (Bbl) and specify them so that installers know exactly what to build. We are independent: we don’t sell or install systems.
What is installation fire safety?
Installation fire safety covers the technical systems that detect a fire, warn people, help them find the way out and help to fight the fire. Early detection and suppression of an emerging fire increase evacuation possibilities.
Installations work together with structural fire safety: compartments, escape routes and fire resistance. Sometimes an installation replaces a structural measure. A sprinkler system, for example, can be part of an equivalent solution for a larger fire compartment. Installations only work if they are maintained and if people know how to respond, which is where organisational fire safety comes in.
Installations we advise on
- Fire alarm systems (brandmeldinstallatie): the coverage level and set-up to NEN 2535. See fire alarm system specification.
- Evacuation alarm systems (ontruimingsalarminstallatie) to NEN 2575.
- Escape route signage and emergency lighting, so that people can find and use the escape routes when the power fails (NEN 6088 and NEN-EN 1838).
- Smoke and heat exhaust systems, to limit smoke in escape routes and large spaces.
- Sprinklers and other automatic extinguishing systems, including gas extinguishing in data centres.
- Firefighting equipment: fire hose reels, portable fire extinguishers and dry risers (NEN 1594).
- Facilities for the fire service: the fire service entrance, firefighters’ lifts and radio coverage for the emergency services.
Required by the Bbl, or a choice?
Not every installation is a legal requirement. The Bbl sets out when a building needs, for example, a fire alarm system, an evacuation alarm or escape route signage. That depends on the use and size of the building. Other systems, such as sprinklers, are usually chosen for another reason: as part of an equivalent solution, to protect business continuity, or because the insurer asks for them. Apart from certain car parks, the Bbl does not contain a general sprinkler requirement.
For fire alarm and evacuation alarm systems, the Bbl in many cases requires an inspection certificate. An independent inspection body then checks the installation against the programme of requirements and issues the certificate.
What we do
- Programme of requirements (PvE) for fire alarm and evacuation alarm systems. See fire alarm system specification.
- Basis of design documents (UPD): an independent basis of design (uitgangspuntendocument) for the fire safety installations, such as sprinkler or gas extinguishing systems.
- Smoke and heat exhaust calculations.
- CFD fire and smoke simulation, to show how smoke spreads and whether a design works.
- Fire Safety Engineering: performance-based design where the standard rules do not fit.
- Support during installation: we answer questions from installers and stay involved until the system is in place.
- Inspections of fire safety installations in existing buildings. See fire safety inspection.
Why independent advice matters
We don’t sell, install or repair fire safety systems, so our advice is always in your interest. The specification describes what your building needs, not what a supplier would like to sell. That makes quotes comparable and prevents systems that are too heavy, or too light.
How we work
- Understand: We look at the building, its use and any existing installations.
- Assess: We determine which installations the Bbl requires and which ones make sense for your situation.
- Specify: You receive a clear programme of requirements or basis of design in English that installers can quote on.
- Support: We answer questions from installers and stay involved until the system is in place.
Frequently asked questions
Does our building need a fire alarm system?
That depends on the use of the building, its size and the people inside. Sleeping accommodation and buildings where people need help to escape have stricter requirements. The Bbl also sets the coverage level. Our fire alarm specification page explains how that works. Where the Bbl requires a fire alarm system, the building also needs an evacuation plan. See organisational fire safety.
Is a sprinkler system mandatory in the Netherlands?
Generally not. Apart from certain car parks, the Bbl does not contain a general sprinkler requirement. Sprinklers are often used as part of an equivalent solution, for example for a large fire compartment, or because the insurer asks for them.
Does a fire alarm go directly to the fire service?
Where the Bbl requires direct alarm transmission, a fire alarm goes straight to the fire service control room. An alarm receiving centre only handles fault signals.
How often must emergency lighting be inspected?
The Bbl does not set a fixed inspection interval for emergency lighting. It does require the system to keep working properly (duty of care). Regular testing and maintenance is how you demonstrate that in practice.
Need advice on fire safety installations?
Tell us about your building and your plans. We will tell you which installations apply and what an independent specification involves.