Fire protection facilities are designed to detect and fight a fire at an early stage in order to prevent it from spreading and to enable the safe evacuation of persons present. These are therefore various installations and systems such as fire alarm systems, fire extinguishers or smoke extraction systems. They form an elementary part of the technical, structural and organisational fire protection in every building.
Fire protection facilities in the company
Preventive fire protection in companies is regulated by various laws, directives, standards and regulations. These include:
- Building regulations (Musterbauordnung)
- Regional building regulations
- Health and Safety at Work Regulations
- Workplace regulations
- Requirements of local authorities (e.g. fire brigade)
In addition, insurance companies demand appropriate fire protection measures for companies. A fire protection concept must often be submitted, especially for companies with a high fire risk. Consequently, fire protection facilities are relevant for every company.
Examples of fire protection facilities
Typical examples of fire protection facilities are systems that detect fires, trigger an alarm and fight a fire. These include fire alarm systems and automatic extinguishing systems such as sprinkler, water mist or gas extinguishing systems. In addition, smoke and heat extraction systems are also part of the classic preventive fire protection equipment. In the event of a fire, they dissipate smoke and heat so that escape and rescue routes can be accessed for longer. Other examples of fire protection equipment are:
- Fire extinguishers
- Fire doors
- Fire dampers
- Smoke detectors
- Safety lighting
Inspection of fire protection facilities
The inspection of fire protection equipment is essential to maintain its functionality. It does not matter whether the respective system is used regularly (e.g. fire doors) or only in an emergency (e.g. fire alarm or extinguishing systems). All fire protection systems are exposed to different temperatures, contamination and wear.
As a result, regular testing of fire protection equipment is stipulated by various (manufacturer) specifications, laws and standards. Most devices (e.g. smoke extraction systems, extinguishing systems or hydrants) must be inspected once a year by a competent person.
Exceptions are fire alarm systems with a required inspection every quarter as well as fire extinguishers with a biennial maintenance requirement.
Responsibility lies with the operator
The regular inspection of fire protection equipment must be ensured by the operator of the building or the employer. The operator is liable if the inspection is not carried out properly.
Important: A test certificate is mandatory for presentation to insurance companies and authorities.
CWS supports you
The fire protection experts at CWS advise you on the various fire protection facilities. They install the necessary equipment and ensure that it functions properly. CWS is also your regional contact for the repair and testing of preventive fire protection systems.
Do you still have questions? Or are you looking for an expert to test fire protection equipment?
Fire protection products from CWS
CWS offers a wide range of fire protection products - including planning, installation, acceptance and maintenance. Contact us for a no-obligation consultation on optimal fire protection products and customer service. Together we will ensure more safety in your building.
