1 

why is operational fire protection so important and who is Responsible

Fire protection is essential to protect employees and visitors from the dangers of a fire, to ensure the continued existence of the company and to avoid legal consequences.

The employer is always responsible for all fire protection measures in the company. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Act (§§ 3, 5, 10), the DGUV Regulation 1 and the Workplace Ordinance, he is obliged to take the necessary measures to prevent fires and effectively fight them in an emergency.

2

What are the three pillars of occupational fire protection?

Fire protection in a company is based on three pillars that interlock:

Structural fire protection: All measures implemented during the construction or modification of buildings. This includes fire walls, fire-resistant ceilings and doors as well as the creation of escape and rescue routes.

Plant fire protection: Technical devices that detect, report or fight fires. Examples are fire alarm systems (BMA), smoke and heat extraction systems (RWA), sprinkler systems and wall hydrants.

Organizational fire protection: This area regulates the behavior of people in the building and includes all non-constructional and non-technical measures. It is the core of the employer's daily responsibility.

3

What is part of organizational fire protection?

Organizational fire protection is the most active part and includes a variety of measures:

Fire protection regulations (according to DIN 14096): A set of rules that determine the behavior in the event of a fire.

Escape and rescue plans: Visual representations of the escape routes.

Training of fire protection assistants: Legally required support in an emergency.

Appointment of a fire protection officer: A specially qualified consultant for the employer (often required in case of special risks).

Employee instruction: Regular training of all employees.

Risk assessment: The systematic identification of fire hazards and the establishment of protective measures.

Provision and maintenance of fire extinguishers.

4

What is a risk assessment and why is it the basis of everything

Risk assessment is the central element in occupational safety. The employer must systematically determine for each workplace which fire risks exist (e.g. By flammable materials, electrical devices, human misconduct). From this analysis, he derives all necessary technical and organizational protective measures. It is the basis for the entire fire protection concept and must be regularly reviewed and updated.

5

does my company need a fire protection worker

Yes. According to the Technical Rule for Workplaces ASR A2.2 "Measures against fire", every company must have a sufficient number of fire protection assistants trained. The guideline is:

At least 5% of the employees present in case of normal fire risk (e.g. in a typical office).

A higher number in the event of an increased risk of fire (e.g. due to shift operation, special hazardous substances or a high number of visitors).

The training provides knowledge in the handling of fire extinguishers and in the evacuation of buildings.

6

When is a fire protection worker Required

A fire protection officer is not mandatory in every company. The necessity usually results from:

Landesbaurecht: For certain special buildings such as hospitals, high-rise buildings or large sales outlets.

Claim of the property insurer: Many insurance companies require the order for risk minimization.

Result of the risk assessment: In the case of particularly high fire risks, the employer himself can decide to order one.

The fire protection officer has an advisory staff function and supports the employer in all matters of fire protection.

7

What is a Fire Protection Ordinance

The fire protection regulations according to DIN 14096 are a three-part set of rules:

Part A (noter): Aimed at all people in the building (employees, visitors, third-party companies). It is a short, concise notice that describes the behavior in case of fire (keep calm, report, bring to safety, extinguishing attempt).

Part B (for employees): Is aimed at their own employees and is handed over to them in writing. It contains more detailed instructions on fire prevention and how to behave in an emergency.

Part C (for skilled workers): Aimed at employees with special fire protection tasks (e.g. fire protection officers, fire protection assistants) and describes the implementation of further protective measures.

8

How often do employees need to be instructed?

All employees must be instructed at least once a year about the fire protection measures in the company and the correct behavior in the event of a fire. The evacuation of the building should also be practiced regularly. New employees must be instructed at the time of hiring.