Deciphering Fire Safety Laws: A Quick Guide for Business Owners in Spain

 

If you’re a foreign business owner in Spain, navigating the legislation regarding fire protection installations might seem daunting. Understanding the basics can be crucial for ensuring compliance and safety within your premises.

The cornerstone of fire protection legislation in Spain is the Royal Decree 513/2017 of May 22, which approves the Regulation of Fire Protection Installations (Spanish). This decree delineates various types of fire protection systems and outlines requirements for installation design, execution, maintenance, and the responsibilities of installation and maintenance companies, as well as the obligations of the installation’s user.

Another essential document is the Fire Safety Basic Document of the Building Technical Code (Spanish), established by Royal Decree 314/2006 of March 17. This document sets forth fundamental fire safety requirements for non-industrial buildings and suggests prescriptive measures tailored to the building’s use, floor area, and other specifics.

For industrial facilities, the Fire Safety Regulations in Industrial Establishments, approved by Royal Decree 2264/2004 of December 3 (Spanish), come into play. These regulations define design criteria to meet basic fire safety requirements of the Building Technical Code for industrial buildings. Criteria include building location, floor area, fire sectors, activities conducted, and volume of materials in production or storage.

Understanding the superficial aspects of fire protection regulations in Spain is crucial, as the legislation can be intricate and subject to updates by different governments over the years. Unfortunately, some unscrupulous professionals might exploit general ignorance to sell unnecessary services or systems. Therefore, it’s advisable to seek guidance from certified experts to ensure compliance and safety, thereby protecting both lives and property.

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