Danish Building Regulations Annex 11 – Fire Safety for Tents, Camping, and Sales Areas
Bilag 11: Præ-accepterede løsninger for forsamlingstelte og midlertidige udendørs camping- og salgsområder is an official technical guidance document issued by Social- og Boligstyrelsen in Denmark. This document, currently in version 1.4 (September 2024), provides a framework of pre-accepted solutions to ensure fire safety compliance under Bygningsreglementet (BR18), specifically Chapter 5. It governs the establishment and operation of temporary structures and areas intended for gatherings, where 'temporary' is defined as a duration of no more than six weeks.
The regulatory scope encompasses three primary categories: Forsamlingstelte (assembly tents), Midlertidige campingområder (temporary camping areas), and Midlertidige udendørs salgsområder (temporary outdoor sales areas). The document defines specific thresholds for when these rules apply, such as assembly tents for 51 to 1,000 persons and camping or sales areas intended for more than 150 persons. It details requirements for evacuation, prevention of fire and smoke spread, fire technical installations, and the necessary documentation for authority processing, including Arrangementsplaner (layout plans) and Pladsfordelingsplaner (seating or space distribution plans).
This guidance describes technical specifications for emergency exits, fire-extinguishing equipment, and warning systems. It also outlines the administrative procedures for building permits and notifications to municipal authorities, providing a standardized approach for event organizers, technical advisors, and municipal planners to meet functional safety requirements.
Fire Safety Requirements for Assembly Tents
Assembly tents are defined as tents or coverings larger than 50 m² used by more than 50 and up to 1,000 persons. The document specifies pre-accepted solutions for evacuation and the prevention of fire spread for these structures.
- Exits: Rooms for 51–150 persons require at least two exits. Rooms for more than 150 persons require at least three exits.
- Exit Width: For rooms with more than 150 persons, the total exit width must be at least 1.0 cm per person, and each exit must be at least 1.2 meters wide.
- Distances: Tents must be placed at least 5.0 meters from property boundaries (naboskel). If multiple tents are placed within 5.0 meters of each other, they are regulated as a single tent.
- Materials: For more than 150 persons, tent fabrics must meet specific fire performance standards such as SIS 65 00 82, DS/EN 15619 (T1), or BS 7837.
Temporary Camping and Sales Areas
Rules for camping and sales areas apply when the total number of persons exceeds 150. These areas must be divided into specific fields to limit fire spread and facilitate rescue operations.
- Teltområder (Tent Areas): Maximum field size of 3,000 m². A minimum distance of 3.0 meters is required between individual tents.
- Caravanområder: Maximum field size of 500 m² with 5.0-meter wide open spaces between fields.
- Salgsområder (Sales Areas): Maximum field size of 1,000 m². Open spaces between sales fields must be at least 10.0 meters wide, though this can be reduced to 5.0 meters if specific fire-resistant materials or open facades are used.
- Fire Roads: Internal access roads for rescue vehicles must have a minimum width of 3.0 meters and a clear height of 3.4 meters.
Fire Technical Installations and Warning Systems
Specific technical requirements ensure that occupants are warned quickly and that initial firefighting can be performed by personnel on-site.
- Warning: For assembly tents with more than 150 persons, a PA system or megaphones must be available, supported by a clear Brand- og evakueringsinstruks (fire and evacuation instruction).
- Emergency Lighting: Escape route and panic lighting is mandatory in tents with more than 150 persons if used after dark.
- Extinguishing Equipment: Hand-held fire extinguishers must be placed so the maximum travel distance is 30 meters in assembly tents and 75 meters in camping areas.
- Gas Installations: Only five F-gas units are permitted in assembly tents for up to 150 persons; larger tents generally prohibit gas-based heating and cooking systems inside.
Administrative Procedures and Operational Controls
Compliance involves both prior notification and ongoing operational maintenance to ensure safety levels are held throughout the event duration.
- Notification: Municipal authorities must receive notice and a layout plan at least 4 weeks before the setup is used for events exceeding 150 persons.
- Driftsjournal (Logbook): For assembly tents with more than 150 persons, a logbook must be maintained, documenting daily checks of escape routes, exit signs, and extinguishing equipment.
- Arrangementsplan: A detailed plan must specify placement of units, fire roads, boundary distances, and the location of flammable storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum duration for a temporary setup under Annex 11?
A temporary setup is defined as lasting for a duration of no more than 6 weeks.
When is an assembly tent exempt from a building permit?
A permit is not required for private use, for non-private use under 100 m², or for certified transportable structures over 100 m² not used for overnight stays, provided pre-accepted solutions are followed.
How many exits are required for an assembly tent with 500 people?
A tent for more than 350 people requires at least four exits, following the rule of three exits for the first 150 people plus one for every additional 200 people.
What is the minimum distance between tents in a temporary camping area?
The minimum internal distance between tents must be at least 3.0 meters, measured from fabric to fabric.
Is emergency lighting required in all assembly tents?
Emergency and panic lighting is required for rooms designed for more than 150 persons, particularly if the tent is used between sunset and sunrise.
What is the required width for fire roads at temporary events?
Fire roads must be at least 3.0 meters wide with a vertical clearance of 3.4 meters to accommodate rescue vehicles.
Are there specific rules for gas use in camping areas?
Yes, gas cylinders must not exceed 11 kg, only one cylinder is allowed per appliance, and they must be placed upright and secured against impact.
What documentation must be submitted to the municipality 4 weeks in advance?
A notification including information on the setup's layout and use, along with a comprehensive layout plan (arrangementsplan), must be submitted.
