Danish Building Regulations Guidance on Fire: Chapter 5 – Rescue Service Intervention Possibilities
This document is the official guidance for Chapter 5 of the Danish Building Regulations 2018 (BR18), specifically addressing the intervention possibilities of the rescue services. Published by Bolig- og Planstyrelsen (the Danish Authority of Social Services and Housing), this Version 1.3 (dated March 4, 2021) provides technical interpretations and examples for fulfilling the functional requirements set out in §§ 126–133 of the building code. It serves as a regulatory framework for architects, engineers, and developers to ensure buildings are designed to support efficient firefighting and rescue operations.
The scope of the guidance encompasses access and approach roads, fire rescue areas, building entry systems, and internal intervention routes. It defines technical standards for structural elements such as Sikkerhedstrapper (safety stairs), Stigr r (dry risers), and Brandmandselevatorer (firefighter lifts). The document also details the necessary operational infrastructure, including ABA-anl g (automatic fire alarm systems), key boxes, and smoke ventilation requirements. For buildings classified as Indsatstaktisk traditionelt (tactically traditional), the solutions described in this guide must be followed strictly to ensure compliance.
Regulatory requirements are categorized by building use and height, with specific sections dedicated to industrial and warehouse buildings in fire load category ILK 5. The following sections summarize the core technical requirements for site access, internal intervention, and the maintenance of fire technical installations as defined by the authority.
Access Roads and Fire Rescue Areas
Building sites must be designed so rescue vehicles can approach and operate without hindrance. According to section 5.2.2.1, access roads must meet specific structural dimensions to support heavy equipment:
- Width: Minimum 3.0 meters of paved road surface.
- Axle Load: Minimum 11.5 tons capacity.
- Total Weight: Minimum 18 tons capacity.
- Clear Height: Minimum 3.4 meters above terrain for general access.
- Gradient: Maximum slope of 1:10 (10%).
For rescue operations using ladders, specialized Brandredningsarealer (fire rescue areas) are required. If the rescue opening is between 10.8 and 23.2 meters high, the area must be at least 5.5 meters wide to accommodate support legs and maneuvering. For unboarding and equipment retrieval, the clear height above the road must be increased to 7.0 meters.
Intervention Routes and Internal Access
The rescue service requires primary intervention routes, defined in section 5.4.1 as Flugtvejstrapper (escape stairs) or Sikkerhedstrapper. These routes must provide a safe environment for firefighters to prepare equipment and enter fire compartments.
- Hose Distance: The distance from a fire road to any point in a building should not exceed 80 meters (measured by hose pull).
- Dry Risers (Stigr r): Must be installed if hose distances exceed 80 meters or in buildings where hoses cannot be pulled via primary stairs.
- Safety Stairs: Required for buildings with floor heights exceeding 22 meters, often necessitating an associated Brandmandselevator.
Fire Technical Installations and Signage
The document specifies that all installations relevant to the rescue service must be clearly marked and easily accessible. Buildings with automatic fire alarms (ABA-anl g) must feature a N gleboks (key box) and a Blitz (visual alarm signal).
- Key Boxes: Must be placed at a height of 0.8 to 1.8 meters and contain master keys for the ABA-central and primary intervention routes.
- Blitz Signals: Red optical signals must be placed 3 to 4 meters above terrain to indicate the entrance to the fire control center.
- Fire Control Center (Brandcentral): Should be located in a separate fire compartment at ground level with direct access from the outside.
Smoke Ventilation Requirements
Section 5.8 outlines the purpose of smoke ventilation, which includes increasing visibility and lowering temperatures for the rescue service. Ventilation can be thermal (natural) or mechanical.
- Thermal Ventilation: Requires openings or roof hatches totaling at least 0.5% of the floor area, distributed at opposite ends of the compartment.
- Mechanical Ventilation: Must provide at least 6 air changes per hour, with fans classified as F 300 (capable of withstanding 300°C).
- Stairwell Ventilation: Openable windows must have a minimum height and width of 0.5 meters, or a roof hatch with a free opening of at least 1.0 m².
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum hose distance allowed from a fire road?
The maximum distance from a fire road to any point in the building is 80 meters, measured as the length of the hose pull.
What are the minimum weight requirements for fire access roads?
Access roads must support an axle load of at least 11.5 tons and a total vehicle weight of at least 18 tons.
When is a firefighter lift (brandmandselevator) required?
According to § 133 of BR18, at least one firefighter lift must be installed in buildings where the highest floor is more than 22 meters above terrain.
What are the dimensions for a rescue area for turntable ladders?
A rescue area for drivable ladders must be at least 5.5 meters wide and 12 meters long, with a hard surface capable of supporting point loads of 14 tons.
Where should a fire department key box (n gleboks) be installed?
The key box must be installed at a height between 0.8 and 1.8 meters above terrain, typically near the entrance to the ABA center or fire road barrier.
What is the required capacity for mechanical smoke ventilation in stairs?
Mechanical smoke ventilation at the top of a stairwell must have a capacity of at least 10,000 m³ per hour.
Are specific signs required for fire compartment walls?
Yes, if the location of fire walls cannot be seen from the outside, they should be marked with safety signs of at least 74 mm on the shortest side.
What is the maximum gradient for rescue service access roads?
Access roads must not have a gradient exceeding 1:10, which is a 10% slope.
