Danish Building Regulations Fire Safety Guidance Chapter 7 – Operation, Control, and Maintenance
The Bygningsreglements vejledning til kap 5 - Brand, Kapitel 7 is the official administrative guidance issued by the Danish Housing and Planning Authority (Bolig- og Planstyrelsen). It provides the technical and procedural framework for complying with the Danish Building Regulations 2018 (BR18), specifically sections §§ 137-158. The document establishes the legal standards for the operation, control, and maintenance of fire safety measures in buildings across Denmark, ensuring that the safety level intended at the time of construction remains intact throughout the building's lifecycle.
The scope of this guidance covers both new and existing buildings, categorising requirements based on building use and complexity. Central to the document is the requirement for a DKV-plan (Drifts-, kontrol- og vedligeholdelsesplan), a structured document detailing how fire safety systems, structural elements, and fire-technical installations are to be managed. The guidance defines regulatory domains including escape routes, warning systems, fire-extinguishing equipment, and fire ventilation. It explicitly addresses specific project categories such as Brandklasse 1 buildings, industrial and warehouse facilities, and temporary structures like marquee tents.
This guidance serves as the primary reference for building owners and appointed operators to understand their legal obligations regarding functional testing, system integration tests, and documentation standards. It details the required intervals for inspections and the qualifications necessary for personnel responsible for fire safety management.
General Requirements and the DKV Plan
According to BR18 §§ 137-142, building fire safety must be maintained so that the level of security is never compromised. The main instrument for this is the DKV-plan (Operation, Control, and Maintenance plan).
- DKV-plan Requirement: Must be prepared before a building is put into use, specifically for buildings requiring a permit under BR18.
- Scope of Maintenance: Covers materials, constructions, building parts, and fire-technical installations as per §140.
- Existing Buildings: Requirements in §144 stipulate that existing buildings must follow the guidance if no specific plan was previously made.
- Accredited Functional Testing: Mandated for fire-technical installations in buildings granted permits after BR18 or where previous regulations required it.
Roles and Responsibilities
The document identifies the Owner (Ejer) as the primary party responsible for a building's legality and fire safety. However, the owner may appoint an Operator (Driftsansvarlig) to handle daily management.
- Owner Obligations: Ensure the building is operated and maintained according to §17, stk. 1 of the Building Act.
- Operator Duties: Inform residents and users about fire procedures, maintain logs, and follow the DKV-plan.
- Notification: For buildings in category §147 with fire alarm or sprinkler systems connected to emergency services, contact information for the operator must be submitted to the local authorities.
Operational and Fire Safety Conditions
Specific operational rules apply to escape routes and building parts to prevent fire spread and ensure safe evacuation. These are governed by §138 and include strict rules for furniture and storage.
- Escape Routes: Must be kept clear, identifying and removing combustible materials or obstructions in hallways and stairwells.
- Fire Doors: Self-closing mechanisms must be functional. Doors must not be held open with wedges or hooks unless controlled by an ABDL-anlæg.
- Signage: Directional signs and plans for assembly points must be maintained according to DS/EN ISO 7010.
- Occupancy Limits: Maximum person loads must be displayed in assembly rooms and strictly followed.
Maintenance of Fire-Technical Installations
Active fire systems require regular testing and documentation to ensure reliability. The guidance specifies intervals and procedures for various systems.
- Functional Testing: Regular testing of systems like ABA (Automatic Fire Alarm), AVS (Automatic Sprinklers), and ABV (Fire Ventilation).
- System Integration Test: Mandatory tests for interconnected systems to ensure they work together as intended (§142).
- Documentation: Inspection logs and certificates must be kept for at least 5 years and presented to authorities upon request.
- Fault Procedures: Concrete procedures must exist for when installations are out of order, including the use of temporary watchmen if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is responsible for fire safety in a Danish building?
The primary legal responsibility lies with the building owner according to the Building Act §17, though they may delegate daily duties to a designated operator (driftsansvarlig).
What is a DKV-plan?
A DKV-plan is an Operation, Control, and Maintenance plan that details how fire safety measures and installations must be managed throughout the building's lifetime to comply with BR18 §§ 143-146.
How often should fire-technical installations be inspected?
Intervals vary by system; for example, ABA systems typically require monthly visual checks and annual service by an authorized firm, while some functional tests are required quarterly.
Are there specific rules for escape routes in Danish buildings?
Yes, escape routes must be kept clear of obstructions and combustible materials. Fire doors must remain closed or be fitted with automatic closing systems (ABDL).
When is a system integration test required?
A system integration test is required whenever multiple fire-technical installations must function together to ensure the desired fire strategy is executed correctly, as per BR18 §142.
What are the rules for temporary overnight stays in buildings?
Temporary stays (up to 5 days) must be notified to the municipal board 2 weeks in advance, and if more than 150 people stay, a waking watchman is required.
