Vejledning om brandværnsforanstaltninger for skurbyer – Fire Protection for Portable Construction Site Structures
The Vejledning om brandværnsforanstaltninger for skurbyer og lignende på byggepladser is a regulatory guidance document issued by the Trafik-, Bygge- og Boligstyrelsen (Danish Transport, Construction and Housing Authority). Published on July 1, 2020, this document provides technical standards for the setup and maintenance of portable structures on construction sites, including site huts, containers, and temporary tents. It operates under the legal framework of the Bygningsreglementet (BR18), specifically addressing sections §6a and §163 regarding fire safety measures during construction activities.
The guidance distinguishes between two primary categories of portable structures. Group 1 includes units used directly for construction execution, such as site management offices, inspection rooms, and meeting facilities. Group 2 covers units used as fixed workplaces for secondary tasks, such as drawing offices or administrative spaces. The document defines strict regulatory domains including fire safety (Chapter 5), construction site arrangement (Chapter 7), energy consumption (§§ 287-292), and structural requirements (Chapter 15). A fundamental restriction across all categories is that these portable structures may not be used for overnight stays.
Professional site managers and developers utilize this framework to ensure compliance with Danish fire safety standards. The document details specific technical thresholds for building heights, material classifications, travel distances for evacuation, and the installation of smoke alarm systems within temporary site villages.
General Requirements for Portable Structures
All portable constructions, regardless of their size, must adhere to a set of baseline fire safety standards to ensure safe evacuation and prevent fire spread to neighboring buildings or property lines.
- Travel Distance: The maximum travel distance from any point within the structure to the outdoors is 45 m.
- Building Height: Fixed structures are limited to a maximum of 3 stories, with the floor of the upper story no higher than 9,6 m above terrain.
- Tents: Temporary tent structures are restricted to a single story and must utilize fire-rated fabric.
- Materials: Surfaces must meet at least K1 10 / D-s2,d2 [Class II cladding] or consist of non-combustible materials with a melting point above 850 °C and a thickness of at least 3 mm.
Fire Alarms and Technical Installations
The guidance mandates specific detection and alarm systems to mitigate fire risks in temporary workplaces. Requirements vary based on the availability of a fixed power supply.
- Smoke Alarms: Structures with a power supply must have alarms connected to the permanent electrical system. Units without power may use battery-operated alarms.
- Alarm Proximity: The maximum distance to the nearest smoke alarm must not exceed 10 m.
- Maintenance: Interconnected smoke alarm systems must be tested at least once per week.
- Separation: Fire cells and floor separations must achieve a classification of EI 30 [BD-konstruktion 30].
Spacing and Site Layout for Cabin Villages
Distance requirements are determined by the total floor area of the portable units and their proximity to boundaries or existing buildings. These rules are designed to prevent vinkelsmitte (corner fire spread) and ensure access for emergency services.
- Units up to 150 m²: Must maintain a minimum distance of 5,0 m to neighbors, roads, or path centers.
- Large Cabin Villages: Units between 150 m² and 2,000 m² must be divided into fire cells of maximum 150 m² each.
- Boundary Distance: Villages up to 600 m² require a 5,0 m distance to boundaries; those exceeding 600 m² require 10,0 m.
- Flame Screens: Spacing requirements may be reduced through the installation of flame screens classified as EI 60 / A2-s1,d0 or EI 120 / A2-s1,d0 depending on the boundary type.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are workers allowed to stay overnight in portable site cabins?
No, the guidance explicitly states that portable structures governed by these rules may not be used for overnight accommodation.
What is the maximum allowable floor area for a cabin village?
A site cabin village (skurby) may have a maximum total floor area of 2,000 m².
What are the requirements for emergency exits in single-story units?
For single-story structures, an exit directly to the outdoors or an emergency opening less than 2 m above terrain must be established from all habitable rooms.
How often should site smoke alarms be tested?
Required smoke alarm systems, including interconnected units, must be tested at least once every week.
What is the fire resistance requirement for load-bearing elements in multi-story units?
Load-bearing structures in portable units with more than one story must meet at least the R30 [BD-konstruktion 30] standard.
Does a small tent on a construction site require a building permit?
According to BR18 §6a, transportable structures used for construction work can be set up without a building permit application, and tents under 50 m² are exempt from certain Chapter 15 requirements.
