When is a fire alarm system mandatory?

Safety is a crucial aspect of any building, be it a residential home, an office building or an industrial facility. To ensure this safety, it is often necessary to install fire alarm and evacuation alarm systems. But when are these installations mandatory? The answer to this question depends on the specific characteristics and use of the building. In the Netherlands, the rules and criteria for these installations are determined by the Besluit Bouwwerken Leefomgeving (BBL), the successor to the 2012 Building Decree. The scope of monitoring is determined from the BBL for fire alarm systems and the type of evacuation alarm systems, depending on the use function of a building. The user function forms the basis for determining the obligation to install a fire alarm or evacuation alarm system. The description of the user function often already clarifies the intended purpose of the building or building section in question. In addition to the use function, the number of square metres of floor area and the height of the use floor are also considered to determine when an installation is mandatory.

Classification on the basis of utilitarian functions

Examples of use functions include residential functions, meeting functions, cell functions, healthcare functions, industrial functions, office functions, accommodation functions, educational functions, sports functions, shop functions and other use functions such as railway stations and petrol stations. The control table provides an overview of the criteria for determining the obligation of a fire alarm and evacuation alarm system and inspection certificate. Based on use function, surface area and height, it can be determined which type of monitoring is required, e.g. partial or full monitoring. In some cases, non-automatic monitoring (manual fire alarms) may even suffice. It is also clear to see whether reporting to the Regional Emergency Centre (RAC) or care centre is required.

The criteria per user function in one overview

Condition for insurance

Important: even if a fire alarm and evacuation alarm system is not compulsory according to the Building Decree 2012 / Decree on Building Works for the Living Environment, the insurance company may require a fire alarm and evacuation alarm system as the claimant party. The requirements and any additional conditions will be included in a basic design (programme of requirements / starting point document).

Comply with safety standards

Want to know more about the specific criteria for your building? Then take a look at our comprehensive control chart with all requirements per user function. This way, you will be well prepared and meet safety standards.