Building fire safety

If you have business premises in the Netherlands, you are obliged to take measures to avoid potential fire hazards. In the event of a fire, you must be able to control the development and spread of fire and smoke using non-flammable or fire-retardant materials that comply with various standards. Statutory rules and regulations also apply to:

• fire alarm and evacuation alarm systems;
• fire extinguishing equipment;
• exits and escape routes;
• systems for heating and cooking purposes;
• upholstery and decorations;
• lighting systems and lighting equipment.

Information and advice

Fire safety regulations can be found, for example, in the Fire Safety (Occupancy of Structures) Decree (Besluit brandveilig gebruik bouwwerken), which is also known as the Occupancy Decree (Gebruiksbesluit). An overview of fire safety laws, rules and regulations is available on the Dutch language website Infopuntbrandveiligheid.nl.

The municipal fire brigade provides free advice on improving fire safety at your business. In the event of a difference of opinion on the practical application of fire safety regulations, you can request advice from the Knowledge Centre for the Practical Application of Fire Safety Regulations (Kenniscentrum praktijktoepassing brandveiligheidsvoorschriften).