Towards Common European Guidelines for Building Fire Safety Inspections

Fire Safe Europe, in collaboration with Efectis and RISE Fire Research, has embarked on a significant project to establish common European guidelines for building fire safety inspections. Recognizing the disparities in inspection practices across EU Member States, this initiative seeks to harmonize standards and ensure a consistent level of fire safety for both public and residential buildings throughout Europe, including associated countries such as Norway, Turkey, and the United Kingdom.

The project is structured into two main phases. The first phase involves an in-depth assessment of current fire safety inspection practices, including regulatory and voluntary frameworks, training and certification processes, and stakeholder engagement. This phase will also explore the professional recognition of fire safety inspectors and address the unique challenges posed by innovative construction products and electrification trends, such as photovoltaic panels and electric vehicle infrastructure.

In the second phase, the insights gathered will shape the drafting of comprehensive guidelines. These will cover protocols for conducting inspections, the use of advanced technological solutions, and risk assessment tools for identifying residual risks and prioritizing safety improvements. Pilot programs across diverse building categories in selected countries will validate and refine these guidelines, supported by case studies spanning new and existing structures.

The project also emphasizes a robust dissemination strategy, aiming to integrate the guidelines into European standards and share findings through conferences, publications, and social media platforms. This collaborative effort represents a crucial step toward enhancing fire safety practices, protecting lives, and building resilience across Europe.