Condominium: fire safety devices

Verified 07 August 2020 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

Certain equipment must be settled to ensure the safety of the inhabitants in the event of a fire. The equipment installed must be checked at least every year. In addition, fire safety plans and instructions must be posted in some buildings.

Fire door blocks

Some buildings must be equipped with fire door blocks in the common areas.

The buildings concerned are those whose application for a building permit was filed before 5 March 1987 and whose low floor of the highest dwelling is located at a maximum of 28 meters above the ground.

Door blocks shall separate the spaces in the refuse receptacles from other parts of the building where such spaces do not open to the outside of the building or to open corridors.

Doors of door blocks shall be fitted with door closures. They must open without a key from the inside, in the direction of the exit coming from these premises.

Fire extinguishers

Some buildings require fire extinguishers. The buildings concerned are those whose building permits were filed on or after 5 March 1987.

Warning  

it is prohibited to settle smoke detectors in the common areas of the buildings.

Stairwell

At least 1 fire extinguisher is required in the stairwell only in case the height of the building is greater than 50 meters.

However, the condominium union may decide at a general meeting to settle fire extinguishers in the stairwells even if the building is lower.

Boiler Room

Oil heating

At least 2 fire extinguishers are required in the boiler room.

If the oil storage room is different from the boiler room, 1 extinguisher must be added to the storage area.

Gas heating

1 multi-purpose powder extinguisher is required in the boiler room. The fire extinguisher shall be accompanied by a sign stating Do not use on flame gas.

Coal heating

We need 1 fire extinguisher in the boiler room.

Parking

At least 1 fire extinguisher for 15 cars and a box of sand are required at each level of the parking lot. As soon as the parking exceeds 3 levels, automatic extinguishing devices are mandatory.

The flue gas exhaust ducts must be cleaned up at least once a year. However, the departmental regulation which lays down the rules at municipal level may provide for a higher frequency.

Sweeping must be carried out at the initiative of the owner or trustee of the building by a qualified company. This company must provide a scouring certificate when it has been carried out.

In buildings for which the application for a building permit is dated after March 5, 1986, the basement and ground floor plans are displayed in the entrance halls and near the stairs and elevators. These plans shall include the safety instructions to be followed in the event of fire in accordance with regulated model.

The building owner must ensure that the equipment is in good working order.

The owner must ensure that these maintenance and verification obligations are carried out. He must be able to justify it, in particular by keeping a register.