scope:

In modern buildings, there is a trend towards complex fire protection systems and measures, employed to control fire hazards and, also, to compensate for justified deviations from building-code provisions.

The technical measures planned, however, do not end with the completion of the building construction. As a rule, technical systems need to be operated and serviced. For instance, the operator must be aware of the fact that self-closing doors, supposed to prevent smoke propagation in case of fire in accordance with DIN 18095, will also have to be serviced appropriately. The personnel must be briefed on the fire protection measures so as to respond properly in cases of fire or emergency.

Where technical systems and devices fail to be serviced, their readiness for operation is not ensured. This may entail, e. g., the loss of the operating licence and the non-compliance with the requirements of the building permit.

This guideline is intended to give practical guidance to operators and/or owners so that they know, and are able to implement, the requirements they have to meet when taking over, and while operating, the building.

The various fire protection measures become transparent and their functions and effects are explained understandably. In order to ensure fire protection while the building is used, the measures described and the information given in this guideline help to point out the various responsibilities and, in the practical implementation, to maintain the operation of technical systems in the event of a fire, or allow immediate resumption of operation following a fire, by means of clearly structured task assignments.