Three regulatory frameworks
Fire protection is governed by different regulations depending on the use of the establishment. Applying the correct one is essential:
| Scope | Regulation | What it governs |
|---|---|---|
| Buildings (non-industrial use) | CTE DB-SI | Design: compartmentation, evacuation, fire resistance |
| Industrial establishments | RSCIEI | Requirements based on risk and configuration of the unit |
| Fire protection equipment and systems | RIPCI | Installation and maintenance of the systems |
Buildings: CTE DB-SI
In buildings for non-industrial use (retail, hospitality, offices, public assembly…), the design of fire safety is governed by the Basic Document SI of the Technical Building Code (CTE). It defines compartmentation, evacuation routes and paths, the fire resistance of the structure and the necessary protection systems.
Industry: RSCIEI
Industrial units, workshops and industrial establishments are governed by the Fire Safety Regulation for Industrial Establishments (RSCIEI). Its application is based on two classifications:
1. Configuration of the establishment
- Type A: partially occupies a building shared with other establishments.
- Type B: fully occupies a building attached to others.
- Type C: fully occupies a detached building (separated from others).
- Types D and E: the activity takes place in open space, fully or partially covered (constituting a fire area); they differ in the degree of covering and occupation.
2. Intrinsic risk level
It is assessed by calculating the weighted and corrected fire load density of each sector or area. That calculation results in a low, medium or high level (in turn subdivided into eight grades, from 1 to 8), which determines the required protection measures (compartmentation, fire stability, systems, etc.).
Does your warehouse need a fire protection project?
The configuration and intrinsic risk level of your establishment determine the mandatory measures. We assess your case and tell you the requirements the RSCIEI sets for your activity.
Fire systems: the RIPCI
Protection equipment (automatic detection, fire hydrants, extinguishers, sprinklers, emergency lighting, signage) is installed and maintained in accordance with the Fire Protection Installations Regulation (RIPCI), which sets the requirements for the products, their commissioning and their periodic maintenance.
What do we do?
- Classification of the establishment (DB-SI or RSCIEI depending on the use).
- Technical project for fire protection, with the calculation of the fire load and the intrinsic risk level.
- Processing and legalisation with the relevant authorities.