Your partner in preparing your fire prevention file.

Your partner in preparing your fire prevention file.

Fire Prevention File

Fire Prevention File

Creating a fire prevention file is not only required by law, it is the backbone of your company’s fire safety & internal emergency plan. This file ensures you are prepared for emergencies, reducing the risk of injury and damage.

With an up-to-date fire prevention file internal emergency plan, not only can you react quickly, every second counts, but you can also take preventive measures that reduce fire risks. This keeps your company, your staff or your patrimony protected. This is not a bureaucratic formality, but an essential part of responsible business. Contact us for more information.

What are the 10 components of the fire prevention file?

What are the 10 components of the fire prevention file?

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1. Knowledge is power: fire risk analysis

A fire prevention file starts with a risk analysis. This is not paperwork to be left in the drawer. It is a dynamic document that provides insight into potential risks and how to proactively address them. Examples include electrical equipment that may cause sparks or storage areas where flammable materials are kept. By understanding these risks, you can define and implement the appropriate preventive measures.
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2. A well-trained team: the firefighting service

Do your employees know what to do if an incipient fire breaks out? According to Codex Boek III, titel 3 every employer must establish a fire fighting service.

Your fire prevention file describes the organisation of your internal fire-fighting service. It’s about more than just being able to use a fire extinguisher; it is about a team trained to act calmly and effectively when every second counts.

Prevom can provide training for your first intervention team.

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3. Clear instructions: written procedures

Panic is a bad advisor. Your documentation includes step-by-step written procedures. These serve as your guidelines for managing emergency situations and ensuring a swift evacuation.

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4. The road to safety: evacuation plan

Clear evacuation routes and procedures are the map to safety. Your file contains a detailed plan showing everyone the way to the nearest exit and assembly point.

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5. Deployment of public emergency service: intervention file

When public emergency services arrive, they need immediate, accurate information. The intervention file in your fire prevention file is their guide that provides them with all the technical information for intervention.

So it is important to provide sufficient information exchange with public emergency services so that they are prepared to deal with your specific situation.

Nowadays, it is possible to create and register the intervention plan digitally in the platform provided for this purpose by your fire zone (DIP: digital intervention plan).

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6. Practice makes perfect: evacuation drills

Regular evacuation drills turn your plans from theory into practice. We relieve you of your worries by providing preparation, guidance and reporting. That way, you are in compliance with the annual obligation for evacuation drills and a safe evacuation can go ahead in case of an emergency.

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7. Equipment that saves lives: protective equipment against incipient fire

A list and map of where your fire extinguishers, alarms and other resources are located ensures that these life-saving fire protection tools are always within reach. That way, you can prevent a fierce fire.

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8. In top condition: maintenance and inspection

Your firefighting equipment should always be ready for use. Your safety record keeps track of when each item was last checked and maintained.

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9. Exceptions prove the rule: deviations

If you have special permission to deviate from standard procedures, your file records why this is safe and what extra measures you have taken.

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10. Advice from the experts: expert advice

Advice from our fire safety experts will give you additional insights and recommendations to strengthen your fire safety of your business.

Need a fire prevention file? Prevom can help you

Choosing Prevom means choosing total peace of mind in fire safety. Your peace of mind comes first. We understand the complexity of effective fire prevention management and use our expertise to help your business meet all legal obligations while ensuring a safe and secure workplace.

Our team takes the entire fire prevention file off your hands, from risk analysis to evacuation plans to safety equipment maintenance. With Prevom as your partner, you can focus on your business operations while we ensure your employees feel fire safe and secure. Your safety is our mission.

As part of the fire safety assessment, we perform a systematic analysis and inspection of your building(s) or premises to evaluate the overall level of fire safety. We assess all relevant factors affecting fire prevention, fire detection, and fire protection. The objective of the assessment is to identify potential risks and shortcomings, and to provide practical recommendations to further enhance your fire safety strategy and preventive measures.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions fire prevention file (FAQ)

Frequently asked questions fire prevention file (FAQ)

A fire prevention file is a mandatory document describing all fire safety measures and provisions within a company. The file includes information on emergency exits, extinguishers, evacuation plans, risk assessments and maintenance of fire safety systems, among other things. It is designed to ensure fire safety and that employees can respond quickly and efficiently in the event of an emergency.

Yes, companies are required by law to prepare a fire prevention file.

A fire prevention file must contain at least the following information:

  • Risk analysis of fire hazards within the company and prevention measures taken.
  • Description of the firefighting service.
  • Emergency procedures and evacuation plans.
  • The intervention file.
  • Location and maintenance of fire extinguishers (such as fire extinguishers and sprinklers).
  • Description of escape routes and emergency exits.
  • Reports of periodic fire safety inspections and controls.
  • Staff training and exercises on fire safety.
  • Advice provided by the internal service, the Committee and/or the public assistance service.
  • Contact details of fire prevention advisors or those responsible within the company.

The employer is responsible for preparing the fire prevention file, but this can be outsourced to a fire prevention consultant or other safety officer within the company. This file must be kept up-to-date and available to the fire department and other inspection agencies.

Your fire prevention dossier should be kept up to date on a regular basis, particularly following any changes to the building, electrical systems, or business operations that could impact fire safety. The dossier must be reviewed at least annually and revised whenever necessary. Furthermore, the results of each fire safety inspection or evacuation exercise should be documented and included in the dossier.

A complete and up-to-date fire prevention file demonstrates that the company complies with legal fire safety regulations. During an inspection by the fire department, this file can help provide quick insight into the measures taken and the level of compliance with fire safety regulations. It prevents fines and ensures a smoother inspection.

If a company does not have a fire prevention file, it can result in penalties, fines or even temporary closure of business operations. In addition, the lack of such a file can compromise employee safety because there is no structured approach to fire prevention and emergency procedures in the event of a fire.

Although a fire prevention file can theoretically be prepared by the employer, it is recommended that it be done by a licensed fire prevention consultant. This ensures that the file meets all legal requirements and that no important safety aspects are overlooked. An expert can also help conduct the risk analysis and advise on preventive measures.

A fire prevention file is broader and covers all aspects of fire safety within the company, while evacuation plans focus specifically on the procedures and routes to be followed in the event of an emergency. Evacuation plans are a part of the fire prevention file, but the file also includes other elements such as fire extinguishers, risk assessments and inspection reports.

Follow these steps to create a fire prevention file:

  • Conduct a risk analysis to identify fire hazards.
  • Establish an internal emergency/evacuation plan with clearly marked escape routes and emergency exits.
  • Inventory and document all extinguishing equipment, such as fire extinguishers, sprinklers and detectors.
  • Ensure regular inspection and maintenance of fire safety installations.
  • Organise training and exercises for staff to prepare them for fire emergencies.
  • Work with a fire prevention consultant for expert advice and compliance.
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Request a free fire safety quick scan

This will tell you within half an hour which aspects of fire legislation are already in line and which still need attention.

We also support you in setting priorities by identifying which aspects require immediate attention, which risks are present, and which actions we can take together to address them.

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