Yes, companies are required to prepare a fire safety plan. These regulations describe how fire prevention, evacuation and fire fighting are organised in the company. The fire safety plan must contain specific information on emergency exits, extinguishers, escape routes and the responsibilities of employees in the event of an emergency.

The exact obligations depend on the size and type of business, but some standard fire prevention measures are:

• Install and maintain sufficient fire extinguishers.
• Keeping escape routes and emergency exits clear.
• Installation of smoke detectors or fire alarm systems.
• Regular testing of fire alarm systems and emergency lighting.
• Organising periodic evacuation drills.

Check local laws and fire safety regulations for specific requirements.

You should conduct an evacuation drill at least once a year, depending on the risks and the nature of the activities within the company. Companies with a high fire risk, may be required to conduct these drills more often. The aim is to familiarise employees with emergency procedures and ensure that evacuation is as quick and safe as possible.

The fire safety prevention advisor is responsible for developing and implementing a fire safety policy within the company. The main tasks are:

• Identifying risks in a fire.
• Drafting a fire safety plan and emergency procedures.
• Inform on firefighting resources and fire safety measures.
• Organising training and evacuation exercises for staff.
• Compliance with applicable fire safety regulations.

Not every business is required to have a fire alarm system, but it depends on the type of activity, the size of the building and the risk factors. Companies in high-risk sectors are usually required to install an automatic fire detection system. For smaller businesses, installing smoke detectors is sometimes sufficient.

In most cases, you should have a fire extinguisher checked annually by an authorised firm. In addition to the annual check, it is important to have fire extinguishers replaced or thoroughly tested after every 10 years. Checking fire extinguishers regularly ensures that they function properly in case of fire.

The employer is ultimately responsible for fire safety in the company. It is the employer’s duty to ensure that all necessary measures are taken to minimise fire risks. This includes appointing a prevention advisor or fire safety officer, who monitors compliance and trains employees.

If a fire breaks out, follow these steps:

• Activate the fire alarm to alert all employees that there is a fire.
• Make sure everyone leaves the premises safely via the nearest emergency exit.
• Stay calm and make sure you don’t take unnecessary risks.
• Call the fire brigade for an intervention and give clear information about the situation. This way they will be better prepared when they come to extinguish the fire.
• Gather at the designated assembly point and check that all employees have been safely evacuated.
• Only try to extinguish an incipient fire if it can be done safely and you have been trained to do so.

Yes, fire safety training is mandatory for employees, especially those with specific responsibilities, such as using fire extinguishers or coordinating an evacuation. In any case, all employees should be aware of fire procedures and know where emergency exits, extinguishers and assembly points are located. Periodic refresher training is also recommended.

Some key steps to improve fire safety include:

• Check electrical installations regularly to prevent short circuits.
• Organise trainings to prepare employees for emergencies.
• Make sure escape routes and emergency exits are always clear.
• Install fire doors and keep them closed.
• Maintain a regular maintenance schedule for fire detection systems and fire extinguishers.
• Provide clear, visible safety signs and signage throughout the company.

Prevom operates a fair and transparent policy – so there are no hidden or additional costs. Both professional and private customers always receive a valid VAT invoice.

A BA4 or BA5 certificate must always be issued by the employer. An external service is legally not allowed to do this.

In fact, it is the employer who certifies that the employee in question has the necessary skills.

Prevom can always assist you in dealing with the additional formalities involved in attestation.

Contact us for more information and a quote tailored to your needs!

Prevom is an approved service provider under the SME portfolio: DV.O245622

Thanks to this recognition, your company can make use of financial concessions from the SME-P for our training courses.

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