New rules concerning fire prevention in workplaces

The Royal Decree of 28 March 2014 on fire prevention in workplaces entered into force on 3 May 2014. The provisions of this RD are being integrated into the Well-Being at Work Code and form a next step in the updating of the well-being legislation and the completion of this Well-Being at Work Code. The old rules contained in the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (ARAB) are partially repealed.   The new regulation obliges employers to conduct a risk analysis concerning the fire risk within the company. The probable fire scenarios and the scope of the foreseeable consequences must be defined and, on the basis of this analysis, the necessary preventive measures must be taken. Furthermore, a number of specific preventive measures are yet to be imposed, such as the formation of a fire-fighting service and the establishment of evacuation routes and emergency exits.