Businesses and organisations

This is the place where businesspeople and representatives of organisations or authorities can find out more about how to prevent a fire and how to limit the damage caused by a fire.

For more information about each area, contact us via our switchboard: 046-540 46 00 or via e-mail: info@rsyd.se.

Systematic fire safety work

Systematic fire safety work focuses on guarding against fire and preventing or limiting the damage caused by a fire. Regular systematic fire safety work gives you control over your facilities. Through well managed systematic fire safety work, you can ensure that fire safety measures are taken and maintained effectively. Fire safety within an organisation should be a constant item on the agenda.

Fire safety in the construction process

Räddningstjänsten Syd involves itself in the construction process in our member municipalities of Burlöv, Eslöv, Kävlinge, Lund and Malmö. We come into contact with the finished buildings through inspections under the Civil Protection Act, as part of which we set requirements for organisational fire safety but also for technical fire safety. Our engagement in the construction process primarily involves:

• Advising the municipality.
• Supporting developers on questions of operational responses and response planning.
• Sharing experiences from inspections and accident investigations.

We do not help with fire safety planning, referring people to fire safety consultants instead. If you are seeking planning permission or have questions concerning planning permission, we refer you to your local municipality.

Automatic fire alarm

The automatic fire alarm is an important part of a building’s fire safety provision for the protection of people, the business, property and the environment. A well maintained automatic alarm system ensures a safer and happier working environment for operations where a fire can be discovered early. Active work on the automatic alarm also reduces the risk of false alarms and thus unnecessary callouts for the Fire and Rescue Service.

You can sign an agreement with Räddningstjänsten Syd for an automatic alarm system. There are currently two forms of agreement: Technical services and Fire and rescue services.

Inspections

We performs inspections on behalf of the member municipalities. The inspections check compliance with parts of the Civil Protection Act and parts of the Act on Flammable and Explosive Goods. The municipalities determine which operations are inspected, how often, and how the inspections are performed.

Response planning

Response plans are needed in order to prevent and limit damage in the event of a fire or other accident. The larger and more complex the facility, the more information is needed to implement an effective emergency response. The information is drawn up by the owner of the facility or the operational user.

Explosive goods and flammable goods

Under the law, a permit is required for the transfer and import of explosive goods, and for flammable goods. Räddningstjänsten Syd handles the permit administration for Malmö, Lund, Kävlinge, Eslöv and Burlöv.

Positioning of containers

Arsonists often choose waste containers as a place to light fires. It is also common that containers are too close to buildings, creating a major risk that any fire will spread. It is important that their positioning takes account of both fire safety and access by the Fire and Rescue Service. An open container should be at least six metres away from the building.

Fire suppression system in kitchen

Restaurants and school canteens often have a serving area directly adjacent to the kitchen. A fire in the kitchen can develop quickly and affect both staff and guests. Technical fire safety measures may be required in order to ensure safe evacuation.

The Fire and Rescue Service’s requirement for fire suppression systems in kitchens applies primarily to restaurants/canteens for more than 150 people. Restaurants for more than 50 but fewer than 150 people may be subject to the requirement, depending on the character of the operation, the openness of the space, access to evacuation routes and general physical design. Deep fat fryers in kitchens present a particular fire hazard.

According to the Swedish building regulations as set out by Boverket, operations that are not directly connected must constitute different fire compartments. In restaurants, the kitchen where food is cooked must be separated from the serving area in technical fire safety terms. The kitchen may be in the same fire compartment as the serving area if a fixed fire suppression system is installed for localised protection.

Evacuation alarm in meeting places

In some meeting places, the need to spot a fire early is even greater than usual. Conducting a fast and safe evacuation requires clear organisation and an effective evacuation alarm.

This relates in particular to meeting places for more than 150 people, where the premises are used for nightclub and dance purposes with sound, lighting and smoke effects – and/or with a licence to serve alcohol. Other types of premises may also be included, depending on the layout of the premises and the nature of the operation there.

These meeting places should have an evacuation alarm with a spoken message. A spoken message gives clear instructions on how and why the premises are to be evacuated.

Fire safety for campsites

Owners of campsites must ensure they have equipment for extinguishing fires and saving lives. They are also responsible for measures that may prevent fires and injuries caused by fires.

To prevent fire spreading between caravans/motorhomes (including awnings), they should be spaced at least four metres apart in all directions. The distance between two tents should be at least three metres in all directions.

It should be possible to move caravans quickly. The tow hitch should therefore always point outwards towards the road. Stoves or barbecues should be placed on a solid and non-flammable surface at least one metre from the tent or caravan/motorhome.

Each caravan/motorhome must be equipped with a smoke alarm and should have a handheld fire extinguisher. A caravan/motorhome with a gas bottle should also be equipped with a gas alarm.

Fire safety for outdoor dining areas

Anyone planning to set up an outdoor dining area must bear in mind a few things so that the outdoor tables do not prevent us from doing our job of saving people and buildings in the event of a fire.

Various people need to be contacted to obtain the necessary permits. These include the municipality, the land owner, the property owner, the police, the environmental department and the Fire and Rescue Service.

It is important that the outdoor dining area does not get in the way of evacuating guests if a fire starts inside the building. If the building has several floors, the Fire and Rescue Service must also be able to position its ladders to help with the evacuation.

Handling gas bottles

There are certain risks associated with storing and handling gas bottles in public places and on public premises. Since the general public is not expected to know about the risks of gas bottles, the responsibility lies very much with the person in charge of the handling. In many cases, the handling of gas bottles requires a permit from the municipality.