Fire safety in residential buildings - Regulations and jurisprudence

In residential buildings, the fundamental principle is that "in the event of fire, the construction must enable the occupants either to leave the building without outside assistance, or to receive such assistance.

What is a home?

Article R. 111-1 of the French Construction and Housing Code gives the following definition:

"Residential buildings are buildings or parts of buildings housing one or more dwellings, including hostels such as young workers' hostels and homes for the elderly, excluding premises intended for professional use, where this is not carried out, at least in part, in the same set of rooms as family life, and premises to which articles R. 123.1 to R. 123.55, R. 152.4 and R. 152.5, relating to protection against fire and panic risks in establishments open to the public, apply."

Four main principles must be respected:

• the layout, structures, materials and equipment of residential buildings must be such as to protect their occupants from fire;

• dwellings must be insulated from premises that may constitute a fire or asphyxiation hazard;

• the construction must enable occupants to leave the building in the event of fire without outside assistance, or to receive such assistance;

• preventive maintenance of safety equipment and record-keeping are mandatory.

These principles are governed by the French Urban Planning Code and the Construction and Housing Code, as well as by the circular dated December 13, 1982, relating to personal safety in the case of renovation or improvement work on existing residential buildings. As well as the Inter-ministerial Order of January 31, 1986 on fire protection in residential buildings, modified by the Order of August 18, 1986. This decree applies to new residential buildings, as well as to extensions to existing residential buildings and additions to such buildings.

This article reviews the provisions of this decree, while the main regulations in force can be consulted in the "For further information" section. Finally, readers will find a glossary of key technical terms at the end of the article.