Fire safety
in the defense sector

Fire safety in buildings in the defense sector is a major issue that requires specific solutions adapted to the risks to ensure the protection of military personnel, protect equipment, secure sensitive information, and thus guarantee the maintenance of operational condition of our armies for national security.

The defense sector includes several types of buildings: military bases, command centers, administrative buildings, health buildings, barracks and ammunition depots.

Regulations in the defense sector vary depending on the type of building. Health buildings, for example, follow the rules for ERP of type U. These infrastructures house not only military and civilian personnel, but also high-tech equipment, sensitive information, and weapons.

Military Buildings Are Subject to Several Regulations. Examples:

  • Decree of December 30, 2014 relating to the organization of fire prevention and protection in the Ministry of Armed Forces. It sets the conditions for applying legislative and regulatory provisions concerning fire protection (PPCI) in the premises, buildings, establishments, and organizations under the authority of the Minister of Armed Forces.
  • Instruction No. 310066 /DEF/SGA/DRH-MD of May 5, 2017, concerning the implementation of the decree of December 30, 2014, relating to fire prevention and protection in the Ministry of Armed Forces. It specifies the organizational methods and responsibilities, particularly those at the central and local levels.
  • Decree of May 19, 2020 (amended), relating to fire and panic prevention and protection, and accessibility in public establishments under the Ministry of Armed Forces. This decree is supplemented by the decree of June 15, 2020, which sets out the implementation procedures of Article R-111-19-62 of the French Construction and Housing Code for buildings under the Ministry of Armed Forces. This regulatory framework sets the applicable procedures for accessibility, security, and fire protection in public establishments (ERP) under the Ministry of Armed Forces.
  • Decree of May 28, 2021 relating to fire prevention and protection in underground facilities of the Ministry of Armed Forces, which permanently contribute to the conduct of operations. This decree organizes the implementation of prevention in a series of operational buildings that, due to their particularities (underground structures hardened to withstand attacks), can meet existing regulatory standards.

Fire/explosion risks in the defense sector

Fire and explosion risks in the defense sector are exacerbated by the presence of highly flammable and explosive materials, such as ammunition, fuels (storage and refueling), and chemicals, as well as ATEX premises. Risks also arise in electrical rooms/machinery, boiler rooms, manufacturing and maintenance workshops. A fire in such a facility could have catastrophic consequences, not only in terms of loss of life and destruction of property, but also in compromising national security.

 

Fire risks can also be increased by acts of sabotage or terrorism, making fire protection even more crucial. The complexity and sensitivity of communications equipment and IT infrastructure also increase the need for seamless fire protection.

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Fire safety devices in the defense sector

Fire detection

To minimize human and material consequences, it is crucial to detect a fire as quickly as possible. Automatic smoke detection systems should be installed to monitor high-risk areas.

Fire detection in military buildings is critical for several reasons related to protection:

  • military personnel,
  • critical infrastructure essential for national defense,
  • high-tech, expensive equipment crucial for military missions.

Fire detection contributes to the continuity of operations and ensures the constant operational readiness of our military forces. A fire could lead to major operational interruptions, affecting the response and defense capabilities.

Contact your fire detection expert DEF TTD

 

 

 

Gas detection

Defense buildings often use various types of gases, including combustible gases (such as methane and propane) and toxic gases (such as carbon monoxide). Early gas leak detection can prevent major incidents such as explosions, fires, or poisoning. By detecting leaks quickly and responding to them, detection systems help maintain the continuity of operations.

Gas detection can be installed in ammunition depots or explosive material storage, hangars and maintenance workshops, power plants and generators, fuel storage and refueling stations (for airplanes, trucks, tanks, etc.), command buildings equipped with sensitive electronic and IT systems, research laboratories, military hospitals (medical gases), and military kitchens and mess halls (cooking gases).

Contact your gas detection expert DEF TTD

Extinction

A multitude of equipment in defense establishments must be protected by an automatic fire suppression system using gas or water, such as a control room, an IT room, an archive room, or backup generators, etc.

Contact your water mist expert PROFOG

Staff safety

Within defense establishments, it is important to protect both military and civilian personnel in the event of a fire outbreak.

And the security sound system helps immediately inform personnel of the situation, thus reducing response time and allowing for a quicker and safer evacuation.

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A controlled management of emergency exits in administrative or healthcare buildings ensures the safe and rapid opening of doors in case of fire or evacuation needs.

Contact our expert in emergency exits Alligator

The mechanical smoke extraction limits the spread of toxic smoke while waiting for rescue teams.

Contact your smoke extraction expert DMF

Sûreté

In defense sector establishments, the security of buildings is paramount. It is essential to carefully monitor the identity of individuals present on the premises.

  • Access should be restricted to authorized personnel only, managed through access control.
  • The exterior of the buildings can also be monitored through a network of video surveillance cameras.

Contact your DEF Security expert

 

Maintenance

Defense sector establishments must ensure that their facilities comply with current fire safety standards and that their equipment is in good working condition. Therefore, an annual maintenance must be performed.

Contact your DEF TTD maintenance expert

Training

The training of personnel enables them to manage the situation before the arrival of emergency services and to raise awareness about the various fire/explosion risks that could occur.

This training provides guidance on best practices and emergency procedures to follow. It also helps ensure proper handling of the installed fire safety systems.

Contact your OFC training expert

Réseau DEF, by your side for your fire safety projects

For over 60 years, Réseau DEF has supported the defense sector in their fire safety projects, whether simple or complex. We intervene from risk analysis to the implementation and maintenance of systems.

The 60+ companies in the Réseau are all experts in a specific area of fire safety and work hand in hand to offer you complete solutions tailored to your sector and projects. Discover the experts in your country