Fire safety
in high-rise buildings
Due to its size, a high-rise building represents significant risks to the safety of its occupants and the surrounding area. That is why this type of building is subject to specific regulations to address a fire.
According to Article R. 146-3 of the Building and Housing Code, a building can be classified as a high-rise building based on the height from the lowest floor of the top level to the highest point of the ground.
A building is classified as a high-rise building if it has:
- More than 50 meters for a residential building
- More than 28 meters for other buildings
High-rise buildings are then classified into 10 categories based on their activities (residential, hotel, office, education, healthcare, etc.). A specific category lists buildings considered very high-rise buildings (VHise rise buildings) that are over 200 meters.
Buildings higher than the firefighters' ladder
Given the height of the buildings, emergency services respond differently than in a traditional establishment. For example, firefighters’ ladders cannot reach the highest floors of high-rise buildings. Therefore, it is imperative to implement specific protective measures to ensure the safety of people and property.
High-rise buildings: The most demanding fire safety regulations
Given the specific characteristics of high-rise buildings, regulations require the implementation of a fire safety system (SSI) of category A for high-rise buildings, which is the most demanding level. The details of the safety measures applicable to this type of building can be found in the decree of December 30, 2011 (also known as the “high-rise building safety regulations”) and in the Building and Housing Code.
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Fire protection systems to be put in place
Automatic detection
Be on the lookout for the slightest outbreak of fire
The spread of fire in a high-rise building can have disastrous human consequences, making it crucial to detect the fire’s origin as early as possible. Automatic fire detectors must be installed in the following areas:
- Common horizontal circulation areas (corridors),
- Private horizontal circulation areas,
- All high-risk rooms,
- All rooms in a hotel-type high-rise building,
- All rooms except stairs and restrooms in a hospital-type high-rise building.
Alarm system
Warn the occupants
Once the fire’s origin is detected, the priority is to evacuate the occupants as quickly as possible using a security alarm system. This system may vary depending on the category of the high-rise building.
In a residential high-rise building, sound diffusers must be installed in common horizontal circulation areas, common rooms, basements, and storage rooms.
In an office high-rise building, sound diffusers are required in rooms accommodating at least twenty people and in common and private horizontal circulation areas.
In a hospital high-rise building, at least one alarm diffuser must be installed in each room, in rooms receiving more than 19 people, in common horizontal circulation areas (corridors and walkways), and in each sub-compartment (areas separated by fire-resistant doors).
Smoke extraction
Facilitate the evacuation of occupants and the intervention of emergency services
Smoke and toxic gases are the leading cause of death during a fire, so a smoke extraction system is mandatory in the corridors of high-rise buildings as well as in collective rooms over 300 m². This system helps facilitate the evacuation of occupants and improves the visibility for emergency responders.
Maintenance
Ensure the proper functioning of fire equipment
To ensure that the fire safety system is operational at all times, the high-rise building regulations require an annual maintenance by an accredited organization. This technical check covers all equipment and is typically part of a maintenance contract.
Access control
Limiting malicious acts within a high-rise building
Although not mandatory, it may be wise to control the building’s entrances in order to prevent malicious acts with potentially disastrous consequences. To do this, access to floors, elevator landings, and stairwells can be locked using access control devices.
Hypervision to centralize all fire safety equipment
Due to its size, a high-rise building is a complex structure to manage in terms of fire safety system (SSI) operation. Implementing an operations support unit (UAE) or system hypervision can prove to be a wise decision. These tools allow the connection of all equipment within the security control room through a single interface. The security officer can then have an overall view of the building’s status and control each piece of equipment remotely without having to switch between different software.
Fire safety in high-rise buildings: A summary
The height of high-rise buildings (IGH) presents a particular danger to the occupants, which is why several fire safety systems are mandatory:
- Automatic fire detection
- Fire alarm system
- Smoke ventilation
In addition to the mandatory systems, it may be wise to implement the following equipment:
- Access control
- System hypervision
Réseau DEF, By your side for your fire safety projects
For over 60 years, Réseau DEF has supported numerous high-rise buildings in their fire safety projects, whether simple or complex. We assist from risk analysis to the implementation and maintenance of fire safety systems.
The 60+ companies within the Réseau are all experts in various areas of fire safety, working together to offer comprehensive solutions tailored to your industry and specific projects.
