DGUV Rule 115-401 for offices: what applies to the office kitchen

DGUV Rule 115-401 is called “Office businesses”. It comes from the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV) and summarises what matters for safety and health in offices in Germany. Here you can read what it contains and what it says about fire protection in the office kitchen.

What is DGUV Rule 115-401?

DGUV rules are industry rules of the German accident insurance. They are not a law. However, they show how employers can fulfil their occupational safety duties in practice. Anyone who follows them is therefore on the safe side.

Rule 115-401 applies to all office businesses. These include companies, public authorities, law firms, practice administrations and school offices.

Which topics does it cover?

• Workplace design and ergonomics
• Screen work, lighting and indoor climate
• Traffic routes, stairs and tripping hazards
• Electrical appliances and their inspection
• Fire protection, escape and rescue routes
• First aid
• Social areas such as the office kitchen and break room

What does the rule say about the office kitchen?

The section on social areas also covers appliances that get hot. In essence, it states: coffee machines and kettles should stand on a non-combustible base. The rule also names tiles as an example.

The reason is simple. These appliances often run for a long time and unattended. If there is a defect, the worktop underneath can catch fire. A fireproof mat therefore prevents the fire from spreading.

Which mat meets the requirement?

The base must be non-combustible. You should also be able to prove this during an inspection. Tiles are heavy, have sharp edges and slip easily. A tested mat is therefore the more convenient solution.

FireMat is certified by TÜV SÜD according to DIN EN ISO 11925-2. You can find the certificate among our certificates. For kettles, the Silk-A Edition is ideal because it repels water. For coffee machines and several appliances side by side, there is the Black Edition up to 70 x 100 cm.

Checklist for your office kitchen

1. Place every appliance with a heating element on a fireproof mat.
2. Keep paper, cloths and paper cups away.
3. Have electrical appliances inspected regularly (DGUV Regulation 3).
4. Only allow private appliances if they have been inspected.
5. Mount a fire extinguisher in a clearly visible place and mark it.

You can read more about the individual appliances in our guides on the coffee machine, the kettle and the microwave. For an overview, see Fireproof mat for electrical appliances. For the fire extinguisher sign, read Fire extinguisher sign: regulations and size.

For authorities, schools and companies

Tax offices, schools, daycare centres and many companies have been implementing the rule with FireMat for years. Usually all appliances in the building are equipped at once, often 30 to 50 pieces. Order conveniently on account via our page for companies and authorities.

Frequently asked questions

Is DGUV Rule 115-401 mandatory?

It is not a law. However, it describes the state of the art in the office. After an accident or fire, it is checked whether the employer has observed it.

Who is responsible?

The employer. In practice, the occupational safety specialist or the fire safety officer often takes care of it.

Does this also apply to toasters and microwaves?

The rule names coffee machines and kettles. The same principle applies to other appliances with a heating element. Many businesses therefore place all kitchen appliances on a mat.

Conclusion

DGUV Rule 115-401 is the guideline for safe offices. In the office kitchen, one point is particularly easy to implement: coffee machines and kettles belong on a non-combustible base. With FireMat, certified by TÜV SÜD according to DIN EN ISO 11925-2, you have the proof in hand.

You can also record the rules for an emergency in fire safety regulations according to DIN 14096.