Ordinance on the Prevention of Fires (VVB)

The Ordinance on the Prevention of Fires (VVB) is a regulation issued by the Federal Ministry of the Interior in Germany that governs fire protection requirements in buildings. The VVB contains regulations for the construction, equipment, and operation of buildings to minimize the risk of fires and ensure the safety of occupants and visitors.

The VVB includes requirements for fire compartmentation of buildings, fire alarm and warning devices, escape and rescue routes, fire extinguishing equipment, and the provision of fire extinguishers in buildings. It also contains requirements for the fire protection class of buildings and requirements for the fire resistance of building materials and components.

The VVB is binding for all buildings in Germany and must be observed during new constructions, alterations, and modernizations of buildings. It is important for companies and organizations to comply with these regulations to minimize the risk of fires in their buildings and ensure the safety of their employees and visitors.

III. Fire-Hazardous Equipment and Work

§ 8 Electrical Appliances

(1) ¹ Electric irons, cookers, immersion heaters, and similar electrical appliances must be adequately supervised during operation. ² They must be placed on non-combustible, heat-resistant surfaces so that combustible objects cannot be ignited even in the event of excessive heating. (2) ¹ Electric radiant heaters, sun lamps, infrared heaters, and similar electric heating devices must be positioned so that combustible objects cannot be ignited. ² They may not be operated in rooms as defined in § 2 Para. 3 Sentence 1; in rooms according to § 2 Para. 3 No. 1, this only applies if the surface temperature can exceed 120 degrees C. (3) Heating pads, electric blankets, heated carpets, and similar electric heating devices must be adequately supervised during operation. (4) ¹ Extractor hood systems that do not serve or do not exclusively serve private households must be checked twice a year for proper functionality. ² The second check in the year can be omitted if the extractor hood system is in a seasonal operation.

VVB

The Ordinance on the Prevention of Fires (VVB) is a legal regulation in Germany aimed at preventing fires or limiting their spread in the event of a fire. The VVB is a state-level ordinance issued by the federal states. In terms of content, the ordinance sets out the requirements for fire protection and fire prevention that must be met in various types of buildings and facilities, as well as at events and gatherings.

The VVB applies, for example, to public buildings such as schools, kindergartens, hospitals, and government offices, but also to residential buildings and commercial buildings such as industrial and storage halls. The ordinance specifies, among other things, requirements for structural and technical measures such as fire alarm systems, fire extinguishers, non-combustible mats under electrical appliances like coffee machines, microwaves, mini ovens in office kitchens, emergency lighting, and escape routes, as well as organizational measures such as training and fire protection concepts.

Compliance with the VVB is monitored by local authorities such as the building inspection office or the fire department. Violations of the ordinance can result in fines or even the closure of buildings.

Overall, the VVB serves to protect life, health, and property by preventing fires and their effects.

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