The results of studies into recent major fires show that mistakes in detail can have major consequences.
Developments in fire safety, especially with regard to parking garages, have led to new regulations and attention to preventive measures. This is partly due to the increase in the number of electric cars. These vehicles, known for their potential to burn for days, are a growing concern in confined spaces such as parking garages.
The Dutch government has stipulated in the new building code that parking garages larger than 1000 square meters, especially those under homes, such as in apartment buildings, must now be equipped with automatic fire extinguishing systems. This decision, aimed at new construction, is a response to the increasing dangers posed by electric cars in parking garages.
The recent Fremantle Highway ship fire illustrates the danger when electric cars are parked close together. Such incidents emphasize the need for fire prevention and control in parking garages. Separating parts of a parking garage can prevent the spread of fire, while automatic extinguishing systems that detect fire early can limit further damage.
“With this handy publication we aim to ensure that everyone involved in new construction, renovation and maintenance can start improving fire safety.”
Vexpan, it Platform Parking Netherlands, founded on April 18, 1986, plays an important role in bringing together various parties involved in parking. They focus on all aspects related to parking, including fire safety in parking garages.
De latest edition of the “Essential Fire Safety Checkpoints”, now in its 16th edition for 2024, provides a comprehensive guide to fire safety checklists. Marcel Koene of the Netherlands Fire Department emphasizes the importance of robust detailing in both the design and implementation of construction projects. Errors in these phases can lead to extensive fires in complexes. Leo Oosterveen of BBN adds that the publication is intended to help everyone involved in new construction, renovation and maintenance to improve fire safety.
These new measures and publications underline the growing importance of fire safety in the context of modern urban development and the increasing popularity of electric cars. The Netherlands Fire Department, the Netherlands Construction and Housing Supervision Association and BBN Brandveilig Bouwen Nederland have been publishing this publication since 2006 to contribute to more fire-safe buildings.
Fire Safe Construction Netherlands (BBN) sees in practice that the legal (minimum) fire safety requirements are insufficiently guaranteed. In practice, there are even players who consciously ignore the legal (minimum) requirements. This leads to a false sense of security and risks in practice. BBN believes that those involved in fire safety should take their responsibility.
