Fire Resistance Inspection

In accordance with EN 13501-2 and MBO, structural elements must achieve the required fire resistance class (R for load-bearing capacity, E for integrity, I for insulation). Common requirements: R60, R90, R120 depending on building use and height. Concrete cover for fire resistance per EN 1992-1-2 Table 5.8. Steel fire protection per EN 1993-1-2 and DIN EN 1993-1-2/NA.

1. Determine and verify the fire resistance requirement for each structural element from the fire protection concept

2. For concrete: check cover dimensions for compliance with fire resistance requirements per EN 1992-1-2 (often greater than durability cover)

3. For steel: verify type and thickness of fire protection (intumescent coating, fire boards or spray-applied protection)

4. Measure dry film thickness (DFT) of intumescent coating — must comply with manufacturer's schedule

5. Check thickness and continuity of fire boards/spray-applied protection

- Concrete cover insufficient for fire resistance class (meets durability but not fire protection)

- Intumescent coating applied too thinly — DFT below specification

- Fire protection missing at connections, beam-column junctions

- Fire protection damaged by follow-on trades and not repaired

In accordance with MBO, the respective State Building Codes and EN standards, fire compartment walls and floors must maintain their tested fire resistance duration (EI 60, EI 90, EI 120). All penetrations (services, pipes, cables, ducts) through fire-rated elements must be sealed with tested firestopping systems per EN 1366 series. Fire dampers in ventilation ducts per EN 15650. In Germany, the MLAR (Model Services Penetration Guideline) governs requirements for service penetrations.

1. Check that fire compartment walls extend to the underside of the structural slab

2. Inspect all service penetrations through fire walls/floors for correct firestopping

3. Verify that firestopping products are tested and approved for the specific application

4. Inspect fire dampers in ventilation ducts at compartment boundaries

5. Check fire doors for correct fire resistance class, self-closing function and proper sealing

- Fire compartment walls terminate at the suspended ceiling instead of the structural slab

- Service penetrations not firestopped or sealed with incorrect products

- Firestopping installed but not matching the tested configuration

- Fire dampers missing, blocked or not accessible for maintenance

The design of escape and rescue routes in Germany is governed by the MBO, the State Building Codes and the Model Assembly Venues Regulation (MVStaettVO), as well as the principles of EN 1991-1-2. Travel distances, exit widths and number of exits must meet the requirements. Emergency lighting per EN 1838 and DIN EN 1838, exit signs per EN ISO 7010 and ASR A1.3.

1. Verify travel distances from every point to the nearest exit against maximum permissible lengths

2. Check exit widths for adequacy for the number of occupants (typically >=900 mm per door leaf)

3. Verify that emergency exit doors open in the direction of escape

4. Check emergency lighting for installation and function per EN 1838

5. Verify exit signs for illumination and visibility along escape routes

- Travel distances exceed maximum due to layout changes

- Emergency exits blocked or locked during occupied hours

- Emergency lighting does not cover all escape routes

- Missing or non-illuminated exit signs