Fire Resistance Inspection

In accordance with EN 13501-2, structural elements must achieve the required fire resistance rating (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 protection per EN 1993-1-2. CTE DB SI Section 6 establishes structural fire resistance requirements for buildings in Spain.

1. Verify the fire resistance requirement for each structural element from the fire protection strategy

2. For concrete: check cover dimensions meet EN 1992-1-2 requirements (often greater than durability cover)

3. For steel: verify type and thickness of fire protection (intumescent, board or spray)

4. Measure dry film thickness (DFT) of intumescent paint — must match manufacturer's schedule

5. Check thickness and continuity of board or spray protection

- Concrete cover insufficient for fire rating (meets durability but not fire requirement)

- Intumescent paint too thin — DFT below specification

- Fire protection missing at connections and beam-column junctions

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

In accordance with national regulations transposing EN standards, fire compartment walls and floors must maintain their integrity rating (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 ducts per EN 15650. CTE DB SI Section 1 establishes compartmentation requirements for buildings in Spain.

1. Verify that fire compartment walls extend full height to the underside of the floor slab

2. Check that all service penetrations through fire walls/floors are sealed

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

4. Inspect fire dampers in ductwork at compartment boundaries

5. Check that fire doors have the correct rating, self-closing mechanism and proper sealing

- Fire compartment walls stopped at suspended ceiling instead of the floor slab

- Service penetrations unsealed or sealed with incorrect products

- Firestopping installed but not matching the tested configuration

- Fire dampers missing, blocked or not accessible for maintenance

Escape route design varies by national regulations but generally follows the principles of EN 1991-1-2 and national building codes. Travel distances, exit widths and number of exits must meet requirements. Emergency lighting per EN 1838 and exit signage per EN ISO 7010. CTE DB SI Section 3 establishes specific occupant evacuation requirements for buildings in Spain.

1. Verify that travel distances from any point to the nearest exit do not exceed the permitted maximum

2. Check that exit widths are adequate for occupancy capacity (typically >=850 mm per leaf)

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

4. Check that emergency lighting is installed and functional per EN 1838

5. Verify that exit signs are illuminated and visible from evacuation routes

- Travel distances exceeding maximum due to layout changes

- Emergency exits blocked or locked during occupied hours

- Emergency lighting not covering all evacuation routes

- Exit signage missing or not illuminated